Family-owned businesses across the Middle East are increasingly moving away from informal management styles, prioritizing structured governance and early engagement with the next generation to secure their legacies. According to the Julius Baer Family Barometer 2026, while readiness for business transitions in the region is comparable to global standards—with roughly 15% of families feeling fully prepared—there is a distinct regional commitment to formalizing how wealth and leadership are passed down. Unlike many global peers, families in the Middle East are more likely to establish dedicated investment committees and maintain rigorous decision-making frameworks even after a business is sold or transferred.

This shift is largely driven by a desire to preserve wealth amidst rising geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility. Over 60% of regional families now actively involve their successors in post-sale strategy discussions, ensuring that younger members are groomed for ownership long before a transition occurs. Jean Pierre Dib, Co-Head of Middle East & Africa at Julius Baer, emphasizes that this proactive approach is essential; by embedding clear governance and mentorship early on, these families are better equipped to handle complex intergenerational transfers. Ultimately, the trend reflects a broader regional movement toward professionalized succession planning that balances traditional family values with the demands of modern global finance.