‘Family Enterprises Drive Growth Across Arab Economies’

Qatar Chamber on January 14 inaugurated the fourth edition of the Private Sector Social Responsibility and Its Role in Sustainable Development Conference, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, policy experts and representatives of regional and international organisations to discuss the growing role of the private sector—particularly family businesses—in advancing sustainability across the Arab world.

The two-day conference, held at Qatar Chamber’s headquarters, is organised in collaboration with the Union of Arab Chambers, the League of Arab States, the Regional Network Consultancy and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). 

This year’s theme, Mechanisms for Integrating Sustainability and Social Responsibility Principles in Arab Family Businesses, reflects the increasing focus on governance, transparency and long-term value creation in family-owned enterprises.

The opening ceremony was attended by HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, Minister of State, Chairman of Qatar National Library and International Ambassador for Social Responsibility; Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber; Dr Abdullah Al-Maatouq, Adviser to the UN Secretary-General; Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers; and Saleh bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Secretary-General of the Federation of GCC Chambers, among other senior officials and business leaders from across the region.

Also present were Rashid bin Hamad Al Athba, Second Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber, members of the Chamber’s board, and prominent businessmen and executives representing family-owned enterprises and private sector institutions.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani emphasised that social responsibility has evolved from being an optional or seasonal activity into a strategic pillar of good governance and sustainable business practice. He said private sector social responsibility now plays a central role in enhancing competitiveness, strengthening trust with society and supporting national development goals.

“The private sector is a key partner in achieving sustainable development,” Sheikh Khalifa said, noting that the conference theme highlights the pivotal role of family businesses in Arab economies. He stressed that family enterprises must strike a balance between economic growth, social responsibility and long-term sustainability to ensure continuity across generations.

Sheikh Khalifa added that adopting sound governance frameworks, strategic planning, transparency and innovation—along with investing in young leadership—are essential for family businesses seeking to remain resilient in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari echoed these views, saying that integrating sustainability and social responsibility into family-owned businesses is critical for achieving comprehensive social development and building more cohesive economies. He praised Qatar Chamber’s role in supporting the national economy and promoting the Qatari private sector on the international stage by strengthening ties between business sectors and encouraging responsible business practices.

Dr Al Kuwari said social responsibility has become a core component of corporate governance, rather than a peripheral activity. He noted that the long-term sustainability of family businesses depends on strong governance structures, transparency, alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, investment in human capital and support for innovation.

Dr Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, thanked Qatar Chamber for hosting the conference and described it as a model of institutional commitment to social responsibility. He noted that family businesses make up a significant share of the private sector and account for nearly 75 per cent of the Arab economy, underscoring their influence on employment, investment and economic stability across the region.

Tarek El Nabulsi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Development and Social Policies Department at the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs, expressed appreciation on behalf of the League of Arab States for Qatar Chamber’s initiative. He stressed the importance of the private sector as a development partner and said the League supports the conference’s recommendations, which will be submitted to the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs.

Dr Hashim Sulaiman Hussein, Head of UNIDO’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office in Bahrain, highlighted the role of family businesses as a cornerstone of Arab economies. He said such enterprises contribute significantly to GDP growth, job creation and industrial development, making their adoption of sustainability principles vital for long-term economic resilience.

Prof Yousef Abdul Ghaffar, Chairman of the Regional Network for Corporate Social Responsibility, said the Arab private sector—especially family businesses—plays a fundamental role in supporting economic stability and social cohesion. He added that embedding sustainability and social responsibility into core business strategies is no longer optional but an economic, developmental and ethical necessity.

“Integrating sustainability into corporate strategy ensures continuity and enhances competitiveness both regionally and globally,” Prof Abdul Ghaffar said.

During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani and Dr Khaled Hanafy honoured the conference’s partners and distinguished guests in recognition of their contributions to advancing social responsibility in the region.

Following the ceremony, Ali Bu Sharbak Al Mansori, Acting General Manager of Qatar Chamber, said the Chamber’s decision to host the event reflects its strong belief in the importance of social responsibility and the central role played by Arab family businesses in supporting national economies, community institutions and sustainable development.

The conference’s first day featured three panel discussions focusing on governance, best practices and institutional frameworks for social responsibility in family-owned enterprises. The opening session, titled Governance of Social Responsibility in Arab Family Businesses, was moderated by Advisor Ghanem bin Saad Al Khayareen, Honorary Member of the Regional Network for Social Responsibility.

The panel brought together experts from across the Arab world, including Sheikh Dr Thani bin Ali bin Saud Al Thani, Vice-Chairman of the Qatar International Centre for Conciliation and Arbitration; Dr Yousef bin Othman Al Hazim, Secretary-General of the Al-Anoud Charitable Foundation in Saudi Arabia; Dr Mohammed bin Saif Al Kuwari, an environmental expert with Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change; and Dr Hoda Galal Yassa, President of the Arab Women Investors Union.

Additional speakers included Dr Mazen Abboud of the Lebanese American University, Dr Abdul Wahab Al Zahrani of Al Rajhi Partners, Counselor Warf Qamiha of Global Professional Services, and Mona Fattah Wahdi, Regional Adviser for Social Development Affairs at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).