Franchising Middle East to provide opportunities for region's entrepreneurs

The exhibition, now in its sixth year, will provide an injection of business ideas, international brands looking to tap into the Middle East market and local brands consider franchising as a way to increase market spread.

Organisations already confirmed to have a strong presence at the show include Franexcel, Francorp, Cremeria Vienna, Subway, London Dairy Cafe, Reno Italy, and Crown Concept from Lebanon. Exhibitors will fly in from across the globe, with national pavilions expected from Singapore, and India.

Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of FME, said:

"In a deflated market, franchising is often seen as a quick and efficient way to get ahead in business. For local entrepreneurs it gives access to established brands and business models, while international players are provided with a chance to tap into new markets at relatively low set-up costs."

"Over 70 brands from 25 countries attended the 2008 FME exhibition, all with one aim in mind: to take their brands global. This year's event will see even more companies coming to the Middle East to take their brands global," Falaknaz added.

Companies already confirmed for the show and now preparing for FME include Extol, a leading IT security and risk management solution provider listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. With over 24 year's experience, clients in the financial industries, government, and large conglomerates use Extol to protect their business critical information and technology - therefore ensuring continuity.

Listed in 2007 by Deloitte as the fastest revenue growing Tech company in Malaysia and 53rd in Asia Pacific, Extol has been successful selling security technology as a service.

Cremeria Vienna, one of Italy's leading artisanal ice - cream makers, will also be making an appearance. The company's first show was opened by Vincenzo Mazzuto in 1981. Today, thanks to the Vienna Project Franchising set up the company now boasts 30 shops in Italy and the EU and is now eyeing the Middle East for potential brand expansion.

FME is the region's only exhibition that offers a world of exciting opportunities to international franchisers to access the thriving Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market and launch their franchise concepts.

The exhibition facilitates direct communication between entrepreneurs and potential franchise buyers from the region and beyond.

The show has earned the enviable reputation of being the ideal networking opportunity for the franchising industry in the Middle East, which industry analysts have estimated is worth $30bn.

"With the franchise industry already growing at 25% per annum, the UAE and the rest of the GCC region is a fertile market for franchise companies to expand into. With approximately 85% of the UAE population comprising of the expatriates, this is the market that needs to be catered for. The new international element to our show will do just that," Mr Falaknaz confirmed.

FME is the largest international franchise exhibition in the Middle East and is supported by the IFA (International Franchise Association).

FME 2009 will take place from March 2-4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.