Abu Dhabi Chamber and BCIU Foster Global Family Business Ties at New York Roundtable

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), hosted a high-level roundtable in New York, bringing together prominent Emirati and American family businesses to explore new avenues for cooperation, investment, and innovation.

The event, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Economic Delegation’s visit to the United States from September 29 to October 1, spotlighted Abu Dhabi’s evolving economic landscape and its growing status as a global hub for business, talent, and capital.

Leading the discussions, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, was joined by H.E. Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director, and H.E. Marwa Al Mansoori, Board Member, along with representatives from ten leading Emirati companies.

“Family businesses are the backbone of our economy,” said Al Zaabi. “Their role in driving innovation, job creation, and diversification cannot be overstated. Strengthening their international reach ensures growth that transcends generations and fosters sustainable prosperity.”

Al Zaabi underscored the importance of building stronger business bridges with the United States, one of the UAE’s largest trade and investment partners.

“Engagements like this deepen bilateral ties and unlock fresh opportunities in key sectors such as advanced technology, clean energy, finance, agritech, logistics, and manufacturing,” he added. “At the Abu Dhabi Chamber, our commitment remains firm—to open broader horizons for UAE companies and support their global expansion.”

The roundtable also featured insights from Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of BCIU, and H.E. Ambassador Josette Sheeran, Founder and CEO of Firefly Global, alongside members of the Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA) and prominent New York business leaders.

Building Sustainable Economic Bridges

The discussions provided a powerful platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, encouraging collaboration between Emirati and American family enterprises. Participants explored joint investment opportunities across key growth sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and renewable energy—reflecting a shared ambition to build long-term, sustainable partnerships.

According to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, family businesses account for 60% of the UAE’s GDP, employ 80% of the national workforce, and make up nearly 90% of private-sector firms. Their pivotal role underscores the Chamber’s efforts to strengthen their global footprint and connect them with international partners.

Strong Emirati Representation

The Emirati delegation included prominent names such as Waha Capital, Mubarak & Brothers Investments, Al Sayegh Group, Arabian Group Holding, Al Otaiba Enterprises, Walker Engineering, Emirates Angels, Response Plus Holding, Agthia, and the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC).

The discussions also showcased Abu Dhabi’s investor-friendly environment—highlighting its robust legal frameworks, world-class infrastructure, and pro-business policies that position it as an ideal gateway for international companies seeking to expand into the Middle East and beyond.

The active participation of both public and private sector leaders reflected Abu Dhabi’s growing role in shaping global business dialogues, forging strategic alliances, and driving sustainable economic growth through family enterprise cooperation.