DED's Franchise Management Service focuses on promoting Dubai as a hub of brands

The Business Sector Development Division at the Department offers services that focus on two aspects of franchise management. These include consultancy on attracting international outlets and brands to set up their local franchises in Dubai in addition to guiding and encouraging local outlets to create franchises for their outlets.

A total of 68 enquiries related to Franchise Management have been received at the DED, which include enquiries for setting up franchises for restaurants, cosmetic shops, retail and several other businesses. More than 15 per cent of the enquiries have been received from current or potential UAE national business owners, while the majority of inquiries were made by Dubai-based expatriates seeking to take advantage of the new service provided by DED.

"Setting up and managing a franchise business is adequately suited to the local business environment, which has a large population of young professionals with access to capital,"

said Farid Al Abdullah, Head of the Business Sector Development Division. "The local market which is exceedingly brand conscious, is also ideally positioned to support international franchises," he added.

"The Business Sector Development Division focuses on supplying support services to the Business Sector, including individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) interested in developing new and existing franchise businesses," he added.

Officials at the division have guided several business-persons seeking to get international franchises into Dubai, through the entire process of applying for international franchises including advising them on the necessity and methodology of conducting market research. Some of the enquiries have also been directed to specialized agencies and companies that can assist them in getting more information or are looking for franchisees.

Businesses attempting to create franchises out of local outlets have been advised to systemize the processes within their companies as a first step before producing dedicated franchise manuals. The DED has also provided extensive guidance to business owners in the various steps of producing the franchise manuals.

"The service, which is relatively new to businessmen in Dubai, has the potential to enable existing businesses to significantly increase profits without making sizeable increases in the capital. It will also promote Dubai as a hub of brands and quality services," commented Mr. Al Abdullah. He added that the division is planning to launch several awareness campaigns, workshops and lectures to further promote the concept of franchise management.

The DED's Franchise Management Service offers a group of services including the setting up of a database of franchise opportunities, the setting up of a franchise research centre and support desks, the provision of franchise management training including the promotion of best practices in franchising and general awareness programmes about franchise management.

The service has special focus on home-based entrepreneurs and expands the range of the (Intalaq) license holders in order to enable them to acquire and manage franchises from home. In addition, it also offers extensive support to Dubai-based businesses that may be interested in franchising their business for international markets.