The Global Franchise Market attracts over 1,600 global investors

Inayat-ur-Rahman

The 4th edition of The Global Franchise Market – TGFM concluded on Wednesday  on a high-note attracting more than 1600 investors and franchisees coming from different parts of the world while also featuring the participation of 80 leading brands, representing a variety of business industries and sectors. The event succeeded in showcasing new franchise concepts and emerging key trends that are rapidly transforming the franchise landscape across many fields and sectors.

Throughout the 2 days, the exhibition floor witnessed a number of successful meetings and lucrative business partnerships and agreements. Golden Fork Seafood Restaurants, a 33-year old Dubai based seafood restaurants chain, signed a master franchise agreement with Uganda based Rawda Holdings Limited. The agreement was signed in the presence of Mohammed Shanavas, Managing Director, Golden Fork Seafood Restaurants LLC and Tarig Mohamed, Chairman of Rawda Holding Ltd, Uganda. Through this agreement, Golden Fork Seafood Restaurants will develop 25 outlets across 5 countries in Central Africa, where the first fine dining outlet is expected to open at Kampala city in Uganda by January, 2020. Golden Fork currently has 20 operating outlets and plans to expand to 20 countries by 2022 targeting 100 outlets.

Besides that, Ruky perfumes, the Dubai based perfume brand, signed a regional franchise development agreement, which involves a 30-outlet expansion across Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Shanith Mangalat, MD, Ruky Perfumes LLC and Mohammed Salem of Al Salem Group, Al Ain. Ruky Perfumes currently has 20 operating outlets and it aims to expand to 300 outlets across Arab Gulf region by 2025.

On another note, Rolf G. Kirst, Board Member, Franchise Pool International, commented on their participation saying, “On behalf of Franchise Pool International, it gives me great pleasure to attend TGFM, which has truly evolved into a major franchise event in the region. TGFM is a unique platform to meet with the ever-growing list of potential investors and leading franchise brands from the UAE, Middle East and the globe who prefer face-to-face interactions. Over the years, Dubai has grown immensely to become a lucrative competitive market in the franchise landscape and it retained its status as the top destination for franchising in the region. Moreover, Dubai is the best location for us franchise exhibitors, as it is home to those visitors who have the capital to start a real business and the imagination to succeed and expand their business.”

On her part, Romany Ward, Marketing Executive, Coffee Planet, Dubai said, “With a strong and established trading base across our foodservice, retail and C-store platforms in Dubai, it is indeed a great opportunity for us to be a part of a regionally focused franchise event such as TGFM here in Dubai, the homeland of our business and roastery. At TGFM, we met many serious F&B investors looking to partner with us, and we hope to continue growing the success story of our brand in the UAE and wider GCC countries.”

She added, “Dubai is the place where franchisors can make their dreams come alive and it offers both an inspirational and aspirational place to set up a shop. In today’s franchise market, only the very best operational brands setting up the highest retailing standards can survive the demands of the knowledgeable and culturally diverse breadth of customers in this region. We are constantly increasing our efforts to succeed and continue to drive more to share our coffee experience and expertise.”

Commenting on their participation, Umair Tariq, CFO, Kido Schools, said, “This is the first time we participate in TGFM, and it was indeed a great opportunity for us to meet and connect with many potential partners and investors who could help us in expanding the Kido Brand to the lucrative markets in the UAE and other parts of the GCC region. Since its inception in 2014, with its first school in Hong Kong, Kido School has today opened more than 24 schools spanning many cities such as Dubai, London and 4 cities in India. By 2020, we plan to open our first branch in Houston, Texas and another 10 schools across many countries worldwide.”

He added, “The UAE has historically led the wave of growth in the region’s education sector and still represents an attractive market opportunity. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the largest and the most popular markets for educational investors. While the franchise industry is rapidly evolving in many countries of the GCC and MENA regions, the UAE remains a preferred destination for franchisors and franchisees, given its easy accessibility, stability of its legal and regulatory systems and its openness to foreign investment.”