Page 131 - KFED PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025

10/1/25, 11:38 AM Emirates Franchise to represent UAE at Global Franchise Expo in Istanbul
from 16–19 October 2025.This initiative reinforces the UAE’s commitment to expanding its international
presence and strengthening its position within the global franchising sector. The expo, held under the
theme “Be My Franchise”, will provide a platform to showcase the UAE’s dynamic franchise ecosystem
to an international audience. The national pavilion will unite 14 private-sector companies alongside

various UAE chambers of commerce and key entrepreneurship support organisations, including the
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. This collaborative approach highlights the UAE’s coordinated
institutional efforts to enhance the franchising sector’s regional and international reach. The initiative

reflects the growing momentum in developing the UAE’s franchising ecosystem and underscores the
nation’s strategic focus on expanding business opportunities across global markets.

Empowering the Franchise Model

Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, President of the Emirates Franchise, “Participation in this international
exhibition marks a significant step in reinforcing the UAE’s status as a leading destination within the
global franchising sector. With the backing of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the Association remains

committed to advancing franchising as an integrated economic model, one that creates employment
opportunities, drives innovation, and empowers entrepreneurs to launch ventures with higher success
rates than independent enterprises. Today, we are witnessing restaurant chains, service centres, and

retail outlets evolving from local concepts into global brands through this dynamic system.”

The Association’s Strategy

H.E. Al Tamimi noted that the UAE, with Abu Dhabi at its core, has emerged as a global destination for
franchising, reshaping the sector through innovative approaches that align with the rapidly evolving
global economy. Over the past decade, the country’s franchise industry has witnessed strong growth,
with more than 600 franchise companies and over 2,000 franchised brands now operating in the country.

The sector generates revenues exceeding AED 100 billion annually, growing at an average rate of
almost 15%.

She added that organising the UAE Pavilion at the Turkish Franchise Expo reflects the Association’s
strategy to support the expansion of the national franchise industry and position Emirati brands on the

global stage. The initiative aims to spread awareness of franchising culture, unlock access to new and
promising markets, and showcase Emirati excellence to a global audience of investors, franchisees, and
industry professionals. It further seeks to expand partnerships, encourage knowledge exchange, and
contribute to economic diversification and enhanced competitiveness.

Turkish Market Opportunities

With its participation in “Be My Franchise 2025”, the franchise association aims to strengthen Emirati
presence in Turkey, where Emirati brands have so far maintained a limited footprint in franchising.
According to 2023 data, around 600 Emirati companies operate in Turkey, especially in investment,
infrastructure, finance, energy, and property. By contrast, Turkish brands enjoy a strong presence in the

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/government-news/emirates-franchise-to-represent-uae-at-global-franchise-expo-in-istanbul-qz8xa532 2/3