Growing family businesses need to create new governance structures to ensure the alignment of family expectations with the needs of the business, as well as accountability. As the family and business mature, and ownership/management functions are separated, the role of the family is increasingly one of governance.

Very little has been written about women business leaders in the Middle East. Fatima Al Jaber is the Chief Operating Officer of a multibillion-dollar family owned company in Abu Dhabi. The case traces her personal history, highlights the challenges faced by family businesses in the region, and focuses on the distinctive strengths and leadership styles of Muslim businesswomen.