The UAE Franchise Development Association meets in Ras Al Khaimah

• Launching of the UAE Franchise Development Association website
• Free membership for companies applying within 6 months of launching the new website

Dubai, UAE, September 29, 2018:  Mohammed Hilal Al Muhairi, Chairman of the UAE Franchise Development Association, announced the launch of the UAE Franchise Development Association website during the Associations’ board meeting that was held at the RAK Chamber. 

Al Muhairi said that the launch of the new website will provide users with a unique experience in terms of ease of navigation, access to local and global information, interactive and knowledge sharing and access to the services provided by the Association. Users can also view the activities, events and the key initiatives on franchises worldwide. In addition, the website allows the registration process and facilitates joining of local franchise companies and obtaining their membership from the Association through smooth and simple steps that meet their different expectations.

 Al Muhairi also announced that, on the occasion of the new launch of the website, all companies will be exempted from membership fees for one year as long as they apply for membership within 6 months of launching the new website. He stressed that these initiatives will be a good start for many of the supporting and encouraging future initiatives to the members of the Association.

Moreover, he highlighted the importance of the joining of all franchise and brand companies as registered members under the umbrella of the Association, in order to benefit from all its various logistic services, as well as the possibility of protecting members' rights and resolving disputes through arbitration and fair settlements.

Arif Al-Muzaki, Board Member of the RAK Chamber and a member of the Board of Directors of the UAE Franchise Development Association, welcomed the board meeting and stressed that the Chamber is keen to provide all support to the Association to achieve its strategic plan 2018-2020, out of the Chamber's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, innovation and creativity.

Al-Muzaki pointed out that the membership of the companies in the Association would contribute to their application of the best international practices in the UAE franchise field, and would introduce the country's entrepreneurs to the advantages of the franchise system, as well as facilitate their mission to enter the foreign markets that the country deals with worldwide. There are more than 40,000 Franchise brands with about 3% of the world's GDP. 

The Association's new website is an important global window for franchise companies, allowing direct communication with other franchise networks across the world, under the system of the World Franchise Council (WFC) and protecting its practices through a binding code of conduct that supports the growth of franchises as a successful global model for developing a sustainable global economy. This will be achieved through the transfer of capabilities, expertise and technologies globally through the business, finance and investment sectors. As the franchisee is a successful low-risk partnership that enjoys protection and support from the global franchise associations.

The Association promotes the expansion of franchises across the UAE by providing various services, activities, events, etc. It also supports, boosts and opens up the doors for a wide range of UAE local brands to enter international markets and promote the UAE's leading position on the global economic map. In its strategic plan 2018-2020, the UAE Franchise Development Association focuses on regulating the operations and activities of UAE franchises to achieve correct practices and protect the rights of all parties, especially entrepreneurs.

Al Muhairi invited all franchise companies, local brands and individuals and entities interested in the franchise to attend the 6th International Franchise Exhibition, which will be held in Abu Dhabi from 16-17 October at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).