HH Hamdan Bin Mohammed opens the Franchising Middle East Exhibition 2004

The show, which runs till February 19th, will cover a vast range of franchise opportunities from fast food to automotives services, from maintenance services to education and training.

The opening of the show, which is organised by the International Expo-Consults (IEC), was attended by HE Datuk Zakiah Hashim, Secretary General, Ministry of Entrepreneur Development, Malaysia, HE Dato' Abdul Mubin Bin Razali, Malaysian Ambassador to the UAE, Mr.Saeed Al Muntafiq, Director General, Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), Mr. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President of Falknaz Group, Mr. Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice-President of Falaknaz Group, Mr. Saad Abdulrazaq and Mr. Fahad Hamad bin Hahad from Dubai Islamic Bank and Mr. Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said, 'Organizing this Exhibition is in line with the strategic vision of Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders and compliments its efforts to support the franchise sector in the UAE and provide greater investment opportunities for the Small and Medium Enterprises.'
His Highness added, 'The Establishment is working under the directives of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minster of Defence to support all activities and events that help catalyse the economic development and open new opportunities for the entrepreneurs to enable them to play an active role in the economic development of the country.'

HH Sheikh Hamdan stressed that the exhibition aims at strengthening the economic growth in the country, and positioning UAE as a regional and international center of businesses, trade and exhibitions by promoting entrepreneurial spirit amongst UAE nationals and providing them with more opportunities to access the franchise sector.

His Highness also added, 'We are pleased to open this exhibition today, as it is one of a kind in the Middle East and represents an active platform to promote investment opportunities offered by the region, and highlight the potential of the franchise sector.'

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment said, 'The exhibition aims at providing a platform of opportunities to entrepreneurs in the region to acquire worldwide successful concepts in the franchising sector. It also offers franchisers worldwide to witness the potential of the region and invest in the region. The exhibition is also a forum for the franchise community to interact and network.'

Al Janahi added that the exhibition will help position the Middle East on the international franchise map, as it showcases more than 50 exhibitors from leading companies in the franchise sector representing more than 18 countries including: Germany, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia, UAE , Egypt, Singapore, Thailand and Canada.'

The Exhibition comes with the endorsement of the International Franchise Association, as IFA rates the Middle East as having the world's biggest franchise growth rate. Mr.Marcel Portman, Vice President, IFA said, 'US franchise expansion in the Middle East has been and continues to be of importance. The IFA supports the FME event as a way to promote franchising as a method of expansion not only for US companies but for UAE companies as well. We are confident that Franchising will continue to flourish in the region with many foreign franchise opportunities as well as the development of home grown concepts.'

The franchise sector in UAE is one of the most active markets to attract companies from around the world. UAE is witnessing a noticeable growth in the number of franchising companies, which will encourage competition in the retail sector.
The Dubai Islamic Bank, in co-operation with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment provides strategic support to finance projects under the Establishment.