H. E. Sami Alqenzi opens Franchise Middle East exhibition

The exhibition, now in its sixth year, aims to provide an injection of business ideas to the Middle East market as international brands come to Dubai with a view to expanding across the Middle East with local partners.

"Never has the franchise concept been more vital to business growth than in today's economic environment.

Franchising offers local entrepreneurs 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.

We expect a lot of business relationships to be cemented at the show this week," said Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, President of International Expo Consults (IEC), organisers of FME.

Big names from Europe, Asia and the Middle East are exhibiting at the show this week, including participation from Cremeria Vienna, Subway, London Dairy Café and Tom Tailor.

Master Franchisers from Jebel Ali Free Zone is leading a delegation of international brands, many of whom are debuting at the show. These include Zerga, Bed + Bath, Padini Authentics, Trio and New Zealand Naturals.

Franchise consultants such as FranExcel and FranCorp will be on hand to offer would-be entrepreneurs advice on how to set up franchise operations in the region.

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 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).

FME2009 takes place from March 2-4 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.