Khaled Almaeena at the Inaugural address at the Arab Franchise Expo in dubai
Dubai: After the the pandemic have been challenging for many businesses, but as we head into 2023, data shows the franchise industry is thriving. After nearly two to three years of economic uncertainty, more and more people are following their entrepreneurial dreams and taking control of their destiny through business ownership. “Choosing a franchise brand helps to alleviate some of the fears and the unknowns of starting a new concept from scratch. It provides an estimate of initial and on-going investment, ways to find and retain employees, branding and local marketing that drive growth, in addition to a business model that has been tested. As a result, interest in franchising is reaching an unprecedented high, and 2023 is set to be a year of major franchise growth.” He said
In 2023, franchisors need to focus their efforts on appealing to the growing pool of prospective franchise owners. Whether it is creating a strong marketing plan, investing in public relations, refining a franchise sales website or putting together an expert franchise development team, franchisors need to ensure they have the systems and materials in place to successfully reach new candidates globally.He also stressed the need for expansion of Arab Brands globally.
Arab Franchise Awards held concurrently with Arab Franchise Expo event which concluded in Dubai recently, recognized the excellence in the franchise industry of the Arab world announced the winners of 2022. Franchise industry leaders filled the Pullman Creek Ballroom to celebrate 2022’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy. The ceremony began with a keynote speech by the Chief Guest of the event Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai – about the latest insights into the importance of home-grown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy.
Arab Franchise Expo 2022 concluded on a strong note as global and local franchise companies have signed new deals and partnerships during the 1-day expo.
The Franchise business and awards event, centered on franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and the event, which was held at Dubai Pullman Creek convention Centre brought together 100 brands and 60 Franchise companies and participants from more than 20 countries.
The success of the show has led organizers to aim for an even bigger event next year. Chairman of Arab Franchise Expo, Khaled Al Maeena said “The immense response to the Arab Franchise Expo and Awards has prompted us to target for over more franchise brands for the next year’s event, covering fifteen sectors in multiple cities in the Arab countries and a grand event in London to make sure home grown brands from Arab countries gain global exposure.”
Winners of Arab Franchise awards with the Chief Guest Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki, President , University of Dubai and Chairman of the Event ,Khaled Almaeena
Among the winners was Reza Food Services Company, which is one of the largest developers of Mcdonald’s in the region. The company won the ‘Corporate Hall of Fame Franchise Award’. Fawaz Danish, President and Group CEO of Budget Saudi Arabia, won ‘Franchise Leader of the Year’. Galadari Ice-Creams Company, won the Franchise developer award outside the US. Al Hokair Group won ‘Franchise Brand of the Year – Hospitality Category’. Adnoc Distribution won the ‘Franchise Brand of the Year’ award and Bird and Bird of the UK won the ‘Best Franchise Law Firm’ award. T. K. Khaleel of Bakemart and Gaurav Marya of Franchise India won the ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ for their contribution to the franchise industry. Barns Coffee operator won the ‘Best Homegrown Cafe’ award and Chaiiwala of London Ltd won ‘International Franchise Year of the Year’, among other companies. Franway of Saudi Arabia and Emtiyz of UAE won the Franchise Consultancy firm of the Year awards. Meals N More won the most Innovative Franchise of the year award. Auto detailing company, Green Shine won the “Green Franchise of the year” award. Raydan Food company and Barns café of Saudi Arabia won the best Restaurant and café Awards respectively.