More than 800 members from across the globe are expected to attend the Middle East region's first 'Family Business Network International' event to be held in Dubai this October.

The event marks the first time Family Business Network (FBN) International – an organisation spanning over 50 countries which aims to strengthen the success of family businesses over generations – has staged its annual gathering in the region.

The FBN will be hosting its Global Summit 2014 under the theme of “A proud past, a sustainable future” from October 15 to 17 at Madinat Jumeirah.

The event will see members discuss issues unique to family businesses such as succession planning, governance, wealth management and social entrepreneurship.

Dubai has the honour of hosting the prestigious event during the 25th anniversary of FBN International, said the event organisers.

The landmark year not only affords an opportunity to reflect on past achievements, it will act as a springboard for the next 25 years of supporting family businesses as they look to secure a sustainable future for the next generation, they added.

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, the president of FBN GCC and chairman of Al Ghurair Investment, said: "As hosts, we aspire to contribute and be a part of the summit’s platform where we can share issues, exchange solutions, spark new conversations, carve out shared priorities, take action and collaborate with like-minded family businesses."

"The GCC economies are dynamic and evolving, and family businesses historically are at the forefront of this change. Hosting the Global Summit in Dubai represents an opportunity for us to connect our GCC members with the global network, and for other families to learn from, experience and develop relationships in this increasingly important region, as we discuss the challenges we all share and how best to approach them," he added.

Thierry Lombard, FBN International chairman, said: "The synergy between our theme and the GCC region means there is no better place than Dubai to host our annual summit on the occasion of our Silver Anniversary."

Hamad bin Mejren, the executive director, Dubai Events and Convention Bureau, said: “Over the course of the last few decades, the GCC region has built on its impressive past, pushing proudly forward to define the contours of its future, at a scale that we hope to help grow our families and their businesses for the next quarter of this century.”
 
“We are proud that 800 members of Family Business Network International will be traveling to Dubai for the Global Summit, marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary,” he added.

In addition to workshops and world-class social events, delegates will have the opportunity to visit Oman and Qatar to gain an insight into their family businesses through visits to corporate headquarters, factory plants, cultural sites and family homes.

They will also have the opportunity to be hosted by select FBN GCC members at their Dubai-based operations.-TradeArabia News Service