Middle East family businesses report higher confidence than global peers

Family businesses in the Middle East report stronger confidence in their growth prospects than their global counterparts, according to the KPMG Middle East Family Business Report 2026. The report surveyed 135 senior family business leaders across the region. It found that 84 percent of Middle East family businesses anticipate outperforming their competitors across the next five to ten years, against a global figure of 72 percent.

Strategic clarity and internal consensus#

The confidence is supported by strategic planning, with 85 percent of respondents reporting a defined growth strategy for the next five to ten years. Internal alignment is also strong, with 80 percent reporting consensus among family members and leadership on how to grow the business. Among respondents, 93 percent identified family reputation and brand equity as key value drivers. Shared values and purpose were identified by 89 percent.

Geographic expansion as primary growth driver#

Expanding into new geographic markets has become the primary growth focus for the coming decade. Over a third of respondents identified geographic footprint expansion as the single most impactful growth driver through 2035, ahead of all other options. More than half placed it among their top two priorities. Reinvestment of earnings and shareholder equity is the preferred source of growth capital, identified by 55 percent of respondents for the next two years.

Long-term stewardship and succession planning#

The region places greater emphasis on long-term stewardship than the global average. Among Middle East respondents, 81 percent stated they would place family unity ahead of higher returns, against a global figure of 66 percent. Succession planning and preparing the next generation have become the primary long-term concern, with 34 percent of respondents naming it their top challenge through 2035, up from 29 percent previously.

Regional economic context#

Family businesses account for an estimated 60 percent of GCC GDP, according to the report. The Arab region's economy approaches approximately $4 trillion, with family businesses representing a large share of private-sector wealth and employment. Abdullah Akbar, Partner and Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG Middle East, stated that leadership continuity, governance and organizational capability become increasingly important as these businesses expand into new markets and embrace new technologies.