In Dubai, the organization of the Family Office community is diverse and includes several key events as well as a supportive regulatory environment.

Events and Forums for Family Offices:
Family Office Forum Dubai: This is an annual event that has established itself as a meeting point for genuine Family Offices from the MENA region. The forum in Dubai provides a platform for more than 100 Family Offices and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWIs) from the Middle East and other regions. It offers a unique opportunity for exchange and networking, with more Family Office representatives and principals than service providers present both on stage and in the audience. Discussions focus on key topics such as family governance, operational processes, and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) roundtables, with no product presentations. The event was last held from February 20th to 21st, 2024.
Middle East Family Office Investment Summit: This summit attracts renowned speakers and participants from across the region. Topics range from mega-infrastructure projects in the Gulf area to professional succession planning and real estate investments. The summit promotes peer learning and interaction through roundtable discussions and offers extensive networking opportunities.
Regulatory Framework and Setup in Dubai:
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Authority creates an attractive environment for the establishment of Single and Multi-Family Offices. It offers specific regulations and licensing programs for these offices:
Single Family Office (SFO): Can be established as a regular Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZCO) to manage the affairs of a single family. It must be entirely owned by the family, with 100% of the shares held by direct descendants. There are minimal capital requirements, flexibility in the legal structure, and tax benefits such as no income or corporate tax.
Multi Family Office (MFO): These are founded by consulting firms or professional service providers to manage the affairs of multiple families under one roof. There are no specific ownership, structure, or board restrictions for MFOs, aside from the general guidelines that apply to Free Zone companies.
These initiatives and events provide a solid foundation for the organization and networking of the Family Office community in Dubai. They facilitate the exchange of best practices and promote collaboration between Family Offices, while simultaneously creating an environment that is attractive for managing private family wealth.
Further Links
Middle East Family Office Investment Summit
DWTC Family Office Regulations
Emirates Family Office Association