The franchise economy has a market value of $30 billion and an annual growth rate of 27 percent making it the fastest-growing non-oil sector in the Middle East, said the organisers of the upcoming International Franchise Exhibition (IFE) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The seventh edition of IFE will take place on October 22 and 23 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). Organised by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in strategic partnership with Emirates Association for Franchise Development and supported by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Institute of Certified Franchise Executives (CFE), IFE is one of the most successful franchise exhibitions in the world.

In the recent years, the Middle East region has witnessed a significant growth in the franchise economy with a number of substantial deals signed across different sectors such as food and beverage; hospitality; and retail.

For instance, fashion retailer, Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & Co signed a deal worth $90m to acquire Saudi franchise rights for 10 international food and beverage brands. Earlier this year, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signed franchise agreements to operate two Staybridge Suites hotels in Dubai with real estate development firm SRG Holding.

IHG also announced franchise agreements with Loulouat Al Madinah Hospitality and Al Hokair Group for two new Holiday Inn properties in Saudi Arabia. Crown Concepts Group also signed its first franchise agreement with Al Medrar for Logma Khaleej Treats to expand into a new market, Saudi Arabia.

Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, director general of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: “The franchise model is increasingly growing within the region and events such as International Franchise Exhibition provide a significant platform to meet international and local brands, interact with business investors and showcase innovative and unique business concepts to prospective franchisees, SMEs, and entrepreneurs.

“The event provides a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen their brand in the Middle East region. The exhibition aims to encourage Emirati business entrepreneurs to enter and benefit from franchising projects and to understand the benefits of the franchise model as a tool to develop investments and businesses as well.”

During the two-day exhibition, a series of exclusive educational workshops will take place for all attendees or business owners and potential investors. These educational workshops aim to provide the proper learning venue for participants to understand the franchise economy and where they fit best in a variety of franchise opportunities.

Conducted by international franchise experts, the educational workshops will cover a range of topics including The Practical Guide or Step by Step For Negotiating Franchise Agreements, Franchise Global Development methods in the Mena region and Registration and contractual agreements for franchise contracts.

The exhibition is expected to host over 100 international and local exhibitors from over 15 different sectors including tourism & leisure, real estate, fashion, hospitality, IT, financial institutions, trade, transport, health-care & pharmaceuticals, education, food & beverage, retail, education & training, safety & security, manufacturing & maintenance, joined by franchise societies, associations and experts.

The sixth edition of IFE witnessed over 4,000 visitors to the show during the course of two days and more than 500 brands from 142 companies participated in the show. – TradeArabia News Service

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