Family Business Council — Gulf (FBCG), the regional association of Family Business Network International (FBNi), recently concluded its Annual Summit 2017 under the theme “Secrets to Family Business Continuity: Committed to Evolve Over Generations” held in Dubai.
The fourth edition of the summit brought together leading GCC family businesses experts and academicians to share experiences and effective approaches to address family business challenges.
Abdulaziz Al-Ghurair, chairman of FBCG, said: “We believe that each family business has its own secrets to success, but we also believe that families can inspire each another on ways to regenerate their own formula to success.”
He added: “By tailoring the summit agenda around real-world case studies and success stories, we aimed to provide families with practical insights that they can learn from and incorporate in order to better address the challenges of growth, business model evolution and generational transition.”
Prominent regional and international speakers took the stage at the summit presenting case studies and taking part in panel discussions. Two GCC family groups, Al-Mulla Group from Kuwait and SEDCO Holding Group from Saudi Arabia, shared their learnings and discussed how to professionalize and introduce corporate discipline in the family business. They focused on how to build effective boards to fit long-term generational time horizons.
The summit also witnessed the launch of a GCC case study on family business social impact. Community Jameel shared their approach in developing community projects tied to their business and centered on job creation. Hassan Jameel, deputy president and vice chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, took part in a relevant panel session along sustainability experts to discuss effective ways of giving in the context of the family business.
International family speakers also took part in the summit. These include Hans-Jacob Bonnier of Bonnier Group, a sixth-generation family firm which is ranked among Scandinavia’s leading media conglomerates; and Meral Zaim Inci, from the leading Turkish Inci conglomerate. Both families belong to FBN exclusive community; and took part in the GCC summit to present their family governance development journey.
Every year, the FBCG summit attracts leading GCC family businesses in a private closed-door gathering. FBCG’s events are exclusive to family-business members and the format of the sessions is designed to encourage open and effective discussions among the participating members.
GCC family businesses discuss long-term continuity and growth at FBCG Annual Summit
GCC family businesses discuss long-term continuity and growth at FBCG Annual Summit
Tickle your taste buds at LuLu’s World Food Festival
LuLu Hypermarket is hosting its much-anticipated “World Food Festival” across its branches in the Kingdom from April 27 to May 10.
This features themed food experiences, vibrant displays, and interactive activities, celebrating a world of flavors and cultures under one roof.
LuLu is also giving away extraordinary prizes — including half a kilo of gold and luxurious stays at The Red Sea destination.
As part of the food festival, LuLu introduces the Happiness Millionaire program, where one lucky winner will receive 1 million Happiness points every single day.
Shoppers can also enjoy up to 5x points multipliers on select categories, plus 10 percent cashback in points and exclusive gifts for Happiness members.
The festival brings together a variety of international celebrity chefs and influencers from around the globe, who engage with customers through live cooking shows, chef battles, tasting sessions, and culinary competitions.
These events focus on creativity, taste, and presentation, offering visitors the chance to learn, participate, and be inspired by unique culinary experiences.
In every participating store, the festival atmosphere is brought to life with interactive zones, chef-led demos, and community-driven activities that turn shopping into an entertaining and educational journey.
Customers are encouraged to take part in challenges, vote for their favorite dishes, and interact with chefs and influencers in-store.
This year’s festival places a special spotlight on premium meat selections through Meety Meat experiences, offering customers the finest cuts and live demonstrations from meat experts.
Likewise, Cheese Academy will highlight a curated journey through global cheese varieties, where certified cheese experts will visit selected LuLu branches to educate, entertain, and engage directly with customers.
In line with growing health-conscious trends, LuLu is also championing nutritious choices under its Healthy Bites concept — spotlighting wholesome products, health-friendly recipes, and wellness tips to inspire better eating habits for families across the Kingdom.
The festival also brings the freshest and juiciest treasures of the season to center stage.
The Saudi Mango Fest highlights the Kingdom’s rich fruit heritage, especially from regions like Jizan, known for producing some of the world’s finest mangoes.
Shoppers will enjoy interactive tasting zones, fun facts, and deals on a wide variety of locally grown mangoes.
Meanwhile, the vibrant Berry Fest is back, celebrating strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries through themed displays, limited-time offers, and creative berry-inspired recipes.
And for those seeking something adventurous, LuLu is presenting a curated selection of exotic fruits from around the world, such as dragon fruit, mangosteen, passion fruit, and more, inviting customers to experience bold, international flavors.
Alongside the vibrant events, LuLu Hypermarket is offering exclusive promotions and unbeatable prices across all categories — groceries, fresh produce, frozen foods, health & beauty, household essentials, electronics, and much more.
The goal is to provide customers with exceptional value while celebrating global food culture.
“The World Food Festival is not only a celebration of food, but also of community, creativity, and great value,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets.
“It reflects our commitment to making international experiences accessible to everyone while rewarding our customers with exciting offers and prizes.”
Whether you are visiting for the live shows, tasting something new, or simply shopping for your essentials, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for families, food lovers, and communities across the Kingdom.
