This Friday, we dive into the cultural aspect of private markets in the GCC region. Obediah Ayton is a great source of private markets insights, especially one about family offices. We appreciate this post on Sadaaka, which broadly means a deep sense of friendship, kindness, and generosity. The word's roots, s-d-q are found in many Arabic words, all with related meanings to emphasize trust and compassion. More broadly, the region's investor community shares a sense of national and regional pride, which forms the basis of any professional or personal relationship. Startups and venture funds are often attracted to the region due to its perceived promise of the abundance of capital. What is often missed, is the sophisticated cultural nuances that surround business there. Relationships are more than just financially beneficial transactions, and the more one understands and incorporates this truth, the further they can get in the region. At HKMC, we continue to increase our own understanding the region, while also building bridges with incredible organizations and individuals there. #GCC #UAE #saudiarabia #qatar #bahrain #oman #venturecapital #startups #privatemarkets
Dhabi Hold Co | Family Office | UAE Top 50 Most Connected | Capital Raising | Chairman Family Office Summit
Forget ROI, EBITDA, and Multiples; in the UAE, Family Offices value something more fundamental—"Sadaaka". But what exactly is Sadaaka?👇 Derived from the Arabic word for friendship, Sadaaka comes from three letters: sad, dal, and qaf. It's more than just camaraderie; it embodies trust, mutual respect, loyalty, and a deep, supportive bond. In the UAE, growth trends often point upward, and much of this progress is rooted in Sadaaka among Family Offices. These families reach shared goals by fostering close-knit relationships, grounded in respect and mutual support, driving not only their success but also that of the entire UAE. When visiting the UAE, it’s essential to understand that business moves differently here. Decisions might take longer, and meetings might feel unfamiliar because a level of Sadaaka—a foundation of trust—must be established before any agreements are signed. Unlike the tech exit windfalls or financial empires seen elsewhere, Family Offices in the UAE were built by developing foundational industries that hold the nation’s reputation. These families pioneered sectors like food, automotive, and healthcare, bearing the responsibility of building the UAE’s economy. Success was not merely personal—it was essential for the country’s survival. And, more often than not, this was accomplished without external support. To UAE families, national progress and family honor outweigh any financial gain. So presenting a cutting-edge technology or impressive ROI isn’t enough to ensure a warm reception here. Loyalty to the UAE and a commitment to family relationships take precedence. "Success will follow loyalty, and ROI will flow from friendship" Building a nation required these families to unite and trust one another in ways few outsiders might grasp. So if you’re looking for an investment or partnership, understand that a track record of exits or a stellar ROI isn’t the only—or even the most important—factor. There are many words that stem from the same root as Sadaaka, each carrying values of honesty, loyalty, and enduring respect. These values define the business culture among UAE Family Offices. So if you want a chance of succeeding with a local Family Office, you might want to start with a Sadaaka mindset. Family Office Summit Abu Dhabi 4th December might be a good place to start!! Sign Up Here: www.familyofficesummit.ae See you at work on Monday! #FamilyOffice
