Over 70 brands from different countries including the UAE, India, Italy, Iceland, Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have confirmed participation in the second edition of Franchise UAE to be held next month in Dubai.

The event, which is the largest international franchise, retail and business opportunity show in Dubai, will be held at Crowne Plaza hotel, Deira, on October 1 and 2.

The exhibitors looking for expansion in the UAE and other GCC countries include Pizza Pizza from Turkey, Re Mida S.P.A from Italy, BG Cleaning Services from Iceland, La Fiesta Italy, and Gitanjali Jewellery, Colonel Kababs, Perfume station from India, a statement from the event organizers said.

Exhibitors from the UAE include Binhendi, NMC, British Orchard, and Precise Group.

Gaurav Marya, managing director, Franchise Middle East, said: "Franchising has undergone a dramatic transformation in the Gulf over the past few years, with the focus shifting from big conglomerates to dynamic entrepreneurs and SMEs.”

“The ‘Franchise UAE’ show will present an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the global franchising industry and new opportunities available for investors and entrepreneurs", he said.

In the inaugural edition, ‘Franchise UAE’ generated business deals valued at over $10 million, one-third of which came from Emirati investors.

The event was visited by over 800 investors, especially women entrepreneurs, who engaged in one-on-one meetings with representatives from 50 brands covering diverse business segments. – TradeArabia News Service