.jpg?20260316')
Two prominent Bahraini family businesses have been recognised in Forbes Middle East’s prestigious ranking of the Top Arab Family Businesses for 2025.
YK Almoayyed & Sons, chaired by Mohammed Farouk Almoayyed, secures the 65th position. Established in 1940, the diversified group operates across key sectors including automobiles (representing brands like Nissan, Ford, and Renault), electronics (Sony, Panasonic), home appliances, heavy equipment (Komatsu), and industrial building systems.
Demonstrating their forward-thinking approach, YK Almoayyed & Sons launched the Nissan Business Suite for fleet customers in October 2024. Further strengthening their capabilities, their contracting division partnered with Nesma United Industries in June 2024 to establish Nesma Almoayyed.
Following closely in 76th place is Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group (YBA Kanoo), under the chairmanship of Khalid Mohamed Kanoo. With a rich history dating back to 1890 when it began as a single trading operation, YBA Kanoo has grown into a multinational conglomerate spanning Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar, with strategic joint ventures extending into Africa, Europe, and Asia.
The group’s diverse operations encompass seven key units: Global Investments, Ventures, Travel, Real Estate, and Shipping. Recent strategic initiatives include Kanoo Ventures’ collaboration with Singapore’s Whampoa Group in September 2024 to develop Digital Singapore Gulf Bank, and Kanoo Real Estate’s partnership with Rafal in November 2024 for a significant $133.3 million residential project in Riyadh.
The significant presence of long-established family businesses, some with roots in the 19th century, highlights their remarkable resilience and adaptability within evolving economic landscapes.
The inclusion of newer entities, often emerging from strategic mergers or spin-offs, further underscores the dynamic nature of family enterprise in the Arab world. Ultimately, the ‘Top Arab Family Businesses 2025’ list showcases the enduring influence and crucial role these enterprises play as economic and social pillars across the Middle East, deeply interwoven with the region’s cultural heritage and historical legacy, and increasingly embracing innovation and sustainability.
avinash@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))