The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, operating under Dubai Chambers, has introduced the first comprehensive directory of family business advisors in Dubai. This initiative aims to enhance access to specialized consultancy services across various administrative and operational domains for family-owned enterprises.
The directory acts as a key resource for connecting family businesses with a network of 56 trusted advisors. The list includes professionals categorized into two groups: those with extensive hands-on experience in advising family enterprises and certified consultants who have completed the Certified Family Business Advisor (CFBA) and Certified Family Wealth Advisor (CFWA) programs. These programs are delivered in collaboration with the Family Firm Institute (FFI).
Family businesses can utilize the directory to identify advisors specializing in areas such as governance framework development, restructuring, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, mediation, and commercial dispute resolution. Each advisor’s profile provides details on their professional background, relevant certifications, areas of expertise, and contact information.
In 2023, the center launched its Family Business Advisor Certification Programme in partnership with FFI, a global leader in family enterprise research and education. This program offers professional certifications designed to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of family businesses by equipping advisors with specialized skills.
The certification framework, developed alongside FFI, aims to establish a reliable pool of accredited advisors that family businesses can confidently engage with. Additionally, this partnership grants family enterprises access to a variety of resources, publications, and the opportunity to enroll in FFI’s Global Education Network (GEN) certification programs, including CFBA and CFWA.
Participants in these programs benefit from extensive skills development opportunities, enabling them to better serve their family business clients.