DUBAI-The Middle East Franchise Expo, which takes place at the Convention Centre of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai on October 21 and 22, will host the ‘MENAFA Awards for Excellence in Franchising’ presented by His Excellency Abdulrahim Hassan Naqi, Secretary General of the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC).
Award categories include Best ME Multi-Brand Operator, Best ME Master Franchisee Operator, Best ME Franchise Brand, Best ME Franchise Professional and many more.
The region’s premier franchise exhibition will bring together local and international brands with products and services from over 80 companies, alongside workshops and networking opportunities with special stands designed for ‘Meet the Buyer’ sessions.
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.
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”.
Half the available exhibition space has been allocated to national brands such as 800Pizza, Abdul Al Qurashi, Al-Aberah Global, French Fried Chicken, Mandilicious, Meito, Mo’men Restaurants, Reflex Fashion, NT Payments, Signarama, WingZone, Kebab Shop, United Trademark & Patent Services, ASTECO and Allied Brothers. These names will be complemented by several international brands such as Bennigan’s, Black Orchid Interiors, Planet Hollywood, Buca di Beppo, Earl of Sandwich, Camille’s Ice Cream Bars, It’s A Grind, Manchu WOK, ArmyNavy, Just Lobsters Co, Unity Medical & Spa Services, Steak n Shake, NetSolace and others.
Kit Brinkley, Event Director,says: “Over the two days we will provide a unique platform for the region’s dynamic franchise industry. Prospective investors will be able to engage with a wide variety of brands interested in building successful international and national networks”.
Sary Hamway, Director of World Franchise Associates, commented: “As principal sponsors 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”.
Topics covered in the Conference Program include: Trends and opportunities in franchising, Choosing the right franchise, ABC of successful franchising, Franchise legal and regulatory requirements, Best practice for national and international expansion, Women in franchising, e-commerce & social media and Shopping mall developments. Among the three Franchise Pavilions will be the FranKids Pavilion, a reflection of the growth of children’s brands.
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.