Emirates Franchise Association Organises Forum To Celebrate World Franchise Day And Promote Innovation
The Emirates Franchise Association, linked with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a forum titled "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us" at the Chamber’s headquarters. This event marked World Franchise Day on 11th June. Collaborating with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, it gathered entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from both government and private sectors interested in franchising.
Franchising is experiencing significant growth globally and locally. In the UAE, annual revenues have surpassed AED100 billion with a 15% growth rate. Worldwide, revenues exceed AED6 trillion. The MENA region's market value is over AED120 billion. Globally, more than two million franchisees provide jobs for over 19 million people, highlighting franchising's economic importance.
The forum aimed to increase awareness about franchising's crucial role in supporting national economies and empowering entrepreneurs. Franchising is seen as a sustainable model for SME growth and expanding local brands' reach. Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, highlighted that celebrating World Franchise Day strengthens the sector's position within the UAE's economy.
Noor Al Tamimi stated that franchising offers a practical business growth tool by enabling entrepreneurs to work within an integrated system. This system provides access to knowledge, training, and institutional support. She said, "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally."
Al Tamimi confirmed that the Association aims to be a strategic partner in building an integrated franchise ecosystem in the UAE. This ecosystem relies on supportive legislation, accessible financing, specialised training, and international representation. The Association collaborates with partners like the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Khalifa Fund to extend franchising benefits to ambitious entrepreneurs across the UAE.
Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, delivered a recorded speech during the forum. He emphasised that World Franchise Day celebrates global contributions of franchising to modern economies. Simon encouraged worldwide participation in these events to showcase franchising's resilience and support for sustainable economic futures.
Interactive Sessions
The forum featured a session called "Meeting of Minds," where leading franchise owners in the UAE met with consultants and industry experts. They discussed opportunities and challenges in expanding local franchises along with necessary legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms for competitiveness and sustainable growth.
An interactive visual presentation showcased successful Emirati brands that expanded through franchising both locally and internationally. It highlighted efforts to develop an integrated franchise system based on innovation and efficiency in the UAE.
Additional Activities
The event included activities like "Franchise Walk," displaying local and international brands. Advisory sessions were organised with consultancy firms offering professional guidance on legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of franchising.
At the event's conclusion, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs by strengthening supportive environments for franchising in the country. It urged start-ups and local brands to leverage membership benefits such as guidance, training, institutional representation, and market access through partnerships.
With inputs from WAM
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