Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, operating under the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has signed a cooperation agreement with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to develop innovative solutions that support the sustainability and growth of family businesses in Abu Dhabi through the integration of artificial intelligence across management, governance, and decision-making processes.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was formalised on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 by Khaled Abdulkarim Al Fahim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council, and Professor Timothy Baldwin, Provost of Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, in the presence of senior officials from both entities.
This strategic partnership aims to prepare family businesses for digital transformation by adopting AI-driven solutions to enhance operational efficiency, support long-term sustainability, and reinforce competitiveness in future-oriented sectors. The collaboration also seeks to develop AI-powered advisory tools to improve operational performance, elevate governance standards, and strengthen the ability of family businesses to expand and grow.
As part of the agreement, both parties will organise specialised workshops and training programmes designed to equip the next generation of family business leaders with the skills needed to leverage advanced technologies for the development of their enterprises. Additionally, the two entities will conduct a feasibility study for creating an integrated AI system dedicated to serving the family business sector in Abu Dhabi and explore joint opportunities for applied research and the development of advanced models supporting succession planning and family capital management.
Reflecting on the agreement, Khaled Al Fahim stated that the collaboration represents a significant step toward enabling family businesses to benefit from rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and enhancing their readiness for the future economy. This aligns with the Council's vision to support the sustainability of family enterprises and enhance their institutional capabilities.
Professor Timothy Baldwin added that the collaboration reflects MBZUAI's role in supporting priority sectors through artificial intelligence. As the UAE advances its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and Abu Dhabi aims to become the world's first fully AI-native government, it is essential for organisations, including family businesses, to have access to the tools and expertise needed to harness AI for broad and meaningful societal benefits.
This agreement is part of the Abu Dhabi Family Business Council's efforts to enhance the competitiveness of family enterprises in the Emirate, build an innovation-driven ecosystem, and contribute to the objectives of Abu Dhabi's economic vision.