Arab Franchise Expo ends on a strong note with new deals, partnerships and awards in Dubai

Dubai: The Franchise Business & Awards Event, centered on the franchise industry, was organized by Arab Business Media Group and was held at Dubai Pullman Creek Convention Centre. It brought together 100 brands and 60 franchise companies, and participants from over 20 countries.

The success of the show has led organizers to aim for an even bigger event next year. The Chairman of Arab Franchise Expo, Khaled Al Maeena said, “The overwhelming response to the Franchise Expo & Awards has prompted us to target over 100 franchise brands for 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.” Our next edition of the Arab Franchise Expo will be in Jeddah in March 2023,” he added.

Among the brands that attracted interest included local F&B companies such as Jeddah-based Raydan Arabic Restaurant, Barns Café of Saudi Arabia, Tea break café, UAE, Ice-Cream Lab from UAE, and Artisan Bakers from the UAE, London-based Chaiiwala of London, Nobi Nobi from Tokyo, Tropicool from Brazil, Sweet roll from UAE. Green shine Auto detailing company Green shine and other exhibitors were also present. 

 “As one of UAE’s best and most recognized brands, ADNOC Distribution has expanded its business annually and has a growth strategy both in the UAE and the broader GCC region. We are aggressively planning major expansions in the region from 2023,” said the Head of Franchising at Adnoc Distribution, Mr. Vikram Noronha. “We are offering franchisees to a  series of select investors and support them through the creation of a dedicated team of professionals who understand the market and how to drive sales,” he added.

Sultan Al Mutalaq, Head of the Franchise Program at Barns Café said, “There has been organic interest in our brand because we bring an original coffee experience. During this exhibition, we had discussions for master franchises in India and Malaysia, which means we will soon have multiple outlets across the globe.”

Omar Rabeh Sater Alselami, Chairman of Raydan Food Company of Arabic cuisine, spoke, “There has been tremendous interest in our brand because we bring authentic and high-quality Arabian cuisine to customers. Apart from our franchises in Dubai and Egypt, the exhibition resulted in discussions for master franchises in Beijing, London and Abu Dhabi, which means we will soon have numerous outlets across the globe.”

Simon Cooper, International Marketing Director Chaiiwala of London said, “This event has taken us closer to our goal of making us a global brand by expanding into Arab countries through franchising, and positioning ourselves as the world’s best tea brand.”

The franchise Investment meets held at the Expo helped franchise businesses from the show forge partnerships with more than AED 120 million worth of deals generated at the Arab Franchise Expo, Dubai, UAE.

During the expo, the Arab Franchise Awards which 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 Dr. Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai – about the latest insights into the importance of homegrown franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy and help them expand globally. 

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 towards the franchise industry. Barns Coffee operator won the ‘Best Homegrown Coffee ‘ award and Tea Break won the ‘Howgrown Franchise of the Year’ award. 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. Chaiiwala of London Ltd won ‘International Franchise Year of the Year’, among other companies.