4th 'Franchise UAE' opens with participation of over 100 local and international brands

The show was inaugurated by Hamad Saleh Al Gurg, MD, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and Hamad Ali Saif Lootah, Chairman, Al Jazeera Investment , in the presence of several business entrepreneurs and VIP invitees.

Among leading brands taking part in the show are Signarama, the US graphics franchise, Plan Ahead Events, Yogurberry, London Fish & Chips, Second Cup (Binhendi Group), Lexon and Colori.

Alongside, the Entrepreneurship Summit featured top franchising experts led by Tipton Shonkwiler, President of Plan Ahead Events, part of the US-based United Franchise Group (UFG) which owns the Signarama franchise, Andrew Withers, Managing Director and owner of Southern Fried Chicken (SFC), speaking about franchising opportunities and Peter Page, noted author and entrepreneur.

The event, which will close on December 5, offers an unparalleled opportunity for franchisors to access entrepreneurs and investors in the dynamic Middle East market to extend their footprint across the GCC.

The event is being organized by Franchise Middle East, the overseas arm of Franchise India Holding Ltd, Asia's leading integrated franchise and retail solution company, supported by Indian Franchise Association (IFA).

Gaurav Marya, Managing Director of Franchise Middle East, said: "The Middle East is emerging as an ideal marketplace for entrepreneurship, as leaders demonstrate a dynamic pro-business approach. The Arab World has been ranked as the third fastest place in the world to start a business. SMEs now account for over 90 percent of the private enterprises in Dubai. The UAE government has embarked upon a series of initiatives that support local entrepreneurial activities and major banks have seen a 200 percent increase in lending to individuals for business purposes."

Middle East stands as a prime location for franchising. About 60 per cent population in UAE is under 25 years of age, making it an ideal destination for boosting franchising and offering unique UAE opportunities for SMEs and budding entrepreneurs.

Franchise UAE is hosting exhibitors like Japengo, Charley's Grilled Sub, The Whittard Tea, Enny Monaco, Medicine Shoppe, Beebay, London Fish & Chips, The Frozen Yogurt Factory, Esperanza India, The Chocomelt, Colori -Woman's Clothes Shop of Greece, FFS Brands Group UK, EDO Café, Linguaphone group UK, The SPUD Bahrain, Tealand, British Orchard and many more international brands.