The MENA-FBRC reaffirms the School’s commitment to advancing research that shapes economic development and strengthens the family business ecosystem in the MENA region. This conference is not a stand-alone event, but part of a long-term institutional strategy that began in 2018 with the establishment of the Family Business Consortium of the Arab Region, a collaborative initiative dedicated to studying family business challenges, improving managerial practices, and deepening global understanding of family enterprises. Building on this foundation, the conference represents the natural progression of CEI’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and business practice. It also follows the success of three Virtual International Family Business Research Days (IFBRD), which laid the groundwork for this regional gathering in 2025.
CEI invited researchers to submit abstracts, with top researchers presenting their papers at the conference. Under the theme “Family Businesses at Crossroads: From Legacy to Impact,” the inaugural conference brought together leading scholars, family business owners, and practitioners from across the MENA region to foster dialogue on the evolving landscape of family businesses in the region and their role in economic development.
The conference serves as a bridge between academic research and real-world business practice, featuring keynote speeches, research presentations, and interactive panels addressing key topics such as governance, succession, sustainability, innovation, gender diversity, and next-generation engagement, fostering cross-sector collaboration and amplifying regional research.
Submissions from 2025
Motivation and barrier facing daughter’s succession in family businesses, Aisha Ahmad Abuhijleh, Farah Hijazii, and Gyanendra Sisodia
Resilience and Strategic Agility in Family-Owned Firms : The African Expansion of a Moroccan Industrial Group, Azzeddine Allioui and El Mehdi Essbaa
Family Involvement and Innovation Performance in Lebanese Family Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Nada Jabbour Al Maalouf
The impact of family governance mechanisms on conflict in Moroccan family businesses, Hiba Birgach
Exploring the Impact of HRM Factors on the Sustainable Performance of Lebanese Family Business Employees, Jean Elia, Chadia Sawaya, Joseph Serghani, and Mireille Karam
Strategic Internationalization of a Moroccan Family Business: Richbond’s Expansion Across Africa, Essbaa Elmehdi
Rethinking Succession: The Impact of Non-Family Management on Non-Financial Performance of Family Businesses, Okey Nwuke, Olayode Agboola, and Adebowale Adebayo
Financial Decision-Making in Arab Family Businesses: Culturally and Institutionally Driven?, Oumaima QUIDDI
Family Business Brand Reputation in Egypt: Exploring Antecedents and Consequences, Ahmed Rageh