In its first edition, the Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit has honored the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies after naming it among the “Top Arab Family Businesses for 2026”. This recognition highlights the group’s prominent economic contributions in the UAE and its leading role in driving business continuity, strengthening corporate governance, and passing down its corporate legacy across generations.
Mr. Juma Khalifa Al Nabooda, Board Member of the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies, received the award and represented the group at the summit.
The first edition of the “Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit” took place on October 28 and 29, 2026, at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island, in partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB). Held under the theme “Where Generations Build the Future,” the event featured more than 60 speakers.
Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Khalid Khalifa Al Nabooda, Managing Director of the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies, said:
“This recognition from a prestigious global platform like Forbes Middle East is a proud milestone in our group’s journey, which began in 1963 and continues to grow and lead under the guidance and chairmanship of our father, H.E. Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda, keeping pace with the UAE’s comprehensive development. The continuity of family businesses in the UAE, and their success in maintaining and growing their standing over the decades, is a direct result of our wise leadership’s strategic vision and the integrated legislative and economic environment created to empower the private sector and protect family enterprises.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Juma Khalifa Al Nabooda, Board Member of the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies, added:
“Being named among the Top Arab Family Businesses for 2026 reflects the strength of our business model, which is built on diversification and high operational efficiency across a diverse portfolio in vital sectors including automotive, contracting and engineering, real estate, hospitality and food services, education, and manufacturing. By applying the highest standards of corporate governance and adopting digital transformation solutions, we have strengthened our companies’ resilience and competitiveness, while building long-term partnerships with top global brands. This places us in a strong position to continue achieving sustainable growth that meets the aspirations of the UAE market.”
Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit was attended by senior officials and family business leaders, led by H.E. Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX); and H.E. Hamad Sayah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Other prominent participants in the summit included H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO of the Registration Authority at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM); H.E. Khaled Al Fahim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council and Board Member of both the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the Abu Dhabi International Arbitration Centre; H.E. Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman AlBanna, Chairman of the UAE Family Business Association; and Futoon Hamdan AlMazrouei, Group Head of Personal, Business, Wealth, and Privileged Client Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), alongside several family business leaders, investors, and experts.
About Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies:
Founded in 1963 in Dubai by its founder and Chairman, H.E. Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda, the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies is one of the UAE’s oldest and largest diversified family business groups. Through its companies, the group operates across vital sectors including automotive (via Al Nabooda Automobiles, the exclusive dealer for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates), general contracting (Al Sahel Contracting), real estate, food service management and hospitality (Abela & Co), education (Al Mawakeb Schools – AMSI), and manufacturing and printing (Dubai Pipe Factory and Dubai Printing Press), in addition to strategic partnerships with leading global brands such as Otis.
About Forbes Middle East:
Forbes Middle East is a licensed edition of the global Forbes brand for the Arab world, dedicated to advancing business journalism. Forbes Middle East online and social media platforms cover breaking news across topics including billionaires, companies, investments, technology, economy, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyle. Forbes Middle East monthly magazine features exclusive interviews with the most influential and innovative leaders in the Middle East.
Forbes Middle East extends the Forbes journalism brand across the Arab world by conducting its own comprehensive research to publish rankings based on strict methodologies. Its content attracts business leaders, investors, and a broad audience of ambitious, influential executives.