Franchisors extremely optimistic about Gulf market as official figures show SME sector contributes 60% to UAE's GDP

Dubai, December 11, 2012: The 4th edition of Franchise UAE concluded in Dubai concluded on a buoyant note, with 90 per cent of exhibitors expressing their commitment for the next show. Over 100 franchise brands participated in the two-day international franchise, retail and trade show organized by Franchise Middle East.

Nearly 80 business leads valued at over US$ 65 million were generated at the show, with major franchisors reporting inquiries that could be converted into firm deals in the short term. 

Among the franchisors that reported highly positive results were Plan Ahead Events, the world's largest event management company, SIGNARAMA, the world's largest sign franchise, as well as Binhendi Hospitality, Yogurberry, Tea Time, London Fish & Chips, Tsagarakis, Spud, Chocomelt, The Frozen Yogurt Factory, New York Fries, Halwa & Gahwa - local brand, Tea Time, Edo Café, Nora Dance Group, Lookswoow, Heritage for Henna, Tealand and British Orchard Nursery.

Sector-wise, the Food and Beverage segment received maximum inquiries, followed by Fashion and Retail, Education and Services.

"This 4th edition saw a record number of quality investors visiting the show and shopping for home-grown and international brands, a proof that the SMEs and entrepreneurs are keen to be part of the franchising industry," said Gaurav Marya, Managing Director of Franchise Middle East. "We saw a large number of regional entrepreneurs and investors showing great interest in local brands. This augurs well for the franchising industry in the Middle East and we can expect greater maturity in this sector in the near future."

"With the UAE poised for a GDP growth of 4.5 per cent, and the GCC region showing signs of rapid recovery, franchising is definitely set to get a huge boost," added Marya. "According to official figures, the SME sector contributes 60 per cent to the UAE's national GDP. Equally importantly, SMEs account for 90 per cent of all private enterprises in the UAE. Little wonder, global brands are very keen to gain a foothold in this highly promising market."

The 4th Franchise UAE exhibition was 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).

The two-day show offered huge opportunities in exploring all facets of franchising, retailing and licensing. It featured over 100 international and local brands, unique business and financial solutions companies, and participation of over 5000 business buyers.

About Franchise Middle East
Franchise Middle East offers integrated business solutions in Franchising, Licensing, Retailing, Real Estate and Marketing in Middle East, Franchise Middle East (ME) is the overseas arm of Franchise India Holding Ltd. Assessing current & emerging business horizon for enabling brands as well as aspiring investors, Franchise ME is dedicated towards fostering Regional Entrepreneurship Collaboration, between India & Middle East.

Franchise India is Asia's largest integrated franchise solution company since 1999, an authority on Franchising, Licensing, Retailing, Real estate and Marketing. The company has consulted several major brands over these years like Peter England, Barista, Booster Juice, Videocon, Perfect Wellness, Satya Paul, Bwitch, Action Coach, HCL, MGF, Quality Walls, Tata, Gitanjali, HSBC, Levis, JK Tyres, Lakme, D'damas, Adidas, Euro Kidz, The Apollo Clinic, Chhabra 555, Kidzee, Motilal Oswal, Rosebys, Next, and more, through media, advisory and exhibitions. With its strategically formed divisions, Franchise India has created its own niche as the pioneers of franchise industry and small businesses.

For Media queries, please contact: Anthony D'Silva, Communicate Gulf, Phone +97150 4571624. Email: anthony@communicategulf.com    

For trade inquiries, please contact: FRANCHISE MIDDLE EAST, 802, Business Village, Deira, P.O. Box 22554, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Phone: +971 4 2368568 | Fax: +971 4 2368677. For more information, kindly visit:  http://www.franchiseuae.com

© Press Release 2012