February 11, 2026: College of Business invited Dr. Ayth Almubarak, CEO of National Center for Family Businesses, to be part of CoB’s Executive Lecture Series.
The lecture titled “Family Business in KSA, the Role of NCFB” was presented to the audience and College of Business students. It took place on Wednesday, 11/02/2026, from 12:00 to 12:50 PM.
Dr. Ayth delivered an insightful lecture highlighting the Center’s strategic role in supporting and sustaining family businesses across Saudi Arabia. The session provided a comprehensive overview of how family owned enterprises contribute significantly to the national economy and how structured governance and professional practices are essential to their long term success.
Family businesses face a unique set of challenges that can threaten their continuity and growth, including unclear governance structures, succession planning complexities, conflicts among family members, and the blending of personal relationships with business decisions. Differences in vision between generations, lack of formal policies, and limited professional management practices can further hinder performance and sustainability. Overcoming these challenges requires establishing clear governance frameworks such as family charters, boards of directors, and defined roles and responsibilities, alongside transparent decision-making processes. Early and structured succession planning is essential to prepare future leaders and ensure smooth leadership transitions. In addition, engaging independent advisors, adopting professional management standards, and fostering open communication among family members can help resolve disputes and align interests. By institutionalizing these practices, family businesses can strengthen resilience, preserve harmony, and position themselves for long-term success.
Dr. Ayth noted that family businesses represent approximately 95% of all enterprises in the Kingdom, underscoring their critical economic importance. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, during which students explored topics related to governance, succession, and conflict management. The visit reinforced the importance of professional management and institutional frameworks in securing the future of Saudi Arabia’s family businesses.
