Family Business
Safeguard your inheritance. Shape the future of your family business
Register your family business with the Ministry of Economy
Why register?
A family business is not just a commercial entity — it is an identity, a family unit, and legacy of wealth that spans generations.
Registering in the unified registry for family businesses at the Ministry of Economy enables families to safeguard their enterprises, organise ownership, and ensure continuity of management across generations within a recognised legal framework.
Legal Recognition and Asset Protection
Registration grants the company the legal status of a ‘Family Business’ , allowing for the consolidation of shares within a common register, preventing their fragmentation due to inheritance or random sales.
Why? Without this regulation, shares could be distributed among heirs (such as cousins or in-laws), leading to a loss of control or forced sale of assets. Under the law, families can impose legal restrictions on the transfer of shares outside of the family.
Practical Benefits
-
01
Legal basis for the protection of family property
-
02
Regulation of restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares
-
03
Possibility of establishing dedicated legal entities (such as family holding companies)
Continuity of Operations and Clarity of Succession
Registered family businesses can benefit from clear succession plans and governance structures that are legally endorsed, preventing ambiguity during leadership transitions.
Why? In the event of the founder's death, disputes may arise among heirs regarding who leads or how power is distributed. Upon registration, this can be defined in a legally binding manner.
Practical Benefits
-
01
Avoidance of family disputes
-
02
Smooth transition of leadership within the family
-
03
Reduction of litigation risks or external interference
Privacy with Effective Governance
Registration does not require the disclosure of business details to the public, but it enables the family to register internal structures (such as family councils or investment committees) to be legally enforceable when necessary.
An Emirati family can maintain its privacy while ensuring the implementation of its internal agreements in the event of a dispute
Practical Benefits
-
01
Legal protection within a private framework
-
02
Peace of mind in the event of disagreements
-
03
Flexible integration of family traditions with Sharia or modern laws
Indication of Institutional Strength and Future Readiness
Registration sends a message to banks, investors, and partners that the company is managed within an organised institutional framework and is prepared for the future.
Therefore, families considering strategic partnerships or public offerings will be able to enhance their image and confidence in the market through official registration.
Practical Benefits
-
01
Easier access to financing
-
02
Greater negotiating power
-
03
Increased attractiveness for investors and merger and acquisition partners
What do you lose if you do not register?
Chaos in succession
Disputes among heirs regarding leadership or ownership
Fragmentation of wealth
Uneven distribution of assets or their sale to cover disputes
Legal weakness
Family agreements are not legally binding
Non-institutional image
Weak trust from partners or financiers
Who should register?
Emirati family businesses
whether wholly owned by the family or businesses in which the family holds a significant stake
Founders
now is the ideal time to plan your legacy and the manner of its transfer
Professional advisors
lawyers, accountants, or consultants wishing to support families in accordance with the new law
For inquiries
Please contact via email:
familybusiness@economy.gov.ae
Ministry of Economy - Family Business Support Unit
