The Family Business Conference “Preparing the Next Generation” kicks off on October 31 Following the success of the first conference in 2013, this year's conference will once again bring together family business leaders from across the GCC, Middle East and South Asia. The conference will feature a full day of interesting presentations, exchanges and discussions centered on topics such as: Next Generation Prospects, Family Formation, Talent Development, Wealth Preservation, Entrepreneurialism, Governance, Family Charter and all aspects of family business owners. Harish Gopinas, Head of Corporate and Family Business, KPMG Middle East and South Asia, said: “Continuing the family legacy is an important goal for most family businesses, a view shared by 71% respondents to a recent KPMG survey. ”This conference aims to bring together family business leaders from across the region, giving them the opportunity to share their views, learn from others, and identify some practical steps they can take to support young family members to best prepare them for leadership roles.“ ".

It is well known that family businesses make up a large part of the region's businesses and have a strong presence in most sectors, as they account for about 13% of total GDP and employ about 90% of the Saudi private sector structure, and many of these companies have influence beyond the region.