Dr. Eesa Bastaki calls for expansion of Arab local brands to Franchise Globally at Arab Franchise Expo -2023

Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai Speaking at Arab Franchise AwardsCeremonyheld concurrently with Arab Franchise Expo 2023 in Dubai.

In a resounding and visionary call to action, Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki has urged pioneering Arab local brands to embark on a transformative journey of expansion into the global franchise markets. Dr. Al Bastaki’s call resonates with the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and ambition that characterizes the Arab business landscape. It is a call that recognizes the immense potential of Arab brands and their unique ability to leave a lasting impact on the global stage.

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 brands , entrepreneurs, leaders, and their legacy.

Dr Eesa Mohammed Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai with the winners of Arab Franchise Awards 2023 Ceremony in Dubai.

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 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.

“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.

Arab Franchise Expo 2023 concluded on a strong note as global and local franchise companies have signed new deals and partnerships worth AED 200 million 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 Iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 Grand lounge brought together 200 brands from more than 25 countries.

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 Local franchise brands and how these trends can influence the local economy.

Dr. Al Bastaki emphasized the importance of leveraging innovation and technology as catalysts for global expansion. Arab local brands are encouraged not only to meet international standards but to redefine them. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices, these brands can position themselves as leaders in their chosen markets, offering customers around the world a compelling and differentiated experience. Furthermore, Dr. Al Bastaki underscores the significance of strategic partnerships and collaboration on the path to global expansion. Collaborating with international organizations and franchises can provide valuable insights, resources, and support in navigating the complexities of global markets. These partnerships can accelerate market entry for local brands and contribute to sustainable growth.

Khaled Almaeena, Chairman of the Arab Franchise Expo event speaking at the Arab Franchise Awards Ceremony

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 this years Arab Franchise Expo and Awards has prompted us to target for over more franchise brands for the next year’s event, covering fifteen industry sectors to make sure home grown brands from Arab countries gain global exposure.”

The region’s premier franchise business show helped businesses from across the Region forge partnerships with more than AED 200m of deals generated at the Arab Franchise Expo, Dubai, UAE.

“As one of the UAE’s best and most recognized brands ADNOC Distribution has expanded its business year on year and has a growth strategy both in the UAE and the broader GCC region and 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 really understand the market and how to drive sales”, he added.

Sultan Al Mutlaq, Franchise Head of Barns cafe said: “This event has taken us closer to our goal of making us a global brand by expanding into Arab and other International markets through franchising, and positioning ourselves as the leading coffee brand in the region.”

Deric Yeo Chin Lee, the Secretary General of the Malaysian Franchise Association, said that MFA aims to establish connections with Arab brands seeking expansion into Malaysia, positioning itself as the central hub for extending their reach into ASEAN countries. Additionally, he emphasized that an increasing number of Malaysian brands are actively considering opportunities for expansion into the UAE, fostering greater bilateral trade cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

Among the winners of ‘Corporate Hall of Fame Award’ wasAdnoc Distribution, Aramex, Galadari Food and Beverages Company,Grant Thornton Kuwait ,Gaurav MaryaFranchise India Holdingsand Dr.RadzaliHasaan 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 thebest 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 McAteerof ArabbCo won the best franchise consultant of the year award respectively.

Under the women franchise category AbeerJuliah 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.