NYU Abu Dhabi and the Tharawat Family Business Forum have reached a major milestone through the Family Business Histories Project. Its flagship Spotlight Series now comprises 100 profiles documenting regional family businesses. Published in English and, newly, in Arabic, the articles capture founders’ life stories, tracing the origins of their early entrepreneurial ventures and the evolution of their companies over decades. By making these stories accessible in Arabic, the project further strengthens its mission to preserve regional heritage.
The joint research initiative brings together academic and industry expertise to document the historical impact of family businesses across the MENASA region. Building on nearly a decade of research, the Spotlight Series highlights how business families have navigated periods of economic and political instability while continuing to contribute to the economic, cultural, and social development of their societies.
“This collection of stories represents the first global series to consistently document the founding journeys of family enterprises across the region. The insights drawn from these narratives are highly relevant for today’s family business leaders and entrepreneurs, highlighting how both personal and external factors can drive success while also challenging long-term sustainability. As this collection continues to grow, it aims to demonstrate how a deeper understanding of the past can inform present decisions and help shape a more resilient future.”
The expanding collection offers multiple entry points for researchers and entrepreneurs to explore founders’ journeys and the opportunities they seized across different environments. It features profiles of family businesses founded as early as 1830 through to 1994, including families such as Al Fahim from the UAE, Olayan from Saudi Arabia, and Fattal from Lebanon. The articles are available through an online portal with a sophisticated navigation system, enabling readers to easily access and explore the collection.
Over the past nine years, the Family Business Histories Project has produced a range of research examining the role of family enterprises in shaping the region’s economic and social landscapes.
