Leading brands, investors, entrepreneurs and franchisees from the UAE and across the globe are discussing ways to help facilitate new franchise opportunities and partnerships at the ongoing 4th edition of The Global Franchise Market, being held in Dubai, UAE.

Under the patronage of Dubai Economy, Sami Al Qamzi, director general of Dubai Economy, officially opened the two-day event at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Following the official opening ceremony, Al Qamzi accompanied by a high-level delegation toured the exhibition area where they were briefed about the new and unique concepts and the most promising business opportunities for franchisors, who aim to expand their footprint in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.

Sami Al Qamzi, director general of Dubai Economy, said: “The event is a valuable opportunity to connect with regional and international experts in franchising and learn about the most popular brands as well as associated franchise opportunities.”

“Even when the UAE, and Dubai in particular, have a high concentration of globally reputed brands, vast opportunities still remain for franchisors, investors, entrepreneurs and established businesses to leverage franchising as a model for sustainable business growth in the UAE and expand to neighbouring markets,” he said.

Al Qamzi added: “The diverse and growing population in the UAE and their high purchasing power are especially attractive for franchisee businesses. The UAE ranked first in the Middle East and second in the world in attracting new brands in 2018 while Dubai remained the number one market in the world for international retailer presence.”

On his part, Jassim Al Bastaki, CEO, Franchise Souq, said: “The event is the official franchise event in Dubai and it is certainly one of the most important events related to franchising in the Middle East region.”

“This event provides lucrative business opportunities for investors to come and select the perfect brand that defines their business while also giving brands a unique opportunity to promote themselves in the local UAE market,” he said.

Al Bastaki continued: “Dubai is indeed a perfect franchise destination as it reflects the right ecosystem conducive for investment, including an efficient environment for doing business and helpful laws and regulations for businesses to set up shop. Moreover, with a consistent rise in the number of shopping malls, retail outlets and business districts, Dubai is surely drawing more franchise brands and concepts to the UAE, which is strengthening the local franchise market.”

“While the franchise economy model is clearly the way forward, recently a new trend ‘Manchise’ is taking shape in the franchising world, which comprises ‘management’ and ‘franchise’ elements and is truly helpful for those investors who have the perfect brand at their disposal but face difficulties managing it,” he added.

“Additionally, one more trend which is being steadily witnessed in the franchise industry is a new shift from the traditionally rich F&B sector to the hospitality and healthcare sector. While Dubai presents many franchise opportunities in the hotel industry, witnessing a rise in the number of hotels seeking to franchise their brands, we are also witnessing a spike in franchise opportunities in the healthcare sector particularly, hospitals and pharmacies,” Al Bastaki added.

On the occasion, Engineer Anas Al Madani, vice chairman and Group CEO of Index Holding, said: “With Expo 2020 Dubai inching closer and Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 diversification plans gathering pace and fostering investment in the country, the UAE is certainly one of the leading franchise destinations in the Middle East, offering lucrative business opportunities for franchisors and investors.”

“Additionally, the concentration of high net-worth individuals, rising consumer spending and new policy changes to set up businesses such as the waiver of fees for entrepreneurs are the key driving factors, spurring the UAE as a premier business hub in the region,” he said.

Al Madani continued: “As franchise business model gains a foothold in the UAE and more and more franchise brands set up shop in the region, we strongly believe TGFM is a significant platform for local and international brands to gain visibility, showcase their new business concepts and engage with investors, franchisees, SMEs and entrepreneurs.”

“Introduced for the first time at TGFM, we believe the Franchise Business Hub will truly serve as a dedicated B2B platform, offering face to face meeting opportunities and benefiting franchisors, franchisees, investors and entrepreneurs to explore business expansion plans in the Middle East and the region,” he added.

TGFM is expected to draw nearly 1600 investors and franchisees and is featuring the participation of 80 leading brands from a range of industries and sectors including F & B, Services, Health & Beauty, Education and Retail.

As a testament to its growing popularity, TGFM, this year featured the participation of three new countries including Croatia, Latvia and Estonia who are showcasing their top franchise brands and services while also witnessing the presence of three franchise pavilions represented by World Franchise Associates, Franchise Pool International and Francorp Baltic.

The Global Franchise Market (TGFM) is organised annually by Index Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of Index Holding with the support of Ministry of Economy – National Program for Small and Medium Enterprises and Projects and with the strategic partnership of Franchise Souq and Francorp Middle East as Platinum Sponsor, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service