The booming Middle East franchising market, currently valued at US$ 30 billion, is growing at 27% annually, and the region presents unparalleled opportunities for growth because of the presence of a large number of high networth individuals and multi-ethnic populations with high disposable incomes.
These factors will be highlighted at Franchise UAE 2011, the largest national franchise and trade show to be held from April 14 to 16, 2011, at Business Village, Dubai, UAE, organized by Franchise Middle East and supported by Dubai SME, Dubai Chamber of Commerce ‘&’ Industry, Indian Franchise Association (IFA) and Commercial Office of UAE Embassy, New Delhi.
The three-day event will consist of a comprehensive business meet and the Entrepreneurship Summit 2011. More than 800 participants from across the Middle East region and the Indian Subcontinent have confirmed their participation.
While the business meet will cover all the industries extensively and introduce the exhibitors to best practices in franchising; the Entrepreneurship Summit 2011 will focus on creating regional networking and entrepreneurship development for selecting new business opportunities, bringing together over 200 delegates and more than 20 top industry experts sharing their success stories.
Gaurav Marya, Managing Director, Franchise Middle East, says: “Franchise UAE 2011 will be an interesting platform for Indian and International Franchise Brands looking to make forays into Middle East without risk and significant capital investment. The show represents a dynamic platform for franchisors and investors to find a counterpart to match their interests and investments. The Exhibition unfolds a spectrum of opportunities in franchising, retailing, licensing, real estate and retail supply and highlight investment and business avenues open to entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.” Mana Al Suwaidi, Commercial Attach at UAE Embassy, New Delhi, commented: “Significantly, Franchise UAE 2011 will open new markets for UAE brands. SMEs can benefit from the booming Indian market and avail of match-making opportunities, thus opening new markets for their products and services. The Commercial Office is delighted to be part of this event that will give impetus to UAE business enterprises, particularly SMEs. The support of Dubai SME and Business Village give further boost to this event.” Franchise UAE 2011 is a platform for new entrepreneurs, budding enterprises and established SMEs eyeing new areas for business expansion in Middle East. Some of the prominent Indian brands participating in the event are Gitanjali Lifestyle, Gitanjali Jewels, Derby, Caf Jubilee, Tie rack, Satya Paul, Pizza Fusion, Siyaram’s, Funland, Strands Salon ‘&’ Spa, Cadd Centre, Col. Kebabz, Cocoberry, WSI, Heritage for Henna and many more.
The Middle East region has a scaling multi-ethnic population with high disposable income. More importantly, it has over 400,000 HNIs (almost 13% of total population) with large wealth holdings, each with liquid assets of more than $5 million. It means together they have investable funds of more than US$2 trillion available for new businesses.
In the Middle East, the franchise market has been largely dominated by American brands with the lion’s share of over 70%. Traditionally, the franchise opportunities were dominated by fast-food and retail segments, particularly fashion, with almost 60% of the total market. However, as per the current scenario, the franchise business is diversifying and there is a huge scope for big as well small franchising buyers and sellers in the region. Huge franchising opportunities are available in several business sectors, including education, apparel, laundry and dry cleaning services, automotive, restaurants, mail and package services, printing and convenience stores.
