The Middle East is entering a defining moment in its economic history. By 2030, an estimated $1tn in GCC-controlled wealth will be passed from one generation to the next. Yet, this transition is not only about transferring capital. It represents a shift in how families across the region think about prosperity, purpose, and legacy.

In my work with families across the Gulf, I have seen how this generational shift is reshaping the very meaning of wealth. The next generation is proud of what their parents and grandparents built, but they also want to take that foundation further. While earlier generations often focused on preserving what they had created, today’s successors are looking to grow, diversify, and give back. They see wealth as a platform for progress and value creation, not just protection.

This new mindset is changing the way family enterprises and family offices operate. Many younger family members are stepping into leadership roles, while others are launching ventures of their own. Our joint survey with the Tharawat Family Business Forum found that while nearly 60 per cent of next-generation members plan to join their family enterprises, two-thirds aim to start ventures of their own, often within the broader context of their family business. The result is a delicate but healthy balance between continuity and innovation.

Families are moving away from rigid hierarchies and towards structures that value merit, communication, and shared decision-making. These changes are not simply administrative; they are cultural, redefining what collaboration means within multigenerational families.

Wealth planning extends far beyond technical solutions

As these dynamics evolve, so does the role of the wealth planner. Wealth planning today extends far beyond technical solutions. Setting up trusts, foundations, and holding structures remains important, but they must now align closely with a family’s long-term vision and values. My role often involves helping families translate their beliefs and priorities into practical governance frameworks.

When families understand both the structure and the spirit behind their plans, they build trust that lasts well beyond a single generation.

Faith and innovation also play a growing part in this transformation. Many families are exploring Shariah-compliant structures that integrate regional traditions with global best practices. The demand for these solutions continues to grow, offering families the confidence that their wealth is managed in a way that reflects both faith and foresight.

At the same time, technology has become a central tool in modern wealth management. Digital platforms allow families to monitor assets, streamline reporting, and participate more actively in governance, encouraging transparency and accountability at every level.

Equally important is the way families are redefining their role in society. Philanthropy has always been a core part of life in the Middle East, but it is becoming increasingly strategic. The younger generation focuses less on charity for its own sake and more on measurable, long-term impact.

Many families are aligning their giving with national goals such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, investing in areas like education, sustainability, and community development. This shift reflects a broader understanding of wealth as a responsibility to create lasting value beyond financial success.

At LGT, we relate deeply to this approach having managed wealth across 26 generations. That experience has taught us that continuity depends not just on financial structures, but on shared values, open communication, and a long-term perspective.

The coming decade will be one of profound change. Families across the Middle East are not only preparing for a transfer of wealth, but for a redefinition of what it means to leave a legacy. Success will depend on how effectively today’s leaders engage the next generation, share their vision, and encourage stewardship built on trust and understanding.

In the end, wealth is not only measured in what is passed down, but in how it is understood. When families take the time to communicate their values, they give future generations more than prosperity, they give them purpose.

The writer is a senior wealth planner at LGT Middle East.

Dubai set a new global benchmark in advanced transportation with the successful completion of the first-ever crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aerial taxi flight between two distinct points in the UAE. The achievement, accomplished by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in partnership with Joby Aviation, underscores the emirate’s accelerating ambition to become the world’s leading hub for innovative, sustainable, and future-ready mobility solutions.

The pioneering electric aerial taxi flight departed from the Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham and landed 17 minutes later at Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central). Coinciding with the Dubai Airshow 2025, the operation also makes Joby the first company worldwide to fly a crewed eVTOL aircraft between two separate locations in the UAE, according to a WAM report. This milestone places Dubai squarely at the forefront of the race to commercialise advanced aerial mobility.

Read more-Abu Dhabi charts the skies: UAE builds global model for air taxi rules

Adding momentum to the achievement, RTA announced major progress on the infrastructure required to support aerial taxi operations. Skyports Infrastructure, a UK-based company specialising in advanced aerial mobility facilities, has completed 60 per cent of the construction of the first eVTOL vertiport in the Emirate, located near Dubai International Airport (DXB). This vertiport, which has now reached its highest structural point, is the first of its kind globally and will serve as a cornerstone of Dubai’s aerial mobility network.

