Family Capital took center stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos 2026, as Khaled Ahmed Sharbatly, Chief Executive Officer of Desert Technologies, participated in a specialized dialogue session exploring how family-owned enterprises can drive systemic economic transformation. The session, held on January 22nd during the 56th Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, brought together international leaders to discuss leveraging family capital as a catalyst for sustainable change.
Desert Technologies, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s global leader in renewable energy and smart infrastructure solutions, holds the distinction of being the first Saudi company to manufacture and export photovoltaic solar panels. Sharbatly’s participation underscored the growing influence of Saudi enterprises in global sustainability dialogues.
The Dialogue Session: From Capital to Catalyst
The session titled “From Capital to Catalyst: Leveraging Family Capital to Drive Systemic Transformation” was organized by the Family Business Network (FBN). Distinguished speakers including Nike Anani and Pauline Borg joined Sharbatly in examining how family-owned businesses can move beyond isolated innovations toward coordinated, systemic change that leverages their unique advantages of trust, resilience, and long-term capital.
The dialogue emphasized that family enterprises possess inherent characteristics that position them uniquely to drive transformative change across sectors and regions. Their ability to maintain long-term vision, combined with values-based decision-making, creates opportunities for sustainable developmental impact that extends beyond traditional business metrics.
Sharbatly’s Vision for Family Capital in Renewable Energy
“Family capital has a real opportunity to move beyond its traditional role as a source of funding to become a catalyst for systemic change, particularly in vital sectors such as renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. By directing investments based on clear values and a long-term vision, business families can play an effective role in accelerating economic transformation and achieving sustainable developmental impact that extends beyond local markets to global influence.”
Khaled Sharbatly, CEO of Desert Technologies
Sharbatly’s remarks highlighted the strategic importance of aligning family capital with sustainability objectives, particularly in sectors critical to global climate goals. His perspective reflects the practical experience of leading a company that has successfully positioned itself at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Global Economic Presence
The participation of Saudi companies in high-level international forums like Davos reflects the Kingdom’s expanding economic influence and the maturation of its private sector. Sharbatly emphasized that such engagement demonstrates the Saudi economy’s growing stature and the national private sector’s commitment to supporting sustainability and innovation goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Vision 2030 has created a framework for private sector growth and international collaboration, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Desert Technologies exemplifies this transformation, having evolved from a domestic manufacturer to an international exporter of solar technology.
The Family Business Network and Future Initiatives
The session was part of a broader series of dialogues organized by the Family Business Network during the World Economic Forum 2026. These discussions aim to explore collaboration opportunities among business families and generate actionable insights for future initiatives. Upcoming FBN events include the Impact Days in Arles, France in May 2026, and the Global Summit in Cologne, Germany in October 2026.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Family Business Network represents more than 4,500 business families from 65 countries, encompassing over 20,000 members across generations. The organization works to empower business families to thrive across generations while building a more sustainable economic future.
The Davos 2026 meeting, held from January 19th to 23rd under the theme “The Spirit of Dialogue,” provided an ideal platform for exploring how family capital can transition from traditional funding mechanisms to becoming powerful catalysts for systemic transformation in the global economy.
