{
  "id": 12180535,
  "title": "Gulf family businesses face new succession test as women prepare to take on bigger roles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/gulf-family-businesses-face-new-succession-test-as-women-prepare-to",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-05T15:19:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2026/10/05/gulf-family-businesses-face-new-succession-test-as-women-prepare-to-take-on-bigger-roles/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gulf family businesses are undergoing a generational shift that may provide women with greater opportunities for leadership, according to experts. The question is not just about succession, but who will be prepared, responsible, and trusted to lead the future, said Abdullah Jefri, director for the Gulf at the International Finance Corporation. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a new generation of educated women is stepping up to lead, often excelling in their roles, he added.\n\nWomen already play significant roles in family enterprises, but experts advocate broadening their positions to include leading business units, guiding investment decisions, and serving on family councils and boards. Jefri emphasized that women's leadership is crucial for competitiveness, continuity, and legacy within family businesses.\n\nWhile the UAE is leading in women's economic empowerment, with 15% of board seats at listed companies, a 2026 GCC Board Gender Index revealed that women hold only 7% of board seats across the region. Barriers persist, with women underrepresented in corporate boards in the Gulf.\n\nHaifa Al Kaylani, founder and president of the Arab International Women’s Forum, highlighted that women are bringing fresh perspectives to leadership, governance, and intergenerational stewardship. They are focusing more on innovation, sustainability, and talent development, which will be vital for family businesses to remain competitive in a global economy increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nRaja Al Gurg, chairperson of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, shared that the company is integrating AI across its operations, such as a sales coordination system that provides employees with immediate reports and information without relying on individual staff members. Additionally, an AI-enabled human resources system assists employees with inquiries about company policies and procedures. Al Gurg stressed the importance of AI applications that demonstrate tangible benefits, such as higher revenue, improved cash conversion, lower costs, or increased efficiency.",
  "summary": "Gulf family businesses are entering a period of generational transition that could give women a bigger role in ownership, investment and executive decision-making, experts have said. The question facing family enterprises is no longer simply who will lead them next, but “who will receive the preparation, responsibility and trust to lead them forward”, Abdullah Jefri, division director for the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Gulf family businesses face new succession test as women prepare to take on bigger roles",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/gulf-family-businesses-face-new-succession-test-as-women-prepare-to-12189976",
        "published": "2026-10-05T15:19:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}