The vertiport spans four floors and covers a total area of 3,100 square meters.

It includes multiple vehicle parking levels, take-off and landing pads, designated zones for charging and taxi parking, and fully air-conditioned passenger facilities. Designed to international safety standards, the vertiport is projected to handle approximately 42,000 aerial taxi landings annually and accommodate around 170,000 passengers per year. Skyports Infrastructure will lead design, construction, and operations, while RTA will govern overall system integration.

To expand this network, RTA has also signed agreements with Emaar Properties, Atlantis The Royal, and Wasl Asset Management Group to create additional vertiports embedded within their real estate developments. These strategic locations will form four interconnected hubs, shaping the launch network planned for 2026.

Dubai leadership charts a vision for the future of mobility

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, described the successful first crewed eVTOL flight as a landmark moment in Dubai’s ongoing pursuit of transport innovation. He emphasised that the achievement reflects the forward-thinking vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed’s goal is to position Dubai as the world’s best city in quality of life and the most prepared for the smart, sustainable mobility systems of the future.

Al Tayer further highlighted that the milestone is aligned with the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Sheikh Hamdan’s focus on innovation and advanced technological adoption is central to establishing Dubai as a global leader in mobility solutions designed to serve humanity.

According to Al Tayer, Joby Aviation’s successful flight between two distinct points validates the strength of RTA’s operational framework for aerial mobility and proves the system’s readiness to operate in shared airspace. He said this accomplishment will initiate a new phase of integration between smart mobility systems across the emirate and reinforce the trust of global partners in Dubai’s regulatory and technological environment.

Infrastructure progress expands connectivity vision

In addition to the progress on the primary vertiport, Al Tayer noted the importance of the three new agreements that will further expand Dubai’s network of vertiports. He said this coordinated expansion will enable exceptional air mobility services for residents and visitors, while enhancing connectivity between business districts, key urban areas, tourist landmarks, and high-traffic zones.

He added that Dubai’s infrastructure and regulatory readiness, developed through close collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), and Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS), make the emirate well-positioned to adopt aerial mobility technologies at scale. These collective efforts lay the foundation for the commercial launch of aerial taxi services in 2026.

The system is expected to transform travel efficiency. For example, the typical 45-minute road journey from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah could be completed in about 10 minutes via aerial taxi. Al Tayer emphasised that the new service will integrate seamlessly with current public transport modes and individual mobility solutions such as electric scooters and bicycles, delivering a smooth multimodal experience for commuters.

“RTA is steadily progressing towards the commercial launch of the aerial taxi service in 2026,” he said. “This solidifies Dubai’s position as the city of the future and a global hub for innovative and sustainable urban mobility solutions.”

Joby Aviation advances towards passenger flights in 2026

Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt praised the collaborative environment in Dubai, stating that the company is making strong progress across all aspects of its development, from flight demonstrations to infrastructure readiness. He attributed this momentum to the close cooperation between Joby, RTA, government agencies, and infrastructure partners.

Bevirt described the Dubai initiative as key to realising the broader vision of making urban air transport a part of everyday life. He said the team is “closer than ever” to enabling residents and visitors across the UAE to experience advanced aerial mobility.

Joby’s eVTOL aircraft features six rotors, four battery packs, and is capable of a range of up to 160 kilometres. With a top speed of 320 kilometres per hour, the aircraft operates on electric power and produces no harmful emissions. Its quiet operation, significantly quieter than conventional helicopters, makes it ideal for urban environments. The aerial taxi can carry four passengers along with a pilot, delivering reliable and comfortable air travel with vertical take-off and landing capabilities that reduce space requirements at stations.

Joby Aviation continues to accelerate its flight testing and operational evaluations in Dubai. Earlier testing phases took place in Margham, where the company conducted a series of crewed eVTOL flights. These tests were performed in partnership with RTA, the DCAA, GCAA, and DANS, ensuring that evaluations reflected Dubai’s unique environmental conditions.

