Food an beverage and retail remain top franchise sectors for Middle East

Brands from 22 countries visited the Dubai exhibition, which took place at Dubai International Exhibition Centre in March. New food concepts were among the many product offerings on display at the trade fair, which welcomed over 3,000 visitors.

"Food is always a strong franchise market. There are no limits to our appetite for new food concepts,"

said Mathew Shay, president and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA), in Dubai for the FME show.

A number of new to market food & beverage options debuted at the show, including Pizza Conez from Egypt

London Dairy, Cremeria Vienna and Subway also used the show to increase their Middle East presence.

Retail fashion brands also had a presence at the show with Germany's Franchise Pool International showcasing casual clothing brand Tom Tailor for the first time.

"The Middle East is one of the new big markets we see because we are in the mid-price level and see a lot of potential clientele in this region," said Rolf G. Kirst of Franchise Pool International.

Industry experts believe the Middle East offers big opportunities for the franchise model.

"The Middle East has a bright future towards the franchising industry. International franchise brands are looking at emerging markets to establish themselves and be operated by experienced companies," said Sary Hamwy, CEO of franchising consultancy Franexcel.

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

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.

FME 2010 will take place from March 8 to 10 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.