Kuwait Hosts ‘Gulf Family Business Forum’
Drawing in top leaderships, senior managers
KUWAIT: NoufEXPO announced yesterday the convening of the “Gulf Family Business Forum - The Backbone of a Sustainable Economy” during the period from 15 - 17 November 2014 under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the state of Kuwait. The Forum aims at: discussing the role of family businesses in developing their countries’ economy; how their effectiveness and efficiency can be improved; how they can implement modern management practices; and how they can compete in the regional and international markets. GFBF is an important event because family businesses play a significant role in the economy of GCC and other mid-eastern countries.
HE Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani - Chairman of “Qatar Chamber said that he is glad with this participation that reflects our firm belief in the unity of GCC societies, families, and businesses and in their common future. In addition to the social and economic relations, we carry a long list of common values and principles.” Commenting on the convening of the Forum in Kuwait, His Excellency commented by saying “This is an additional factor that pleases us. Kuwait has always been leading the way in hosting GCC events that serve the common cause of all GCC societies and their growth.”
Under the leadership of HE Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani, the Qatar Chamber achieved numerous successes such as welcoming global trade and investment, and providing a wide range of services and support to the local and international business community. HE Sheikh Khalifa is a prominent member of the ruling family in the State of Qatar in addition to being a well-known and trusted businessman. After his BSc in Economics and Political Science achieved in the prestigious Portland State University in 1981, he went back to Qatar where he took on different roles as Senior Government Officer. Since May 2006, he has been the Chairman of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors that serves a vital role as the national chamber of commerce in promoting Qatar’s burgeoning economy.
In his turn, Abdul Rahman Saleh Abdallah Al-Otaishan, Owner and CEO of Abdul Rahman Al-Otaishan Group for Contracting expressed his pleasure in participating in GFBF. Al-Otaishan said “We find ourselves deeply involved in this Forum at a time where we need to join efforts most to continue building on the achievements of our ancestors. We look forward to a successful gathering that boosts the welfare of our countries.”
Al-Otaishan carries out an important role in the GCC economy, namely in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He established and led many companies and businesses in KSA and outside covering various business lines. Moreover, he is a member of many specialized business consortia and business groups. Al-Otaishan holds a business degree from the United States of America.
GFBF success
A spokesman of GFBF organizing company, NoufEXPO, commented by saying “GFBF succeeded in drawing in owners and leaderships of family businesses in GCC countries outside Kuwait, in addition to Kuwait of course. GFBF drew in, as well, many public figures that play various roles in the life of gulf societies.” The NoufEXPO spokesman added “We highly welcome the participation of Her Highness Taghreed Bint Turki bin Mahmoud Al Said who plays an important social role that contributed to her nomination as the Honorary President of Al-Din Theatre for Culture and Arts in the Sultanate of Oman. We also welcome Her Highness Dr Mona bint Fahad Al Said, Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation, at Sultan Qaboos University. Her Highness patronized the first Gulf Business Women Forum held in the Sultanate of Oman in 2012. The Forum came at a time when women improved their role and proved their leadership skills in the Private sector in the GCC countries. Her contribution to Omani women role in business and education is highly visible especially through her role as Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Cooperation, at Sultan Qaboos University. GFBF also welcomes the prominent presence of Her Highness Princess Ameera Al-Taweel. The Princess plays a significant role in the social and economic life of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially through empowering youth. Her Highness holds a Business Administration degree from the University of New Haven in the United States. The Forum will also receive Sheikh Mohammad Abdul Latif Jameel, Chairman and President of Abdul Latif Jameel Group of KSA. The group is one of the largest global Toyota business partners. Their business extends to electronics and real estate. Sheikh Mohammed is considered one of the prominent business leaders in the area. He studied at Japan’s Sophia University, and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We will also welcome Her Excellency Sheikha Dr Hind Al Qassimi who played an important role in solidifying UAE women’s contribution to their country’s economy. Her Highness leads the Business Women Council of both Sharjah and the UAE. Dr Al Qasimi majored in Social Sciences and Social Service at Kuwait University in 1980. Later on, she pursued her studies to receive a Master’s and then PhD in Sociology from Cairo Ain Shams University in the years 1992 and 1996 respectively. We cannot overlook the much anticipated participation of Sheikh Ibrahim Aljomaih, the ViceChairman and CEO of Aljomaih Automotive Company that is considered the largest GM distributor in the region. He is, as well, a board member of Aljomaih and Shell Company; their business includes construction equipment, Yokohama tires, food stuff, and many energy contracting services. AlJomaih is a board member of the Chamber of Commerce of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia and a member of the Saudi Management Society. AlJomaih holds a BSc in Business Administration from Portland State University and an MBA from University of Santa Clara. Another highly visible participation will be represented by the presence of
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Qahtani who leads Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Sons Co. The company covers many business lines such as Pipe corrosion services, Spiral weld steel pipes, Water treatment chemicals, Galvanized wire manufacturing, Industrial and medical gases, Water bottling, Bulk food packaging, Insurance, Travel and tourism, Transportation, and custom clearance. Sheikh Abdulaziz continues the leading role of his father, the founder, towards the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, from the Kingdom of Bahrain, we are pleased with the participation of Sheikh Khaled Kanoo, Group Managing Director and Deputy Chairman of Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group of Companies. The Kanoo Group business includes oil and gas, shipping, machinery, power projects, retail business, information technology and training, travel and holidays, freight forwarding, and properties. Sheikh Khaled, in addition, is the Chairman of the board of the Bahrain Family Business Association. Another success story from Bahrain will be brought up by the participation of Sheikh Jasim Al-Zayani, founder of J A Al Zayani and Sons Co. Their diversified business includes consumer electronic products, elevators, escalators, various industrial products, and insurance services. We also cannot forget J A Al Zayani’s presence in Kuwait since 1953 where they have provided the market with many luxury car brands through Al Zayani Trading Co. The participation of Sheikh Abdul Latif Nimr carries with it another shining success story from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Abdul Latif is the owner of the Sheikh Abdul Latif Nimr Group that specializes in gold, jewelry, and real estate business. He managed to transform a start-up gold trade into a well-established retail and wholesale business, spreading throughout the Eastern Province of KSA.
GFBF is organized by NoufEXPO in cooperation with Exicon International Group. It is supported by many local and regional organizations headed by the efforts of the Federation of GCC Chambers. It aims at helping GCC family businesses develop more global and sustainable growth opportunities. Our distinguished guests mentioned here or those whose participations will be highlighted later, signal a decisive intention to grow their family businesses and become more resilient in a global, troubled, and highly competitive world economy.