Family businesses form an integral part of the GCC region’s economic system. Over the past decade, family businesses have been facing increasing and unique challenges, part of which have flowed over to a foray of dispute resolution forums. More specifically, disputes have revolved around issue pertaining to generational transitions and successions, shareholders’ conflicts, and governance issues, amongst other things. This panel will explore how arbitration can serve as a culturally-sensitive and confidential mechanism to effectively resolve intra-family and commercial disputes while preserving both legacy and relationships.
Key Discussion Points:
- Arbitrability of Family Business Disputes: Navigating local laws, public policy, and the scope of arbitration clauses in family constitutional documents and shareholder agreements.
- Balancing Confidentiality and Transparency: Why institutional arbitration may be better suited than courts for handling sensitive internal disputes.
- Governance and Succession Planning: How dispute resolution mechanisms are evolving in modern family charters.Enforcement Challenges & Regional Nuances: Lessons from GCC jurisdictions on the recognition and enforcement of awards involving family entities.
- Case Studies: Insights from actual disputes involving family businesses with local activities or or cross-border investments.