More than 200 brands to showcase their prospects during the World Franchise Forum and Expo, a premier event for  franchising leads and opportunities in the Mena region, set to open tomorrow (February 16) in Dubai, UAE.

Renowned women speakers will headline this year’s two-day forum and exhibition at the Conrad Hotel to showcase and discuss the latest growth prospects with Mena’s key business delegates in a bid to generate new substantial franchising investments in the UAE and the rest of the region.

To be held under the theme ‘Building Franchise Business Worldwide,’ the premier and exclusive franchise event will feature Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, president of the Dubai Business Women Council, who will champion equal opportunities in the sector during her speech titled ‘Franchise & Dubai: The Real Success Story. Insights for Your Future.’

Lubna Qassim, Emirates NBD’s ‎executive vice president, Group General Counsel and company secretary, will speak about the emirate’s franchising potentials in her ‘Dubai - A World of Opportunities’ keynote speech.

The expo will provide an international platform for one-on-one franchisor-investor meetings, presentations and in-depth seminars.

Christopher Brinkley, director, World Franchise Associates (WFA), organizer of World Franchise Forum and Expo, said: “The region is a bright spot for an increasing number of franchises worldwide. In Dubai and the rest of the UAE, in particular, the market growth is mainly driven by its business-friendly environment, with relevant government policies and actions already in place.”

“Global brands are also targeting the emirate’s strong tourism sector and young population with high disposable income and affinity for luxury goods. All of these factors are contributory to the significant growth of the local franchising business.”

“Opportunities are still immense not only in Dubai but in the rest of the Mena region. The World Franchise Forum and Expo will provide the ideal interactive platform for all regional and global visitors to connect with each other, resulting in fruitful exchanges of knowledge and experiences. Participants can also explore more opportunities for growth in the region and learn how to make their market presence even stronger,” said Sary Hamway, director WFA.

Within the Mena region, franchising remains the preferred model for businesses averse to the risk and significant capital investment associated with joint ventures.

A particular area of opportunity exists in the food and beverage sector, which is predicted to achieve an annual growth rate of 7.4 per cent over the next four years as per research firm Euromonitor International. The education, transportation, tourism and healthcare sectors also present potentially lucrative franchising potentials, a statement said. – TradeArabia News Service