Knowledge Center

Our Thought Leaderhip

At MEIoD we try to share knowledge and best practices related to corporate governance as much as possible. Below are insights on some of the key questions we get asked.

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Boards of Directors in the GCC: Navigating the Aging Boards Issue

As the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rapidly expand, boards of directors have an increasingly important role in ensuring that businesses are properly governed and run efficiently and effectively. However, with aging boards of directors comes a number of challenges—in particular, the need to plan for future succession and how to ensure that board chairs have the right skillset for each type of organization. In this article, we will explore the issue of aging boards in the GCC, and examine how organizations can best navigate this issue. We will discuss some potential solutions for addressing these challenges, such as encouraging mentorship programs and using technology to streamline board operations.

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How governance legislation in Abu Dhabi has affected family-owned businesses.

In this article we look at the family business legislation enacted by Abu Dhabi at the beginning of 2022, and how it affects the management of such businesses within the Emirate.

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3 ways that corporate governance is crucial to sustaining family businesses.

In this article we’ll explore how implementing effective corporate governance is of particular importance in protecting family-owned businesses and ensuring their longevity.

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Updates on Corporate Governance in the Middle East – April 2023

​​​​​​​We know that effective corporate governance is essential, not only for the success of a business but also for a powerful economic system. We believe that corporate governance is a vital element to invest in and take seriously, both in terms of the regulations put in place and how companies are managed. In this article, we’ll draw on our experience across the region and provide updates on regulatory changes to detail how corporate governance can be implemented successfully. Our goal is to provide you with insight that you can use to build strong businesses and protect yourself from potential foreseeable risks. We’re passionate about leading the way with corporate governance in the Middle East – let’s explore this together!

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The Shape of Corporate Governance in 2023

After a challenging few years, as we enter 2023 the outlook for businesses in the Middle East is more optimistic. Focusing specifically on corporate governance, there are a number of developments that look set to further align business practices in the region with global norms and lay the foundation for sustained growth and success. We’ve looked at four specific areas of change which we think will have the greatest positive effect on the state of corporate governance across GCC countries in the coming months.

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Role of CFO in the boardroom

Antonio Chedrawy, CFO - Credit Risk Management and Growing Markets at Omnicom Media Group (MENA), brings his 20 years of hands-on experience to a discussion of the strategic relationship between the board and the CFO. He emphasizes the need for dynamic, proactive CFOs capable of acting as catalysts within their companies.

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What’s on the boardroom agenda in 2021?

After the disruption of the last 12 months, we’ve looked at how forward-thinking boards in the region are responding to the challenges posed by the “new normal”

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Getting started with governance: a guide for SMEs

In this article, we look at a number of practical steps which SMEs in the Middle East can take as they start on the path to implementing corporate governance within their business.

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The value of governance for SMEs

In this article, we look at what corporate governance means for SME owners and the various ways in which it can benefit them, regardless of the stage of development of their business.

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How do you tell if someone is qualified to sit in the boardroom?

The question of whether board membership should be viewed as a profession in the same way as law, finance, or medicine, and therefore require the awarding of qualifications by an independent body, is a subject of current global debate.

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The key drivers of effective corporate governance

Corporate governance is wide ranging in its impact - but what are the core principles that organizations need to focus on as a foundation?

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What does it take to excel in the boardroom?

What makes a successful board member? In this article we look at the qualities, qualifications and experience that help both current and prospective board members excel in their role.

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Corporate culture and the role of the board

Why is culture important at the board level, and what are the building blocks of a culture which drives performance and success?

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5 ESG trends that should be on your radar

ESG will be a priority for boards across the region. In this article, we explore 5 areas of particular importance, and advise how boards can capitalize on these trends.

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Is it acceptable for a CEO to also be Chairperson?

It is still common globally for business leaders to be both CEO and Chairperson of the same company, although there is a trend towards separation. In 2016, just over 50% of companies in the S&P 500 Index were led by a dual Chairperson / CEO, down from 77% in 2001.

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A Look At Corporate Governance In The Context Of COVID-19

How could have corporate governance minimized the impact of COVID-19 on businesses.

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Resources

Here are some resources that we think you may find useful.

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IFC Corporate Governance Resources

An overview of corporate governance with the IFC including the IFC methodology, and additional resources that organizations might find useful.

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OECD Corporate Governance Guidelines

OECD provides a lot of guidance on corporate governance through various resources such as its corporate governance principles, corporate governance for state owned enterprises etc,

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5 Key Elements of Corporate Governance

An infographic that highlights some of the critical components of corporate governance

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5 Benefits of Corporate Governance

This is an infographic that summarizes the key benefits of corporate governance