Heat, wind, and other local climate factors remain essential variables in certifying the aircraft for regional operations. The results of these tests confirmed the aerial taxi’s performance capabilities and strengthened the roadmap for full commercial deployment.

The company has planned a regular schedule of additional trials and public demonstrations leading up to 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to be the first city globally to make advanced aerial mobility a reality.

Building the foundation for the 2026 route network

The vertiport network under construction will form the backbone of Dubai’s 2026 aerial taxi launch. In addition to the flagship vertiport near DXB, three additional vertiports will be built in partnership with major Dubai developers.

A vertiport located at the Zabeel Dubai Mall parking area, managed by Emaar Properties, will support the world’s leading shopping and entertainment destination, which attracted nearly 111 million visitors in 2024. Designed to integrate seamlessly into Dubai Mall’s high-volume traffic flow, the vertiport will provide direct links to iconic destinations such as the Burj Khalifa.

The second vertiport will be developed at Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah. Positioned at one of Dubai’s most recognisable hospitality landmarks, this location provides immediate access to beachfront destinations, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the Palm Jumeirah district.

The third vertiport will be built at the American University in Dubai parking area in Dubai Marina, under Wasl Asset Management Group. With its close proximity to Dubai Internet City and several residential and commercial zones, this vertiport will connect a major entertainment and residential hub to key economic districts.

Together, these vertiports will establish a citywide network capable of supporting fast, quiet, zero-emission aerial taxi travel, creating a foundational route map for the 2026 launch.

Dubai is a magnet for founders. Ask any entrepreneur why they chose this city, and you’ll hear the same words: opportunity, access, ambition. With its transparent regulations, world-class infrastructure, and gateway to regional markets, Dubai is built for business.

But here’s the twist: while the runway is long, many international ventures still stall before take-off. The reason? It’s not the market; it’s the model.

Vision versus structure

Founders who land in Dubai are often visionaries. They’re brilliant at spotting opportunity, building relationships, and moving fast. That energy drives market entry, but it doesn’t always sustain growth.

We’ve seen it time and again. A promising startup enters the market with momentum, only to run out of cash within 18 months due to poor forecasting. Foreign founders build strong local partnerships but get tripped up by VAT, licensing, or compliance issues.

Professional services firms launch at speed but struggle to scale because the systems they need aren’t in place. These aren’t failures of ambition — they’re failures of structure.

Dubai doesn’t reject these businesses. They arrive with vision — but without the operational backbone to support it.

In international markets, a scale-up might hire a CFO or COO early to embed financial discipline. In Dubai, however, many founders delay these hires due to the associated costs. Others try to copy-paste HQ processes — only to find they don’t translate locally.

This mismatch explains why so many international startups quietly exit the market after two or three years. They didn’t lack opportunity; they lacked the right operating model for this environment.

Enter fractional leadership

Until recently, part-time or fractional leadership wasn’t even an option in the UAE. Visa rules required full-time employment. But that changed with freelance licensing, long-term residency programmes, and the Golden Visa.

Now, founders can access senior finance, operations, or strategy professionals on a fractional basis — bringing in the expertise they need without the full-time overhead. This isn’t just cost-cutting. It’s a structural shift. It enables founders to operate as if they have a full C-suite from day one, scaling to match their growth curve.

Fractional leadership brings calm, clarity, and credibility — exactly when founders need it most.

The numbers don’t lie

According to the World Union of Arab Bankers, 94 per cent of Dubai companies are SMEs, employing 86 per cent of the private workforce. In 2024, new business licenses rose by 25 per cent, driven by tech and professional services. But survival rates lag behind ambition. A significant percentage of international entrants fold within 36 months.

The gap isn’t market access. It’s execution. And execution requires systems, not just vision.

If you’re entering Dubai — or already scaling here and scaling — don’t mistake a friendly market for guaranteed success. The UAE is uniquely welcoming to entrepreneurs, but that welcome doesn’t replace the need for strong foundations.

Fractional leadership gives founders the ability to import expertise without importing fixed costs. It’s a model that reflects Dubai itself: flexible, fast-moving, and built for growth.