Bayn: A coastal community development that bridges Abu Dhabi and Dubai
ORA Developers has lifted the curtain on Bayn, a visionary coastal community development where city energy meets coastal serenity without compromise.
The 4.8 million square meter master plan in Ghantoot was unveiled at an event in the presence of influential business leaders and government representatives.
Located in Ghantoot, Bayn embraces the compact-city philosophy, integrating schools, retail, sports, leisure, and wellness facilities, accessible within 15 minutes.
Featuring 1.2 km of beachfront with crystal-clear Arabian Gulf waters, lagoons, a marina and a business park, the community is crafted for those seeking a dynamic yet tranquil lifestyle.
“Our vision with Bayn is to create a destination that enhances how people experience time and space,” said Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of ORA Developers.
“We are bringing together the best of both worlds: the dynamism of city living and the calm of a coastal retreat. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods, and high-quality amenities, we’re not just building homes — we’re shaping an environment where people can truly flourish. We look forward to seeing Bayn evolve into one of the UAE’s most sought-after addresses — one that enriches every moment,” he added.
Bayn’s design is inspired by the site’s natural history.
Preliminary insights suggest that the land may have once been shaped by waterways, a concept that has influenced the master plan, reintroducing water as a defining element.
At the core of the community lies a seamless connection to water with over 7 km of waterfront living, framed by 9,000 residences, including mansions, villas, townhouses, and apartments.
The community is further activated by a marina, a beach town, a business park and multiple promenades, creating a seamless connection between land and sea.
More than 55 percent of Bayn’s land area is dedicated to open space, including one million sqm of public parks, landscaped pathways, and outdoor activity zones featuring gyms, padel courts, BBQ areas, and playgrounds.
A standout feature of Bayn is its expansive sports club, covering over 100,000 square meters.
This facility is designed to cater to both professional athletes and families, offering a comprehensive range of sports and recreational activities.
A network of pedestrian, cycling, and running trails connects high-energy social hub such as the bustling marina promenade to quieter enclaves designed for relaxation and wellness.
Bayn is built on principles of responsible development, integrating smart, sustainable solutions at every level.
Solar-powered energy systems reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
A landscape designed with native greenery enhances the environment while supporting sustainable water use.
Smart water and waste management systems enhance environmental efficiency.
Building orientations maximize natural light and airflow, reducing cooling demands.
These elements contribute to a lower carbon footprint and an enhanced quality of life, aligning with the UAE’s long-term sustainability agenda.
Bayn is designed for seamless access to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with direct connectivity to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, Al Fayah Road, Sheikh Zayed Road and Mohamed Bin Zayed Road — placing residents just 35 minutes from Downtown Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city center.
Future infrastructure projects, including the Etihad GCC Railway and airport expansions, further elevate Bayn’s strategic positioning, while its proximity to major developments like Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai South makes it a compelling investment destination.
The first phase of Bayn, launched on 24th April, introduces 464 meticulously designed residences, spread across four gated clusters, offering 10 distinct typologies, with a selection of three to five-bedroom residences and is set for handover in 2028.
Residents of Phase 1 will enjoy a clubhouse and a curated mix of F&B and retail experiences, reinforcing Bayn’s vision of a seamlessly integrated, self-sufficient coastal destination.
With a blend of compact city principles, ecological stewardship, and strategic dual-city connectivity, Bayn is set to redefine the UAE’s waterfront real estate landscape, offering a lifestyle that balances social vibrancy with the serenity of the sea.
Majid Al-Futtaim expands lifestyle retail footprint across Saudi Arabia
Majid Al-Futtaim, a leading shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced the expansion of its lifestyle retail footprint in Saudi Arabia. As part of its continued commitment to the Saudi market, the group’s lifestyle business plans to open 13 new stores in 2025 — five already launched — bringing its total store count in the Kingdom to 31.
The expansion features a mix of global lifestyle and luxury brands across Riyadh and Jeddah. This includes the launch of the first Saudi stores for Italian smart luxury brand Eleventy and luxury menswear label Corneliani, both of which debuted this month at Solitaire Mall, Riyadh. In May, Poltrona Frau — the iconic Italian luxury furniture house — will open its first store outside the UAE at Centria Mall, further reinforcing Majid Al-Futtaim’s commitment to growing its luxury presence in the Kingdom.
Abercrombie and Fitch and lululemon also opened new stores in Solitaire Mall last month, marking an important step in their continued regional growth. The brands now operate six and nine stores respectively across the Kingdom, with new locations set to open in Jeddah later this year.
Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al-Futtaim Lifestyle, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a core focus for our business, and our retail expansion reflects both growing consumer demand and our confidence in the market. From fashion and wellness to home and design, our goal is to deliver more of the brands our customers love — while introducing fresh experiences through our exclusive global partnerships.”
“In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of global lifestyle and luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive in the Kingdom. By introducing brands like Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, we are bringing new dimensions to the luxury market — combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities that resonate with the refined tastes of our customers.”
The launch of Eleventy in Solitaire Mall is part of an ambitious regional expansion for the brand with another four standalone Eleventy stores opening in key locations in 2025, including Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al-Arab, Dubai Mall and The Grove in the UAE. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices and premium materials, Eleventy reflects the growing consumer demand for quality and subtle sophistication, all under the “Made in Italy” banner.
