The 1st Global Franchise Market to Host Over 100 Companies

INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding, along with Franchise Souq, a specialized company in the marketing rights and franchise labels, announced today during a press conference the agenda of The Global Franchise Market (TGFM) Conference & Exhibition. The event is privileged with the patronage of H.E. Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, UAE, and it will take place on the 14th and 15th of November 2016, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The announcement came at a press conference held today at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, which was presided by Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, Mr. Jassim Al Bastaki, CEO of Franchise Souq, and Ms. Jameela Ahmed Kajoor, Director of SMEs Support Department, Ajman Chamber, and Mr. Mahir Julfar, Vice President Commercial at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Speaking at the press conference, Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding said: “The Global Franchise Market is considered the official franchise conference and exhibition to be held in the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. We are expecting a great success for this event as it will provide a key platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between franchisees and investors who are still looking to start up their businesses.”

Eng. Anas Al Madani continued on saying: “It is evident that the franchise industry in the Middle East is booming based on the increased number of local and regional brands that are becoming very popular and also the huge number of international franchises that are expanding in the region. Sure enough, current investments in franchising has come second after real estate in importance. The region’s growing population with the high disposable income and great affinity for luxury goods encourages international companies to establish their brands in the region.”

Eng. Anas Al Madani concluded: “The 1st Global Franchise Market will host more than 100 companies from over 80 countries. The exhibition will also play host to a number of pavilions that will include the Turkish pavilion and Ajman pavilion.”

From his side, Mr. Jassim Al Bastaki, CEO, Franchise Souq and The Global Franchise Market co-founder, said: “The patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Economy for TGFM reflects the great support of the UAE government to encourage the Emirati businessmen and youth who are looking to start and expand their businesses, and to boost the SME sector as well. It also fosters the right environment to encourage local businesses to franchise their brands globally, and to lure international brands looking for franchisees to the local market.”

He continued on saying: “The economic growth and development that the UAE is witnessing - from the expanding infrastructure to the increasing number of shopping malls and mega entertainment projects, encourages international franchisors to invest and expand in the local market. The Global Franchise Market will be the hub that will connect franchisors, franchisees, services providers, and suppliers.”

Mr. Jassim Al Bastaki added: “Through partnering with INDEX Conferences & Exhibition, part of INDEX Holding, and Francorp Middle East, the leading franchise consulting firm, we look forward to make this event the official and leading franchising conference and exhibition in in the region.”

From her side, Ms. Jameela Ahmed Kajoor, Director of SMEs Support Department, Ajman Chamber said: “The participation of Ajman Chamber in TGFM 2016 comes as a firm confirmation of its commitment to develop the franchising sector and to further support its growth in the UAE. TGFM 2016 comes as the ultimate platform where brand-owners looking to franchising their brands meetup with franchisees looking for top brands to franchise.”

She added: “Ajman Chamber is keen to participate in major franchise events; both locally and internationally. We seek to strengthen our domestic and international partnerships with consulting firms and specialists in the franchise sector. By doing so, we aim to embed the culture of franchising in the minds of young businessmen and businesswomen. By far, franchising has a high possibility of success for those seeking to enter this lucrative sector, and for those looking to promote their brands as well.”

She concluded: “There is no doubt that the new SME and Franchising Dept., which Ajman Chamber launched recently, will strengthen the role of the chamber in supporting this sector and its development. It will also allow for organizing more events focusing on developing and sustaining the franchise sector.”

"Dubai World Trade Centre is delighted to host the first edition of The Global Franchise Market Conference and Exhibition at the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre. DWTC's legacy as a key driver of economic growth is the result of its role as a platform that facilitates business expansion by connecting people from around the world. Against the backdrop of a burgeoning SME sector, DWTC is proud to support an initiative that will add further impetus to young entrepreneurs and businesses in the region," said Mahir Julfar, Vice President Commercial at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Running parallel to the exhibition, The Global Franchise Market Conference will host a number of world – renowned speakers and international experts in the franchise industry to discuss topics like Women in Franchising, How to Choose the Right Franchise, How to Franchise Your Business, What You Need to Know Before You Expand Internationally, Current Day Challenges in Franchise Sales, The Franchise Legal System, and many more.

The Global Franchise Market (TGFM) Conference & Exhibition will be organized annually by INDEX Conference and Exhibition and with the sponsorship and support of Franchise Souq and The Francorp Middle East, the world's leading franchise consulting firm.