Dubai royal scraps HK family office plans after media scrutiny, source says

Sheikh Ali Rashed Ali Saeed Al Maktoum, a member of Dubai's ruling family, cancelled plans to establish a family office in Hong Kong following concerns from the Dubai royal family over local media coverage questioning his royal status. The incident, which occurred in 2024, was described by the Hong Kong-Middle East Business Chamber’s Aaron Shum as stemming from misreporting that triggered internal family alarm. Shum said the decision was not made by the Sheikh alone but collectively by the royal family. He added that the case may have discouraged other Middle Eastern royals from investing in Hong Kong. Cultural and lifestyle differences were also cited as barriers, with calls for the government to boost outreach and improve business ties with the region.