Middle East Franchise Expo lines up galaxy of industry speakers at two-day event in Dubai from October 21 to 22

The region’s leading franchising event at Jumeirah Beach Hotel Convention Centre will also host the ‘MENAFA Awards for Excellence in Franchising’

Dubai, October 18, 2014: The Middle East Franchise Expo, the region’s leading franchising event, organised by the Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association (MENAFA) at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel Convention Centre on October 21 and 22, 2014, will feature a galaxy of renowned experts addressing key issues affecting the franchise industry.

The keynote address will be delivered by Rafia Al Mulla, CEO of 54 Degrees East and Al Mulla Group, who will speak on the challenges for franchising in the MENA Region.  David Macadam, from the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC), will throw light on attractive opportunities in the region’s shopping malls.
The packed Conference Program also includes legal tips from DLA Piper UAE and Al-Tamimi; Effective marketing techniques from Eman Bu Rashid of Keynotes Bahrain and Arsalan Ashraf from AC Nielsen.  In addition, Be Unique Group will cover key aspects of Social Media and eCommerce as well as supporting Women in Business.  Heavyweight franchise professionals including Murad Alnasur, Troy Franklin, Rome Gregorio and Sary Hamway will share their success stories. 

The Exhibition space has been taken up by major national and international brands, with representation of 80 companies seeking partners in the MENA Region and beyond.  Representatives from brands from the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Malaysia and the ASEAN will be available for business meetings.  
The Middle East Franchise Expo will also host the ‘MENAFA Awards for Excellence in Franchising’ presented by His Excellency Abdulrahim Hasan Naqi, Secretary General of the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC). 

Dr Khalid AlSharfa, President of MENAFA, said: “As a local organization registered in the UAE, MENAFA’s key strengths are its regional and international expertise, powered by local faces and relevant market intelligence, which will go a long way to assure credibility among the markets and investors”. 
The Middle East Franchise Expo is hosted by the Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association (MENAFA) under the royal Patronage of His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled Al-Saud as its Honorary Chairman. 

Kit Brinkley, Event Director, says: “The Expo provides a unique platform for the region’s dynamic franchise industry.  Prospective investors will be able to engage with a variety of brands interested in building successful international and national networks.  We are also delighted to have Al Wael Foodstuff Trading (representing brands like New York Fries, Jungle Juice, Mashakeek and Potato Hut) and Midamar Inc. as sponsors of the Expo.”

Sary Hamway, Director of World Franchise Associates, commented: “As the organisers of the event, we offer unrivalled opportunities for business networking.  In addition, we provide real depth and diversity through high-level brand presentations and workshops to ensure that everyone benefits”.

The organisers have urged registered visitors to sign up for one to one meetings with franchisors and senior Brand representatives to discuss their investment and business aspirations.