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
Yogesh Huja
1mo
People shouldn't be surprised to know that these birds in front might be costlier than the 2 behind. That's UAE 🚀 Royal DNA. So think big & act bigger. #BeAHawk
Very well explained, Obediah. Sadaaka is so essential, it's like the mortar that keeps bricks together. Without sadaaka, a resilient and lasting community can't build up, and the same goes for business relations. Living in the EastMed and the Middle East since 40 years I can only confirm that, and do deeply respect and adore the principle of sadaaka, as it is grounded on humanist qualities rather than commercial figures. The meaning of sadaaka - loyalty - comprises every action, stance, attitude and behaviour that makes up loyalty. Sadaaka, loyalty in its widest sense is what makes a person a respected person.
Maurice Muk
1mo
Obediah Ayton Sadaaka’s one of the elements of the business concept in the GCC. You forgot to mention « The Tradition ». Today it’s very difficult for someone who didn’t understood the concept of business tradition in the GCC, it will take more time for him to structure something right. Sadaaka’s only one of the elements inside te traditional lifestyle in the GCC. The change is that, today behind of a family offices Sadaaka, is to have perpetual revenue for their foundations, that I believe will help to move on. Some of Sadaaka can be really huge, that’s why we innovated by proposing type of Waqf Sukuk that will allow some of family offices to give gifts to foundation to survive by themselves after we structured and issue Waqf Sukuk for them. It’s a very important and interesting ideas 💡 that The Islamic ReUssir Fund is doing. Come hear 👂 from us on #AAOIFI event in #Bahrain to understand more. In our fund, we Use The Technology in the Purpose of the Traditional Islamic finance industry Growth.
One of my brothers was selling his car and knew there was an issue. Rather than disguise for a quick sale, he carried out the repair and as a consequence, on several properties I've sold, I've ensured that any issues are resolved prior to completion. I haven't lost financially, I've gained peace of mind and suspect this is the essence of your message Obediah Ayton
Anushka M.
1mo
Love the Middle Eastern idea of emphasis on relationships first.
Franck Ardourel
1mo
Having worked as a CMO for Knowledge Group under the leadership of CEO Ahmad Badr, as part of NEMA Holding, and Chairman Dr. Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Aldhaheri, I anticipated an experience deeply rooted in the UAE's family-oriented values and the principle of Sadaaka—charity, integrity, and support. However, my experience diverged significantly from this expectation. The focus was almost exclusively on EBITDA, with little to no regard for the values like Sadaaka. From my perspective, there was an absence of respect, honesty, and trust. Sdaaka principles are crucial for financial success and building an ethical workplace that fosters long-term growth. Since moving to the UAE, my hope was to contribute to and be part of an organization that upheld these values. Unfortunately, my experience was one of disappointment due to a perceived environment of self-interest, hypocrisy, and a lack of transparency and respect. While EBITDA remains an essential financial metric, I firmly believe that true growth comes from building and nurturing a culture rooted in mutual respect, integrity, and service—a “code of honor” that prioritizes people. #Badr #Aldhaheri #AliSaeedBinHarmalAldhaheri
Xiaoyan Zheng
1mo
Aprofundar-se no conceito de “Sadaaka” revela não apenas a essência das relações de negócios nos Emirados Árabes Unidos, mas também a beleza de como laços de confiança e lealdade moldam um ambiente onde o verdadeiro sucesso transcende ganhos financeiros, promovendo um espírito comunitário que é fundamental para o progresso nacional.
What a great post. Im forever telling others how the GCC holds values differently to the rest of the world. We work on respect, etiquette and honour. Thanks for sharing 😁
CEO, Government representative, Legal Adviser
1moThe UAE’s business landscape, particularly among Family Offices, is uniquely shaped by the concept of Sadaaka, where trust, loyalty, and mutual respect are paramount. Unlike other regions, where ROI and rapid financial returns dominate, here, success is about fostering deep, reliable relationships that transcend short-term gains. The values embedded in Sadaaka have enabled UAE family businesses to pioneer essential industries and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy, building a legacy rooted in loyalty and national pride. For those looking to engage with UAE Family Offices, understanding this culture is essential. A successful partnership is grounded in more than just numbers—it’s about showing dedication, trustworthiness, and a commitment to shared goals. The upcoming Family Office Summit in Abu Dhabi on December 4th offers a valuable opportunity for building these connections. Embracing the Sadaaka mindset will not only pave the way for collaboration but also deepen the bonds that underpin long-term success in the UAE.