Family firm finance research in the MENA region: a bibliometric analysis

Purpose This study maps the development and structure of family firm finance research in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on its financial themes, theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and geographical patterns. Design/methodology/approach A bibliometric analysis of 116 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2008 and 2025 was conducted. Bibliometrix and VOSviewer were used to analyze scientific production, contributors, keywords, co-occurrence networks, thematic clusters, and research trends. Findings Research has expanded considerably in recent years but remains geographically concentrated. Financial governance and financial performance dominate the literature, whereas investment, cash-holding, and particularly dividend policies remain underexplored. Quantitative methods prevail, while Socioemotional Wealth, Agency, and Institutional theories constitute the main theoretical foundations. The Journal of Family Business Management emerges as the most relevant journal in the field. The analysis also reveals geographical differences in research themes and methodological approaches across the MENA region. Practical implications The findings identify specific research and policy priorities, including financing constraints facing family-owned SMEs, governance and minority shareholder protection, and the need for greater attention to investment, liquidity, and payout decisions. Originality/value This study provides a bibliometric mapping of MENA family firm finance and identifies imbalances in its geographical, thematic, methodological, and theoretical development.