This article was originally drafted and published in early 2020 by the International Lawyers Network (ILN). It formed part of a coordinated series of contributions by ILN member firms examining, from a legal perspective, whether the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis could constitute a force majeure event in their respective jurisdictions. You can see the original paper here.

Our Managing Partner, Ziad Salloum, had the pleasure of joining Forum Radio for a layered and wide-ranging conversation with author Jessica Fellowes.

They explored the intersections of law, leadership, photography, play, swords, and life in the UAE, and reflected on the country’s evolving role in today’s shifting global landscape.

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In his article for CampdenFB, Ziad Salloum explores how fear and avoidance often undermine family business succession across the Gulf, where most firms still lack formal transition plans. He describes how emotional and cultural barriers—such as fear of death, loss of control, or family conflict—can derail even well-intentioned strategies. Ziad argues that families must acknowledge and manage these fears through open dialogue and structured planning to ensure smooth, lasting transitions.