Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders launches the UAE Franchise Association

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders said, "Under the vision and guidance of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defense, we at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders have been tasked with helping to promote the Small and Medium Enterprises sector."

He added, " The launch of the Association is part of our overall objective, and coincides with the inaugural Franchising Middle East Exhibition 2004. The Franchise sector provides depth and volume to any economy and supports the heavy industrial, commercial and intellectual sectors. It is also the best source of employment, entrepreneurship and growth for the young people of this great country."

Al Janahi also pointed out that the UAE Franchise Association will eventually become part of the World Franchise Council.

Mr. Marcel Portman, V.P. of Emerging Markets & Global Development of the International Franchise Association and the Secretariat General of the World Franchise Association said, "I am delighted to be here today to launch the first franchise association in the Middle East. The UAE Franchise Association is a truly needed initiative in this fast developing franchise market."

Mr. Portman added, "As the Secretariat General of the World Franchise Council, the IFA is looking forward to welcoming the UAE Franchise Association as a member of the World Franchise Council in the near future. The World Franchise Council is a non-political association of National Franchise Associations in 34 countries around the world. Its objectives are to inform each other of developments and to represent international franchising in international bodies and representation from the Middle East will be a natural compliment to our organization."

Al Janahi said, "The UAE Franchise Association will be an entity supported by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment and will be dedicated to representing the franchisees, franchisers and franchise suppliers in the United Arab Emirates."

Al Janahi pointed out that launching the Association was much needed as the Franchise Market is growing rapidly in the UAE, and with the assistance of an established Association, the Franchise Industry in the UAE will become even more robust.

Franchise sector is a great provider of opportunities for the small and medium enterprises and for young nationals who are eager to enter into the business world. There is a Working Committee, which has worked very hard to put the preliminary concept and processes and procedures for the Association

Al Janahi added "We are planning to appoint a very strong Franchise Board to govern the Association. And, we are pleased to announce that we have received interest from such names as McDonalds and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf."

The launch of the UAE Franchise Association coincides with the, Franchising Middle East Exhibition 2004 (FME) at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC). The show, which runs till February 19th, organized by International Expo-Consults (IEC) will cover a vast range of franchise opportunities from fast food to automotives services, from maintenance services to education and training.