Equal opportunities for women and other key market leads in Dubai's franchising industry underscored at 8th World Franchise Forum and Expo

February 16, 2016- Two renowned women industry leaders have underlined highly profitable franchising opportunities in Dubai, UAE and the rest of the MENA region during the opening of the 8th World Franchise Forum and Expo at the Conrad Hotel in the emirate today (Tuesday, February 16, 2016).  The event which is running until February 17, 2016 under the theme ‘Building Franchise Business Worldwide,’ will provide all participants from different parts of the region with an international platform to engage with their counterparts and explore new prospects in franchised businesses.
 
During the forum, Faiza Al Sayed, Vice President of the Dubai Business Women Council, spoke on behalf of H.E. Raja Easa Al Gurg, President of the Dubai Business Women Council about the ongoing efforts championing equal opportunities in the regional franchising sector. This highlighted the increasing role of women entrepreneurs and their importance in overall economic progress.  Key woman leader Lubna Qassim, Emirates NBD’s Executive Vice President, Group Company Secretary and General Counsel, also graced the gathering to tackle many substantial and value-added opportunities in Dubai with participants seeking to invest in the region through franchising. 

The latest edition of the high-profile forum and expo comes at a time when a growing number of international brands are expanding in the region through their franchise partners, with the UAE and the rest of the GCC states as their key targets. Major global companies have already established their market footprint in the region to take advantage of its booming population with high disposable income and growing affinity for luxury goods. Similarly, many local franchise brands are also now setting their eyes on the international market. 
 
Christopher Brinkley Director, World Franchise Associates (WFA), the event’s organizer, said: “Over 50 per cent of retail sales in the GCC are generated from international brands. Key sectors such as retail, food and beverage, education, transportation, tourism, and healthcare, to name a few, offer profitable franchising opportunities to investors averse to taking risks usually associated with joint ventures. The interest is high given that industry data proves that the profitability of franchised outlets is significantly higher in the region than in a franchisor’s home country.” 

“The 8th edition is fundamental to providing an interactive venue where exchange of valuable knowledge and expertise takes place. It aims to contribute to industry expansion by highlighting nearly 200 national and international brands during the two-day show,” Christopher Brinkley added.  

The Dubai edition provides an international platform for one-on-one franchisor-investor meetings, roundtable sessions and in-depth seminars. The topics lined up during the first day include ‘Theory vs Reality when Franchising,’ ‘Key Legal Issues in Franchising in the Middle East,’ ‘Doing Business in the UAE,’ ‘Vital considerations to bring a new Franchise to the MENA Region,’ ‘10 Laws of Highly Successful Franchisors,’ ‘Social Media & IT Essentials,’ ‘Leadership & Franchising,’ ‘Entrepreneurial Excellence in Today’s Market,’ and ‘Be Different, Design Better, be a BRAND.’ 

For the second day, the discussions will focus on a wide range of vital topics, including ‘An Overview of Franchising - the Basics,’ ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of being a Franchisee,’ ‘Theory vs Reality when Franchising,’ ‘Sales Prospects & Mapping,’ ‘Tools for Business Development,’ ‘Master Franchise Evaluation & Acquisition,’ and ‘Are you ready for international expansion? Be real about planning.’

WFA will advise and assist international franchise buyers looking to acquire the best franchised business brands in the region.