The 5th Global Franchise Market Exhibition Kicks Off Today With More Than 50 International Brands
His Excellency Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre inaugurated today the 5th edition of the Global Franchise Market – TGFM, which is back after two years with more than 50 international brands on board. This unique edition displays the most prominent franchising establishments while demonstrating success stories for businesses over the past few years, withstanding the global epidemic.
Following the inauguration, HE Al Ghandi toured the exhibition area where he was briefed about the innovative ideas and the most promising business opportunities for franchisors, who aim to expand their footprint in the UAE and the wider Middle East region.
After being awarded as the Middle East’s “Franchise Event of the Year 2020”, TGFM thrives to provide the ultimate platform for networking. It is indeed the best place for franchisors who are interested in expanding their brand through franchise sales and an excellent platform for existing companies to learn how to franchise and run their brand through attending educational sessions, while the exhibition helps individuals and organizations according to their needs.
And since this is a rapidly moving industry, the organizing team ensured that TGFM will continue to serve as the industry’s one-stop shop for the regional franchise community, as it brings together top-notch investors, franchisees, leading entrepreneurs, international franchise experts, and the world’s best brands to connect and discuss franchising business opportunities in the MENA region.
“After the challenging circumstances that effected all industries in the past two years, the 2021 end of year outlook for the sector looks very optimistic, as there is an increased expectancy for demand with Dubai Expo 2020 being held in the city.”Said Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding.
The UAE continues to attract an impressive number of local and international franchising businesses. Moreover, additional brands – homegrown and international, continue to grow in the country across various sectors, as the UAE possess a significant and strategic location which any business owner needs for his expansion.
Commenting on the rise of the Dubai’s business expansion, Eng. Anas Al Madani, also stated that: “Dubai Expo 2020, the exceptional infrastructure in Dubai, the growing population, and the UAE’s prominent position as a popular shopping destination are vital factors for this growth.”
TGFM is more than a franchise event that provides stakeholders with an entire ecosystem to objectively develop business between their brands, franchisees, and investors, it also introduces a number of engaging activities throughout the year such as “Tuesday Webinars” and “The Franchise Talk”.
While the “Tuesday Webinars” are a dedicated platform for brands to reach out to the Middle East potential partners and present their specificities and future developments, sessions like “The Franchise Talk” deliver daily articles on trends, market updates, and a monthly newsletter to the Middle East franchise community which has more 21,000 viewers. Moreover, there is a dedicated stand at the exhibition for “Franchise Talk” where new brands can have the chance to share their success stories and register themselves to promote their brands through franchise interviews, in addition to get exposed to ways of collaboration and support.
On his part, Imad Charaf Eddine, Chairman and CEO, Francorp Middle East, said: “I believe TGFM is a great opportunity for business owners and investors looking to grow. It brings people from across the region under one roof to meet and discuss business opportunities in a professional yet exciting environment. TGFM is the exact place to be to promote your franchise business and build relationships with potential buyers.”
“We are pleased to be attending and exhibiting TGFM for its 5th edition, as the Strategic Partners of the event. We are also extremely delighted to have our esteemed clients exhibit alongside us, with whom we have worked together to help transform them into a successful franchise business.” He added.
Moreover, this exhibition that features more than 50 brands showcased by regional and international exhibitors. Brand representatives will have an exclusive opportunity to access the Franchise Business Hub where B2B meetings and dedicated networking sessions will take place and will be scheduled between brands, investors and franchisees, which in return will facilitate collaboration and business expansion opportunities.
More than 150 meeting has been scheduled before the event date between brands and investors and the organizing team is expecting the close more than 300 by the end of the second day.
From another prospective, the rapid recovery of the Food and Beverage industry and the biggest demand on the online delivery mechanism in the UAE and the region has contributed highly in the nourishing of the franchise industry. TGFM this year is featuring new concepts while many brands emerge stronger through new creative ways of reaching customers and new business models.
According to Dubai Chamber, the total of 16,000 new companies joined in the first eight months of 2021, bringing its total membership to over 275,000, posting year-on-year growth of 68.5 percent.
Mrs. Salma Matar Almansoori, Direct Manager at the Emirates Association for Franchise Development said: “Emirates Association for Franchise Development (FAD) is delighted for the commencement of franchising activities and events in the UAE after the long pause imposed by COVID-19. Today The Global Franchise Market Exhibition (TGFM) which is recognized as the leading franchising event in the Middle East and a dedicated platform for franchisors and brands to connect with investors and franchisees seeking developments within MENA region open its doors. As the strategic partner of (TGFM) we encourage all local franchisees, franchisors, brand owners and investors in the UAE to attend the event. Franchising will always be a great model for the development of SMEs thus achieving the UAE strategic SMEs empowerment plans”.
The United Arab Emirates’ announcement recently to offer long-term residence visas to mega-investors and top business leaders is attracting a wealth of financial capital and encouraging global startups to explore franchise opportunities and target the country’s lucrative retail, food, and hospitality sectors. Moreover, Dubai’s improving business confidence, economic competitiveness, and growing appeal among investors and companies worldwide are boosting the emirate’s vibrant and diversified economy.
He also said: “The traditional franchise models like Food and Beverage continue to thrive, but the country has also seen new models and concepts outside these conventional domains. These businesses realize that Dubai and the UAE is an important and strategic spot to start such expansions. Additionally, Dubai is considered to be the entry point for any international brands willing to expand in the Middle East; and is often the regional Headquarter to a broader regional spread.”
TGFM is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions- member of INDEX Holding, with the strategic partnership of Franchise Souq and Francorp Middle East as Platinum Sponsor and the support of Dubai Tourism.
