Franchising Middle East 2009 to be international showcase

Now into its 6th year, the show will take place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre on the 2-4 March 2009 and according to the organizers, International Expo Consults (IEC), will showcase more international exhibitors than ever before.

Speaking about the show, Project Manager at IEC, Rajveer Singh, said:

"We have seen an amazing growth in the number of enquiries from international franchise companies, all hoping to take advantage of the booming franchise market here in the Middle East. Being in Dubai, which is considered the business gateway to the entire Middle East region, our event is able to draw visitors from all across the region. Last year we saw around 4,000 visitors, and this year, if our pre-registrations are anything to go by, we are expecting that number to increase dramatically."

In 2008, there were more than 75 exhibitors and this figure is expected to grow by more than 50% in 2009. "FME 2009 has been moved to a larger hall at the Dubai Exhibition Centre due to pure demand. We have had serious interest and confirmations from countries as far away as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA, Canada and Brazil and we expect more than 120 exhibitors, showcasing more than 200 franchise opportunities," Singh added.

The Middle East is experiencing major growth in the franchise and retail sectors and most GCC countries are witnessing annual franchise market growth in excess of 25%. FME 2009 brings together international franchisors who are seeking master franchisees for the region, also master franchisees looking to market to individual investors, together with a range of service providers and suppliers to the industry.

In addition to the exhibition, which has government support through the auspices of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, there is also the World Franchise Forum, which is a conference and workshop that will run concurrently with the expo. The Forum will play host to leading franchise exponents from both the region and from major international markets. Headlining the Forum, will be Matthew Shay, the President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA).

With a downturn in some international markets, the Middle East is seen as a region of growth and expansion and is now attracting some of the biggest franchise companies in the world, all looking to secure agreements with regional investors and to grow their franchise systems in the booming market. FME 2009 is the perfect platform for international franchise companies to showcase their brands to a market hungry for new ideas, concepts and business opportunities.