The inaugural gathering of family capital.
A key annual convening of the Emirates Family Office Association — held during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023, bringing family offices together to build and steward family wealth across the region and the world.
A gathering built to endure.
The International Family Office Congress is a key annual event for the Emirates Family Office Association members, who share the common aim of building family wealth in their countries, regions, and around the world.
The congress is built around three objectives: to enhance cooperation between family offices by supporting and strengthening them across the region; to promote the development of private enterprise; and to contribute to a business culture conducive to investment, saving, and long-term accumulation.
Held as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2023 — organised by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — the congress sat within the most important finance event in the region, drawing global industry leaders to address the economic, technological, and sustainability shifts reshaping the global economy.
The morning, session by session.
- 10:00 – 10:05Introduction
International Family Office Congress 2023
A glimpse into the insightful sessions that will unfold across the morning.
Speaker Dhaher bin Dhaher AlMheiri - 10:05 – 10:15Keynote
Opening Address — Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce
The vital role of family offices in the industrial and financial economy.
Speaker H.E. Abdulla Mohamed Al Mazrui - 10:15 – 10:40Panel
The Rise of Family-Led Conglomerates
With the global family office industry valued at nearly $500 billion and families driving over 70% of regional industrial activity, what lies ahead for their growth?
Panel Bassel Al Khawaja · Sriram Jaganmohan · Adeeb Ahmed · Adel MehrabModerator Martina Fuchs - 10:40 – 11:00Fireside
In Conversation with Mishal Kanoo
A journey from the group's humble beginnings as an early trading and shipping enterprise to a modern, diversified industrial conglomerate.
Guest Mishal KanooModerator Hussein Al Sayed - 11:00 – 11:25Panel
Destination Abu Dhabi — A Haven for Family Offices
Why Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for family offices.
Panel H.E. Hareb Almuhairi · Natella Safar Ali · Gavin Rankin · H.E. Masaood Al Masaood - 11:25 – 11:40Panel
Future-Proofing Family Offices — Asset Allocation
Generations bring different approaches to, and strategies for, investing.
Panel Etienne Schneider · Christian AngermayerModerator George Triplow - 11:40 – 12:05Panel
Family Office Leaders — Insights & Best Practices
Experts discuss best practice drawn from the deals, insights, and real-life experiences of leading international family offices.
Panel Julian Marwitz · Patrick Tsangs · Hasan Al FardanModerator Rachel Pether - 12:05 – 12:30Panel
The Art of Finding World-Class Opportunities
Following the deal-map with entrepreneurial leaders sourcing top-class innovative opportunities, from healthcare to fintech.
Panel Matt Higgins · Jo BamfordModerator Bilal Jafar - 12:30 – 12:40Next Generation
In Conversation with Amira Sajwani
One of the next generation of family leaders discusses the DAMAC group.
Guest Amira SajwaniModerator Matthew Amlot - 12:40 – 12:45Closing
Closing Remarks
An outlook on the future of the family office sector, and Abu Dhabi's promising potential as a leading global hub for family businesses.
Speaker Adam Ladjadj
The voices on the stage.


























Beyond the sessions.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a destination that captivates. A blend of rich history, modern architecture, and striking natural landscapes — with a range of activities for EFOA members, from exploring the Arabian desert to exclusive VIP dinners and extensive networking with people from all over the world. Visit Abu Dhabi ↗
Travelling to Abu Dhabi
Planning your journey to the capital and the days around the congress.
02Where to Stay
Accommodation from the corniche to Saadiyat and the cultural district.
03Things to Do
Desert experiences, VIP dinners, and networking beyond the sessions.
04What to See
Landmarks, museums, and points of interest across the emirate.