The 4th edition of Middle East Franchise Expo to bring many high net worth investors and franchisors

The Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association, (MENAFA), a member of Dubai Association Centre announced the 4th edition of The Middle East Franchise Expo - the region’s premier franchising event, to be held at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE on 18th and 19th October 2017.

The premier event is held under the patronage of MENAFA Honorary Chairman His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud Al-Saud and supported by Dubai Association Center, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dubai Tourism and Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Showcasing local and international brands and products and services of over 80 companies, the two-day event will also cover workshops and seminars offering insights on legal, financial and entrepreneurial aspects. In addition, the annual franchise event will also offer networking opportunities and meet-the-buyer meetings.

“The global franchising industry is set for a steady growth, and the market in the Middle East and North Africa is rapidly maturing too. The franchising industry in the GCC is a $30 billion franchise economy, with UAE alone commanding $18 billion growing annually at the rate of 35%. UAE is the second most popular country and with the increasing investment towards infrastructure projects and upcoming Expo2020, it will see a further surge in economic activity,” said Dr. Khalid Alsharfa, Chairman of MENAFA.

“The UAE is home to several international brands, all major significant brands. The UAE not only has strong expat resident community but also a major tourist destination, attracting more than 15 million people in 2016 alone. This thriving market calls for best practices and encourages demand for novel concepts,” added Dr. Khalid Alsharfa.

It has been noted that a growing number of international brands are expanding in the region through their franchise partners, with the UAE and the rest of the Middle East and African countries as their key targets. Major global companies have already established their market footprint in the region to take advantage of its booming population with high disposable income and growing affinity for luxury goods. Similarly, many local franchise brands are also now setting their eyes on the international market.

With the franchising industry witnessing a surge, The Middle East Franchise Expo will enable visitors to connect with industry experts, and gain the latest knowledge and source from a range of franchising brands. Ideal for business owners, investors and potential franchisees, entrepreneurs, government organisations interested in supporting SMEs, franchise professionals and franchise service providers, the mega-event will showcase a power-packed Franchise Forum and will conclude with MENA Franchise Awards 2017.

MENAFA has also organised the 4th Middle East Franchise Conference which will run simultaneously with the franchise exhibition. Visitors to the conference will have an opportunity to listen and learn from experienced, world-class speakers and network with franchise experts, all focused on inspiring SMEs to adopt the franchising model of business.

Using a highly successful format, The Middle East Franchise Expo focuses on bringing together many high net worth investors and franchisors interested in building successful international and national networks. A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of The MENA Franchise Awards. The Award is designed to recognise exceptional performance in franchising, with the goal of encouraging operators to raise the bar on service and their offering.

The Award will include 14 award categories namely ‘Best MENA Franchise’, ‘Best MENA Multi-Brand Operator’, ‘Best MENA Franchise Brand’, ‘Best International Franchise Brand’, ‘Best UAE Franchise Brand’, ‘Best Saudi Franchise Brand’, ‘Best Kuwaiti Franchise Brand’, ‘Best Bahraini Franchise Brand’, ‘Best Omani Franchise Brand’, ‘Best MENA Retail Brand’, ‘Best MENA Food Brand’, ‘Best GCC Emerging Brand’, ‘Best Service Brand’ and [Best Education / Childcare Brand’.

“With the franchising industry, there really is something for everyone, whatever your experience or interest. Many people come to see traditional franchise formats in food and beverages, but over time the industry has expanded its presence to several other segments. Some of the unconventional business ideas as education, childcare, healthcare, retail, fashion, consulting have now become major franchise trends,” concluded Dr. Khalid Alsharfa.

The 4th Middle East Franchise Expo will host special panel sessions featuring successful industry experts as Dr. Khalid Alsharfa Chairman of MENAFA, H.E. Atiq Juma Faraj Nasib, Senior Vice President, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ms. Sara Al Madani, Board Member, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Hassan Mechmechani from Vapiano, Mr. Schuyler Reidel from Reidel Law Firm, Ms. Shannon Rogers from Bird & Bird International Law Firm,

Mr. Andrija Colak from Surf'n'Fries, and Mr. Doug Warren from GS Beauty Group Development, discussing what it takes to succeed in franchising. The mega-event will also showcase over 100 brands from varied sectors across the UAE, MENA, Australia, Europe, UK, Russia, US and many other countries, discussing their journeys and reasons behind selecting their chosen franchise businesses.