Renowned media personality Khaled Almaeena delivering the inaugural address at the Arab Franchise Expo 2023 in Dubai
The Arab Franchise Expo 2023, the leading platform for franchise businesses across the Arab world, concluded its annual event with outstanding success. Hosted in the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 Grand Lounge in Dubai, the expo brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and franchisors from 25 countries to celebrate and discuss the future of franchising in the region.
This year’s Expo experienced an unparalleled turnout, drawing in hundreds of visitors, including industry trailblazers, investors, and aspiring franchisees. The event showcased a myriad of 200 franchise brands and business solutions, effectively becoming the epicenter for franchising innovation over its run.
More than just an expo, the event served as a dynamic platform for business networking and deal-making, with numerous contracts and franchise agreements finalized on the Expo floor. The event offered an exclusive platform for companies looking to expand into Arab and global markets, fulfilling its role as a catalyst for business growth and international expansion.
Arab Franchise Expo 2023 concluded on a strong note as global and local franchise companies have signed new deals and partnerships worth AED AED 200 million during the 1-day expo.
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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 2023. Franchise industry leaders filled the Iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 Grand Lounge to celebrate 2023’s top franchise entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy.
The Arab franchise awards 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.
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Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai Speaking at Arab Franchise Awards Ceremony held concurrently with Arab Franchise Expo 2023 in Dubai.
 “Made in UAE, Sold Globally’ is the main inspiration for Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, a passionate Emirati professor and a recipient of the highest award in the UAE in the field of science. Local brands have more opportunities to discover their potential client’s needs, preferences, and what their competitors lack. This allows them to meet their customers’ needs every single time. They increase employment. Starting a new business has a big impact on job creation within your city”, he added.
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Among the winners of ‘Corporate Hall of Fame Award’ was Adnoc Distribution, Aramex, Galadari Food and Beverages Company, Grant Thornton Kuwait ,Gaurav Marya Franchise India Holdings and Dr.Radzali Hasaan chairman of Malaysia franchise Association was honored with “Individual Hall of Fame” award for their contributions to the Global Franchise Industry.
Barns café of Saudi Arabia won the Best Arab Coffee Brand, Reflexion lounge won the Best Shisha franchise Award, IRMG UAE won the best franchise development company of the year award, ISSO of Colombo won the best seafood franchise award, 55 coffee won the best home grown coffee brand of Oman , Astoria restaurants won the best international brand of the year award, Action coach won the best Business coach franchise award and F&B pillars won the best International Franchise consulting firm award and Chain-Oman won the Home grown Franchise Consulting firm award .
“The Painlty store” a Franchise startup by Emirati celebrity artist Maisoon Al Saleh won the Franchise Startup of the year award, “Brainy n Bright” of USA won the best Edtech Franchise Award, Barns café of Saudi Arabia won the best café in the Arab world Awards respectively.
Under individual category James walker of Experiential Brands, USA won the Life Time Achievement award, Sary Hamway, Founder of the Franchise Trainer won the Life Time achievement award Mohamed Al Zain of Barns café won the Franchise CEO of the Year, Steve McAteer of ArabbCo won the best franchise consultant of the year award respectively.
Under the women franchise category Abeer Juliah of National Franchises, KSA and Melissa Murray, Partner of Bird & Bird,UK and Venus Barak of Franglobal ,India won the “Women Franchise Leader Awards “respectively.
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Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai with the winners of Arab Franchise Awards 2023 Ceremony in Dubai.
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The Franchise business and awards event, centered on franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and the event, which was held at Iconic Queen Elizabeth 2Â Grand lounge brought together 200 brands from more than 25 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 more franchise brands for the next year’s event, covering fifteen sectors to make sure home grown brands from Arab countries gain global exposure.”
The overwhelming success of the Arab Franchise Expo 2023 reaffirms the robust growth potential and increasing importance of the franchising industry in the Arab world. As franchising continues to evolve, the Expo is poised to remain a pivotal event for shaping the industry’s future.
James Walker, Chief Concept and Culinary Officer of Experiential Brands, USA Speaking at the Arab Franchise Conference
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The Arab Franchise Conference, held concurrently with the Arab Franchise Expo, added a substantive layer of depth and dialogue to the event’s proceedings. Hosted in the same iconic venue , the conference assembled a high-caliber roster of speakers, including industry veterans, scholars, and market analysts, who delved into intricate topics concerning the future of franchising in the Arab world. From exploring the role of digital transformation in franchise models to examining the ethical considerations of franchising, the conference functioned as a critical think tank for the industry. With interactive Q&A sessions, and case study presentations, the conference not only complemented the Expo’s showcase of business opportunities but also offered an intellectual forum for stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations, paving the way for innovation and sustainable growth in regional franchising.
The Arab franchise economy is worth $30 billion and is growing rapidly at a fast rate. The Potential franchisors can expand their franchise brands to 22 Arab League countries which encompass a 2022 population of more than 453 million people. Arab League Countries Economy has a total GDP of approximately $7.1 trillion at purchasing power parity, or US$2.4 trillion at nominal values. The member state with the highest total GDP is Saudi Arabia at $2.002 trillion (PPP), or 1,040 billion in current US dollars (nominal), followed by Egypt at $1.562 trillion (PPP). Comoros has the lowest GDP at $3.2 billion (PPP), or US$1.3 billion at nominal, followed by Djibouti at $6.7 billion (PPP).
