Dubai is emerging as the main base for global family offices ahead of the 2026 conference
Dubai is increasingly being chosen as the primary location for international family offices, underscoring the emirate’s growth as a global destination for long-term private wealth, succession planning, and cross-border investment.
Policy developments, regulatory clarifications and recent initiatives within the Dubai International Financial Center are accelerating this change, as families prioritize financial preservation and governance over short-term returns.
Against this background, the Dubai Family Office Summit will take place on February 11, 2026, bringing together family offices and family-run companies for discussions focused on the practical challenges facing global wealth today.
The conference is deliberately scheduled a week before Ramadan, when calendars are always in flux and top decision makers are still in the region.
Family Office Summit Dubai 2026
Over the past six months, the conference has attracted strong interest from leading global institutions including Columbia Threadneedle, Allianz Global Investors, Select Equity, and other major US and European financial institutions.
Many are focused on identifying a pool of private equity funds in the area as an alternative to competing for institutional shares in Mubadala or ADIA.
Previous editions of the conference have attracted prominent family heads and executives, including Hussain Dawood, as well as C-suite leadership from regional conglomerates such as Gargash Group, Al-Futtaim, and Al Masaood.
International participation continues to grow. From the United States, the 2024 conference was hosted by a member of the Guggenheim family, which has established Guggenheim Brothers Media in Abu Dhabi, announced during the Abu Dhabi Financial Week.
The participation of Europeans has also increased, with speakers including the PG3 Family Office, following the previous involvement of the royal families of René Caovilla and Nestlé.
Obediah Ayton, Chairman of the Family Office Summit, said: “Dubai is no longer considered a secondary hub; it is becoming a primary hub for the world’s wealthiest families. Our summit is deliberately differentiated. We focus on creating vibrant and highly relevant experiences that deliver real value.
“Our goal is to build a lasting community, not just host another event. Although the region now hosts many family office conferences, our commitment is to stay ahead of the curve by continuously innovating and setting the next industry benchmark.”
The 2026 edition will address key themes that build family wealth, including Asia and Hong Kong as a strategic gateway, the renewed role of hedge funds and equities, private capital flows, passion assets such as art and collections, and the separation of family business and family wealth.
The conference has also become a catalyst for tangible transactions. Hillroute Capital recently secured a limited partner investment in a UAE-based family office following presentations at a conference, while VAR Capital entered into a long-term partnership with wealth-technology platform Masttro.
Several additional transactions are yet to be announced publicly.
As Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a global hub for private equity, the Family Office Summit Dubai provides a timely platform for families entering the region to connect with peers, advisors, and institutional partners who are shaping the future of global wealth management.
