Emirates Franchise Association Celebrates World Franchise Day with “Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us” Forum
The Emirates Franchise Association, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted the “Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us” forum at the Chamber’s headquarters on 11th June, coinciding with World Franchise Day celebrations.
Organised in partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, the event brought together a distinguished group of entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from both the government and private sector interested in the rapidly expanding franchise sector.
The franchise sector is experiencing remarkable growth on both local and global fronts. In the UAE, sector revenues have surpassed AED100 billion annually, recording an annual growth rate of 15%. Worldwide, the sector boasts revenues exceeding AED6 trillion. In the MENA region alone, total market value is estimated at over AED120 billion. Globally, more than two million franchisees operate, providing employment for over 19 million people, underlining the vital impact of franchising on supporting economies and promoting entrepreneurship.
The forum forms part of ongoing efforts by the Association to enhance awareness of franchising’s significant role in driving the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs. Franchising is widely acknowledged as one of the most successful and sustainable models for the growth of SMEs, helping expand both local and regional brands.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association; Maher Taresh Al Alili, Vice Chairman; Sultan Al Hindasi, Board Member; members of the Executive Committee, various working groups, and representatives from UAE chambers of commerce.
In her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi underlined the significance of celebrating World Franchise Day as a testament to the status of franchising within the UAE’s economic ecosystem:
“Celebrating World Franchise Day reinforces the franchise sector’s status within the UAE’s economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture.”
She further highlighted:
“Franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional support.”
Al Tamimi also detailed the Association’s continuing efforts, noting:
“The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association’s corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum.”
She reiterated the Association’s ambition to serve as a strategic partner in building a robust and integrated franchise ecosystem, underpinned by supportive legislation, accessible financing, specialised training, and international representation.
The Association is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Chamber, Khalifa Fund, the Business Women Council, and other national partners to widen the footprint of franchising, ensuring its advantages reach every ambitious entrepreneur in the UAE.
In a recorded speech, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, emphasised the international significance of the day:
“World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape, and raises awareness of the franchise sector’s role in shaping modern economies.”
He encouraged all stakeholders worldwide to join in these celebrations to promote the resilience of franchising and its capacity to support a sustainable economic future.
A dynamic dialogue session, “Meeting of Minds,” brought together leading franchise owners, consultants, and industry experts to explore opportunities and challenges in expanding local franchises. Discussions focused on the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms essential for boosting competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The forum also included an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association’s recent achievements, as well as showcases of successful Emirati franchise brands that have grown their reach locally and internationally.
Among the event’s highlights was the “Franchise Walk,” featuring a curated selection of respected local and international brands. Additionally, advisory sessions were held in partnership with leading consultancy firms, offering attendees specialised guidance on legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of franchising.
Concluding the forum, the Association reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a supportive environment for franchising throughout the country. Start-ups and local brands were encouraged to leverage the benefits of Association membership, including training, guidance, institutional representation, and access to new markets via extensive local and international networks.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
