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10/1/25, 11:41 AM UAE to Showcase National Franchise Sector at International Expo in Istanbul | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, President of the Emirates Franchise Association, said:
“Participating in this international exhibition is a key step in consolidating the UAE’s position

as a leading destination in the franchise sector. With support from the Abu Dhabi Chamber,

we aim to empower the franchise model, which contributes to job creation, drives
innovation, and allows individuals to launch successful businesses. Many local restaurant

chains, service centers, and retail stores have grown into global brands thanks to this
system.”

A Strategic Focus on Growth

Al Tamimi emphasized that Abu Dhabi and the UAE have become global hubs for
franchising, reshaping the sector with innovative approaches that keep pace with global

economic changes. The UAE franchise sector has grown rapidly over the last decade, now
comprising over 600 franchisor companies and more than 2,000 franchise-based brands,

generating revenues exceeding AED 100 billion, with an estimated annual growth rate of
15%.

“The UAE pavilion at the Turkish exhibition aligns with our strategy to support local

franchise growth and expand Emirati brands internationally,” Al Tamimi added. “Our goal is

to introduce UAE companies to new markets, showcase their excellence to a global
audience, and foster partnerships that contribute to economic diversification and
competitiveness.”

Expanding into Turkish Markets

The EFA’s participation in Istanbul also aims to strengthen Emirati presence in Turkey,
where franchise activity remains limited. While approximately 600 Emirati companies

operate in Turkey—mainly in investment, infrastructure, finance, energy, and real estate—
the consumer franchise sector is still emerging. This contrasts with the UAE, where Turkish

brands have expanded significantly across restaurants, cafes, fashion, and consumer

products, reflecting strong economic and investment ties between the two nations.

The Turkish franchise market has experienced remarkable growth, reaching $50 billion in
2023, with projections exceeding $55 billion in 2024. The market hosts more than 3,700

brands across 66,000 outlets, creating over 300,000 jobs in sectors including fashion, retail,
food, and beverage.

Turkish Franchises in the UAE

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