Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The seventh edition of the International Franchise Exhibition (IFE), organised by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in strategic partnership with Emirates Association for Franchise Development, was attended by over 5,000 visitors including investors, business-owners, SMEs and entrepreneurs resulting in a number of deals signed at the event, with a value of over Dhs27 Million

Abdullah Ghurair Al-Qubaisi, Deputy Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said, “The seventh edition of the International Franchise Exhibition has been a huge success. The exhibition hosted over 100 international and local exhibitors from over 15 different sectors and we have witnessed new deals and collaborations come into effect. This exhibition has proven to be a successful platform for local investors, prospective franchisees, SMEs, as well as entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and secure investments. The new deals signed at the event are a clear indication of the opportunities for franchise growth here in the UAE.”

He added: “We have also been delighted to have had the opportunity to host the 51st World Franchise Council meeting and meet with leaders of the franchise community from over 42 countries from across the world including USA, Russia, Portugal, Egypt, Singapore, UK and China who gathered to discuss the main challenges facing emerging franchising worldwide such as government legislation, policies and best practices. We had the opportunity to show the representatives, the innovative and unique business concepts in the region and potential opportunities for collaboration and the forthcoming outcomes from this meeting we are sure will continue to drive the franchise market not only here in the UAE but globally.”

The two-day International Franchise Exhibition provided workshops and interactive sessions providing an important platform for communication with major international and local brands to engage investors, in addition to showcasing ideas for new and innovative projects from SMEs and pioneering businesses and entrepreneurs presenting Franchise opportunities. IFE will return to Abu Dhabi in 2020.

Meanwhile, Under umbrella of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), a delegation of local brand owners and entrepreneurs participated in the seventh edition of the International Franchise Exhibition (IFE), organised by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in strategic partnership with Emirates Association for Franchise Development, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Speaking about the IFE, Salem Al Suwaidi, Director General of ACCI, stressed importance of the exhibition and its role in providing an international platform reinforcing knowledge and expertise of the participating entrepreneurs. It further allows multiple chances to the exhibitors to develop their business and open new branches inside and outside the country, where franchise remains one of the most attractive and safest business that ensures success by 90 per cent, Al Suwaidi said.

He continued, “The IFE-Abu Dhabi provides a fruitful climate that ensures growth of enterprises and brands, especially with presence of these elite of experts in franchise and entrepreneurship.”

Al Suwaidi also hailed the innovative ideas and successful projects owned by the Emirati entrepreneurs, which only need to be supported and developed to become successful brands locally and internationally.

Mohamed Ali Al Janahi, Executive Director of Promotion and Investment at Ajman Chamber, affirmed the Chamber’s keenness to participate in IFE-Abu Dhabi, praising its excellent organisation, which received 127 local and international exhibitors, including 60 Emirati enterprises in two days. This reflects and emphasis the growth taking place in the sector, particularly in the country thanks to the efforts of the UAE chambers of commerce and industries, which have significantly enhanced the franchise activities, he added.

Al Janahi also noted that the Ajman Chamber is keen to participate in all events and exhibitions relating to franchise in order to widely promote the local brands and to learn closely about the latest developments and innovative ideas that serve the sector. In addition, the Chamber in cooperation with its strategic partners organises several specialised forums and workshops, as well as organising the Ajman Franchise Exhibition, he added.

It is worth mentioning that the exhibition hosted a variety of sectors including tourism and entertainment, real estate, fashion, hospitality, information technology, financial institutions, trade, transport, health care, pharmaceuticals, education, food and beverage, retail, education and training, safety and security, manufacturing and maintenance.