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6/12/25, 5:13 PM Inaugural World Franchise Day celebrates sector's growing potential - Aletihad News Center
In her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, reaffirmed the franchise

sector's role within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of

income and promote an entrepreneurial culture.

She emphasised that 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 said: "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."

The franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded
Dh100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed Dh6 trillion, according to

the Abu Dhabi Chamber.

In the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over Dh120 billion. Globally, the sector encompasses more

than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting

economies and promoting entrepreneurship, it added.

In a recorded speech presented during the forum, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise

Council, stressed that 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.

UAE a Global Franchising Hub

Speaking to Aletihad, Al Tamimi stressed the UAE's growing influence as a global franchising hub.

"The UAE naturally is the most suitable host for this, because of the ease of doing business, the support our
leadership provides, and the national focus on diversifying beyond the oil sector. Today, we have surpassed $30

billion as a market size for franchising - and there is still room for further expansion."

Explaining the vision behind the Emirates Franchise Association, she noted that their main goal is to enhance the

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