Zaid Aboobaker is the founder and CEO of CompassPoint Consulting.

Across much of the world, a quiet crisis is unfolding. Countries are struggling to equip their young people with the skills needed to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced engineering. Employers cite talent shortages in critical sectors, while universities report a decline in interest in core scientific disciplines.

As the OECD notes, “today’s education systems were established more than a century ago and were not designed to develop the knowledge and skills required for 21st-century life.”

The consequences are already evident. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), 63 per cent of employers identify skills gaps as the most significant barrier to business transformation, and less than half believe current education systems are preparing talent for the future.

This is not just an economic problem. It is a strategic one. Countries like the UAE are prioritisng the development of a generation of local talent primed to lead in high-impact fields. Without more substantial alignment between education and workforce needs, nations risk falling short of their ambitions to become global innovation hubs. Investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is therefore not optional. It is the foundation for economic resilience, technological leadership and long-term sovereignty in critical sectors.

While many governments are still debating how to bridge this skills gap, Abu Dhabi has moved decisively from diagnosis to implementation. The emirate has launched a comprehensive strategy to embed AI across all public services by 2027. Supported by Dhs13bn, the Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy encompasses the deployment of over 200 AI-powered solutions, the complete automation of government processes, and the development of a sovereign cloud infrastructure.

Crucially, it pairs this technological transformation with talent development through programs such as AI for All, ensuring that digital progress is matched by national capability.

This is already visible in the classroom. Across the UAE, students are learning to program autonomous systems, apply machine learning, and experiment with robotics, skills once confined to postgraduate labs. The A2RL STEM Competition, for example, challenges high school and university students to design and code self-driving cars.

The value lies not in the spectacle, but in the steady, structured effort to turn theory into application and curiosity into capability. The UAE is also among the first countries to introduce AI as a formal subject to its national curriculum, from kindergarten through to Grade 12, ensuring every student graduates with a foundational understanding of emerging technologies and the confidence to apply them.

Global labor trends underscore the urgency of this effort. The WEF’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that AI will displace 92 million jobs globally, while creating 170 million new ones — many in roles such as AI and machine learning specialists, autonomous vehicle engineers, and data analysts.

The objective, therefore, is not simply to produce more coders or engineers, but to cultivate a generation that can think computationally, navigate complexity, and adapt to technologies that have yet to be invented. Abu Dhabi’s focus on STEM education and applied research reflects this shift from short-term training to long-term capability building.

That shift is also reflected in the data. UNESCO reports that over 30 per cent of UAE graduates are earning degrees in STEM fields. More strikingly, 61 per cent of those graduates are women, compared to 57 per cent across the rest of the Arab world. This progress underscores how a well-designed education strategy can advance both competitiveness and inclusion.

To build an actual knowledge economy, education systems must do more than deliver qualifications. They must reward experimentation, foster critical thinking and connect learning to real-world challenges. That means equipping students not only with technical skills, but with the mindset to question, adapt and lead.

STEM is not a quick fix, but it is a reliable foundation. Economies that invest in it gain more than skilled workers; they create ecosystems where knowledge drives innovation, and innovation promotes enterprise. In Abu Dhabi, this alignment is becoming increasingly visible in efforts to accelerate the commercialization of research. The aim is to transform scientific discoveries into technologies, startups, and intellectual property that directly contribute to growth. This is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the economy by ensuring that research does not remain in the lab, but reaches the market through local talent and national infrastructure.

The next breakthrough in energy, healthcare or mobility may well come from this region. Not by chance, but by design, through sustained investment in the people and ideas that will define the future.

Dr Mae Almansoori is director of R&D Talent Enablement at the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).

Indian influence runs through every major sector — from healthcare and education to construction, retail, finance, and technology. Indian-founded and led enterprises have become powerhouses, shaping industries and creating thousands of jobs.

In this special feature, Gulf Business presents 100 of the most recognised Indian business leaders in the UAE and beyond: an alphabetical showcase of visionaries whose innovation and leadership continue to define the business landscape. The list celebrates achievements across economic contribution, influence, expansion, and community impact.