Dubai Chambers launches board directorship program for family businesses

The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses is stepping up its efforts to strengthen leadership skills among family business owners by launching a new program focused on board directorship.

Operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, the centre has launched The World of Directorship – Certificate in Board Directorship, a specialized professional training program designed to equip board members with governance practices in line with leading professional and institutional standards.

Delivered in partnership with the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI), the program will initially be offered to 27 participants, giving them an opportunity to develop leadership skills and strengthen their effectiveness as board members.

The program will comprise four interactive modules followed by an assessment, covering Corporate Governance Essentials, The Effective Director, The Effective Board, and Board Finance, Accounting, and Corporate Reporting.

Together, the modules cover the core knowledge required to function effectively as a director, including corporate governance, directors’ roles, responsibilities and legal duties, board structure and effectiveness, strategy and risk, ethics, and accounting, finance and corporate reporting.

According to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, family businesses contribute around 60 percent of the UAE’s GDP, account for more than 80 percent of employment, and represent nearly 90 percent of all private-sector companies, making them a cornerstone of the country’s economy.

The initiative is designed to give current and aspiring directors the skills needed to oversee businesses, strengthen decision-making and navigate issues including governance, strategy, risk and financial reporting.

“Effective governance and forward-looking board leadership are fundamental to strengthening the sustainability of family businesses and their ability to grow and adapt to change,” said Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, president and CEO of Dubai Chambers.

“We are committed to empowering family business leaders to develop their management and leadership capabilities, while strengthening corporate governance practices that support business continuity, reinforce sound decision-making, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations,” Lootah added.

John Gollifer, CEO, GCC Board Directors Institute, said the initiative will play a vital role in supporting the long-term sustainability, growth, and resilience of family businesses.

“The program provides participants with the knowledge and practical insights required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively, enhance board performance, and contribute to sustainable success for current and future generations,” Gollifer said.

The program is based on GCC BDI’s Framework for Board Effectiveness, which covers directors’ responsibilities and legal duties, board structure, strategy, risk, ethics and financial oversight.

Participants who successfully complete the program’s four modules and assessment are awarded the Certified Director professional designation by GCC BDI.

For participants, the program enables them to benchmark their knowledge against recognised standards for sound governance practices.

The push comes as Dubai Chambers, which represents the emirate’s business community interests, continues its commitment to enhancing professional development and readiness for family business owners to keep pace with rapid changes in the global business environment and help them survive generational transitions.