DED's Franchise Management Service offers support to over 300 businesses in Dubai

The objective of the Franchise Management Service is to provide high quality information and support services to individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to ensure growth and improvement of new and existing franchising businesses. It also aims to attract international corporations to set up their regional bases in Dubai.

'International franchising has been successful because consumers around the world recognize famous brands as symbols of quality, consistency, service, and value. A successful franchisee should be suited to the industry, the franchise company and the franchise system in general,' said Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development, DED.

'One of the strategic objectives of the DED is to encourage local and foreign investments and to create the appropriate environment for investors,' said Al Kassim. 'Franchising is transforming the global marketplace and creating thousands of jobs and opportunities for business owners in addition to motivating economic growth at home and abroad.'

'Many businesses now use the franchising method for expanding around the block and around the world. The Business Sector Development Division at the Department offers consultations and guidance to the business sector in Dubai, especially to companies that are faced with significant challenges in developing their businesses further, especially when starting something new,'

added Al Kassim.

Officials at the division offered a variety of consultations to businesses. These included ways to conduct market research for business owners seeking international franchises and demonstrating ways to enhance profits without the burden of huge capital outlays. Companies have been guided on how to decide on an overseas franchise apart from directing them to proper supporting agencies.

The division plans to launch several awareness campaigns, workshops and lectures to further promote the concept of franchise management.

The Franchise Management Service has a special focus on home-based entrepreneurs - the Intalaq licence holders - in a bid to enable them to acquire and manage franchises from home.

'With consistent support from other government departments and the private sector, we hope to develop this service considerably and create a feasible Franchise Sector that contributes to the continued growth of the national economy,' said Al Kassim.