Page 270 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT JUNE 2025

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.

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bk4tgdv-emirates-franchise-association-organises