PwC to reveal findings of Global and Middle East Family Business Survey 2012

[Dubai, 14 May, 2013] Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC), in collaboration with PwC announced that it will host a special business forum titled “Women and Family: Shifting Paradigms” on May 15, 2013, at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to discuss the evolving role of women in family businesses and the opportunities available to them.

Amin Nasser, Partner, Middle East Entrepreneurial & Private Clients Leader at PwC, will reveal and discuss the findings of PwC’s Global and Middle East Family Business Survey 2012, followed by a panel discussion with Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, President of Dubai Business Women Council, Norma Taki, Leonie Kerswill, Randa Bahsoun and other subject matter experts at PwC will be part of the panel discussion to share new insights and discuss pressing issues concerning women entrepreneurs in the Arab region.

Raja Al Gurg said: “The goal of Dubai Business Women Council is to help sustain the gains we have achieved towards creating more opportunities for women to be more actively involved in the socioeconomic transformation of the Arab world. PwC’s study clearly show that we are in the right direction and that we have a lot to look forward to , as the public and private sectors continue to launch more suitable programs that support women entrepreneurs. Our collaboration with PwC in organizing this forum is one of the many initiatives that we are undertaking to help address social norms about working women and cultivate an environment where women can balance work and family.”

Commenting on the forum, Amin Nasser said:”Family businesses are undoubtedly very successful business enterprises globally and in the GCC. Despite the ongoing economic dynamics worldwide, family businesses in the region are thriving with confidence and are least affected by any turbulences. Over the last two decades, the role of women in family firms has undergone a paradigm shift. Raised standards of education coupled with improved economic conditions and financial opportunities have resulted in women contributing significantly towards the growth and success of family businesses. The number of female board members in the GCC family businesses have also increased over the years with 32% of family businesses having female board members."

The meeting is strategically important as Emirati women continue to pursue excellence and leadership across the public sector and the business community, having been recognized among the most influential in the Arab World. For instance, Raja Al Gurg was recently named one of the “Most Influential Arab Women in Family Business” by Forbes Middle East, from a total of 33. This recognition serves as a tribute to the high level of excellence attained by Emirati women and their significant efforts to support economic growth and maintain long-term development.

Founded in 2002, DBWC motivates women to be productive members of the society, while encouraging role models to rise up from the ranks and inspire other women around the world, especially in the Arab region, to discover their true potential. DBWC organises the high-profile monthly event ‘Network Majlis’ to provide information about the latest knowledge, skills and best practices for women entrepreneurs and leaders. For more information about recent DBWC activities, log on to the Council’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dubai-Business-Woman-Council-DBWC/146645812070341