Marco Baldassari, co-founder and menswear creative director at Eleventy, said: “Eleventy’s philosophy of understated elegance and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the sophisticated Middle Eastern consumer. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Majid Al-Futtaim, whose visionary approach to luxury retail is shaping a new vision with a growing focus on customer needs. Together, we aim to redefine luxury retail by offering timeless craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and innovative experiences.”
Majid Al-Futtaim’s lifestyle portfolio will also welcome a new Crate and Barrel store at Sahara Mall, Riyadh, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the capital. Meanwhile, in Jeddah, five new stores will launch at Jawharat Mall, including lululemon, Hollister, Eleventy, Abercrombie and Fitch, and AllSaints — bringing some of the world’s most in-demand fashion and lifestyle brands even closer to Saudi customers.
Majid Al-Futtaim’s retail expansion in Saudi Arabia builds on a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26 percent increase in revenue across its lifestyle portfolio and a 31 percent surge in digital sales — including a 22 percent uplift in Saudi Arabia alone. The year also saw the opening of 17 new stores across the region, five of which are in the Kingdom, as well as flagship locations for brands such as lululemon, Crate and Barrel, and CB2, alongside 27 e-commerce platforms.
Zain KSA partners with Aamal to support productive families
Zain KSA has signed a cooperation agreement with Aamal Association for Family Development, in line with its integrated environmental, social and governance strategy and as part of its ongoing efforts to empower all segments of society. This collaboration will enhance Zain KSA’s social responsibility efforts and expand the impact of its initiatives to more vulnerable communities.
This initiative aligns with Zain KSA’s broader corporate sustainability strategy and its diverse programs to empower individuals and advance community development through strategic partnerships and impactful initiatives. Through this collaboration, Zain KSA continues to drive the integration between the private and nonprofit sectors, contributing to building a sustainable development ecosystem that supports Saudi Vision 2030’s objectives, fostering a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and a brighter future for all.
Zain KSA’s collaboration with Aamal Association will support productive family projects and market their products and services locally. The initiative will help increase self-employment rates, provide an incubating environment where small family enterprises can grow and enhance their participation in the local economy. Zain KSA will also welcome Aamal Association within its main locations, providing market spaces to sell their products directly to employees and partners.
Commenting on the agreement, Abdulmohsen bin Abdulelah Abalkhail, head of talent acquisition and facility at Zain KSA, said: “At Zain KSA, we are dedicated to advancing nationwide development across all segments of society. We firmly believe in the strength of collaboration and the importance of integrating efforts with civil society organizations to achieve this goal. Our partnership with Aamal Association reflects this commitment, this time through supporting productive family projects and creating an environment where they can thrive and contribute to the local economic growth, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Zain KSA received the Gold Award from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the inaugural CSR Award in recognition of its impactful sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The accolade underscores the company’s strategy of empowering the Saudi community and advancing national, humanitarian, and social development efforts within a responsible business framework.
AI action figure trend: Kaspersky warns about data privacy
As the latest social media trend sees users jumping on the AI action figure craze by uploading personal information and photos to generate hyper-realistic AI dolls or action figures of themselves, Kaspersky urges individuals to be cautious about the personal information they share online.
The trend, while entertaining, raises concerns about data privacy and digital safety. Uploading images and personal information linked to the likes of nicknames, work, hobbies and family, to AI platforms may seem harmless but can inadvertently expose users to cyberthreats such as identity theft, phishing attacks, and unauthorized use of biometric data.
A Kaspersky study highlighted the paradox in users’ approach to digital privacy. While 45 percent of respondents in the Kingdom cover their webcams to maintain privacy, and 44 percent rely on incognito mode for secure browsing, a significant number still engage in risky online behaviors. Notably, 47 percent of respondents admitted to sharing personal details with unverified sources to access online games and quizzes. This is often done without considering the potential security implications.
“Participating in viral trends such as AI action figure or anime-style images inspired by Studio Ghibli can be fun, but it is essential to understand the potential risks involved,” said Brandon Muller, technical expert for the MEA region at Kaspersky. “It’s important to keep in mind that this data could be accessed by cyberattackers. By sharing detailed personal information and images, users may unknowingly provide scammers with the data needed to compromise their digital identities or create social engineering messages.”
Kaspersky offers the following recommendations to safeguard personal data:
• Review privacy policies: Before using AI-powered tools, read and understand their privacy terms to know how your data will be used and stored and whether it may be shared with third parties.
• Limit personal information sharing: Avoid uploading sensitive photos or details that could be exploited, such as addresses or financial information.
• Use generic images: If possible, use generic images or landscape photos instead of high-resolution close-ups of your face, as facial data can be used for biometric profiling.
• Be cautious with permissions: Only grant necessary permissions to apps and platforms and be wary of those requesting excessive access, such as access to your contacts or location.
• Use trusted security solutions: Protect your devices with reliable cybersecurity software, such as Kaspersky Premium, to detect and prevent potential threats.
