Family businesses fuel 60% of GCC GDP growth

Family businesses form the backbone of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economy, contributing approximately 60% of GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce.

- Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

With 90% of the private sector in the UAE and Saudi Arabia comprising family-owned businesses, robust governance frameworks are vital to sustaining their economic impact

Pearl Initiative, a leading nonprofit organisation dedicated to advancing corporate governance in the Gulf region, successfully launched a new fireside series, titled 'From Vision to Practice: Governance Talks with Family Business Pioneers', with the first edition featuring Nisha Jagtiani, Group Director and Board Member of the Landmark Group. In a compelling and candid conversation, Nisha reflected on the governance journey of one of the Middle East's most prominent family-owned enterprises, offering actionable insights for family firms navigating the complexities of growth and continuity.

Nisha Jagtiani shared how the company has institutionalised governance to ensure resilience across its 2,500 stores in the Middle East, North Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.

During the session, Nisha emphasised the importance of aligning family values with professional governance structures.