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6/12/25, 5:13 PM Emirates Franchise Association organises ‘Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us’ forum – UAE Business and Travel Insight…
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.

The forum is part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of the franchise
sector and its pivotal role in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs. Franchising is
considered one of the most successful and sustainable models for the growth of SMEs as well as expanding the
reach of local and regional brands.

The forum was attended by Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association; Maher Taresh
Al Alili, Vice Chairman of the Association; Sultan Al Hindasi, Member of the Association’s Board of Directors;
members of the Executive Committee; working groups; and several representatives from the UAE’s chambers of
commerce.

During her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, said that
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 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.”

She confirmed that the Association hopes to be a strategic partner in building an integrated franchise ecosystem
in the UAE, one that is based on supportive legislation, accessible financing, specialised training, and
international representation.

She emphasised the Association’s commitment to working with its partners at the Abu Dhabi Chamber, the
Khalifa Fund, the Business Women Council, and all relevant national entities to expand the impact of franchising
to reach every ambitious entrepreneur in the UAE.

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.

Simon encouraged all franchise associations around the world, as well as franchisors, franchisees, suppliers, and
partners, to participate in World Franchise Day events to highlight the resilience that franchising offers
entrepreneurs and its support for a sustainable economic future, encouraging more entrepreneurs to adopt this
promising business model.

The forum included a dialogue session called, “Meeting of Minds,” bringing together leading franchise owners
in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry experts.

They discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises along with the legal,
operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable growth.

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