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10/1/25, 11:41 AM Emirates Franchise to Represent UAE at Global Franchise Expo in Istanbul – Business Review: The Latest News from the Middle …
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.”

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.

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 UAE across sectors such as restaurants,
cafés, fashion, and retail, reflecting the deep investment ties between both countries.

The Turkish franchise sector is witnessing significant expansion, with the market valued at nearly US$ 50 billion

in 2023 and projected to surpass US$ 55 billion in 2024. It includes more than 3,700 franchise brands and
66,000 outlets, generating over 300,000 jobs primarily in fashion, retail, and food and beverage.

Data from the Turkish Investment Office confirms that Turkish brands have established a strong franchising

footprint in the UAE. By 2023, more than 400 Turkish companies were operating in the UAE across diverse
sectors, many of them franchise-driven consumer brands. Globally, approximately 405 Turkish brand franchises

have expanded, focusing strongly on nearby regions such as the Gulf.

Prominent Turkish chains such as Mado, Hafiz Mustafa 1864, and Simit Sarayi Café, along with leading fashion
retailers like Koton and LC Waikiki, have successfully established outlets across the UAE. Recent reports reveal

that Turkish brands consider the Middle East a priority market, with franchise agreements in the Gulf increasing

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