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Al Etihad
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Inaugural World Franchise Day celebrates sector's growing potential
11 June 2025 22:08 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)The pivotal role of the franchise sector in supporting the national economy and empowering entrepreneurs came to the fore during a forum held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday to mark the inaugural World Franchise Day, to be marked annually on June 11. Titled "Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us", the forum was organised by the Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen event, held at the Abu Dhabi Chamber's headquarters, brought together entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and representatives from government and private sector entities involved in or interested in the franchise her opening remarks, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, reaffirmed the franchise sector's role within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture. She emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional Tamimi said: "The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum."The franchise sector is witnessing rapid growth both locally and internationally. In the UAE, revenues have exceeded Dh100 billion annually, with an annual growth rate of 15%, while global revenues surpassed Dh6 trillion, according to the Abu Dhabi the MENA region, the total market value is estimated at over Dh120 billion. Globally, the sector encompasses more than two million franchisees, providing jobs for more than 19 million people, reflecting its vital role in supporting economies and promoting entrepreneurship, it a recorded speech presented during the forum, Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, stressed that World Franchise Day celebrates the global franchise community in recognition of its contributions to the international economic landscape and raises awareness of the franchise sector's role in shaping modern economies. UAE a Global Franchising Hub Speaking to Aletihad, Al Tamimi stressed the UAE's growing influence as a global franchising hub."The UAE naturally is the most suitable host for this, because of the ease of doing business, the support our leadership provides, and the national focus on diversifying beyond the oil sector. Today, we have surpassed $30 billion as a market size for franchising - and there is still room for further expansion."Explaining the vision behind the Emirates Franchise Association, she noted that their main goal is to enhance the franchising ecosystem in the UAE and make it a global powerhouse for further highlighted the enabling environment already in place, pointing to Abu Dhabi's position as a global centre for franchising and innovation."Abu Dhabi today is a franchise-friendly environment. Take Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, for example - it supports SMEs with funding specifically to help them scale through franchising. If you apply and meet the criteria, you can receive a grant to prepare your brand and business for the franchise model. And that is just one of many initiatives both the Khalifa Fund and Emirates Franchise Association provide to support growth." 'A Golden Platform' Mona Saqr Al Matrooshi, Board Member of the Ajman Businesswomen Council and Director General of the Ajman Society of Social & Cultural Development, told Aletihad that events like International Franchise Day offer real value for aspiring entrepreneurs."Many people do not have enough background in franchising," she said."This event is a true investment opportunity - where they can meet franchise owners, exchange ideas, and grow their businesses. It is a golden platform for those who know how to seize opportunities.""With the UAE's open economy, every citizen or resident should have their own project. What matters is knowing when and how to seize opportunities."Entrepreneur Mohammed Al Nuaimi said "franchising is a shortcut" for those who want to start a business without sufficient experience."The brand provides you with the readiness-from the basic structure to the complete business manual. The entrepreneur only needs to study the brand's suitability for the local market, whether in the UAE or the Gulf Region, and then start operating in record time. However, if they want to establish a project from scratch, they need to conduct a feasibility study, analyse the market, and identify the target group. They can then choose the appropriate sales model." 'Gaining Financial Freedom' Also speaking to Aletihad, Ebraheem Al Samadi, founder and CEO of Forever Rose, highlighted the potential of franchising in shaping the UAE's business future."Franchises offer people the opportunity to gain financial freedom, take responsibility for their careers, and run their own businesses. It is a ready-made platform. I see this as a launchpad for more billionaires and millionaires in the future.""From cafés to restaurants, franchising is everywhere. It plays a vital role in driving economic growth, and the UAE has the potential to be a franchise hub for the entire Middle East. Anyone seeking a franchise in the region will look to the UAE as their go-to destination," Al Samadi Al Saigal, Founder and Partner of Rolling Wheels Entertainment, told Aletihad that franchising is a smart path for rapid, efficient expansion."My advice to anyone with a project they believe in is to adopt the franchise model. It saves time, effort, and money. Instead of spending 7 million on 7 branches, I invest 1 million in one location while others expand the brand under the same system. As the founder, I benefit from franchise fees-both upfront and monthly."However, she urged patience and preparation. "Do not rush into franchising. You need at least two to three years of stable operations, with fully documented processes, before expanding. Let your business mature first - then grow with confidence." Meeting of Minds The forum included a dialogue session called "Meeting of Minds," bringing together leading franchise owners in the UAE, along with specialised consultants and industry experts. They discussed key opportunities and challenges related to expanding local franchises, along with the legal, operational, and financial support mechanisms needed to enhance their competitiveness and sustainable program also featured an interactive visual presentation highlighting the Association's achievements and showcasing successful Emirati brands that have expanded locally and internationally through franchising. The event also included several accompanying activities, most notably the "Franchise Walk," which showcased a selection of local and international brands. In addition, the Association organised advisory sessions in collaboration with several consultancy firms, offering specialised professional guidance on the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of the franchise model.
Al Etihad
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Silal, China's SVG to launch 100,000 m2 Smart Agritech Hub in Al Ain Region
22 May 2025 14:11 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, have witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership between Silal and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a Chinese company specialising in vegetable seed breeding and counter-seasonal partnership enables SVG to invest more than Dh120 million into developing a 100,000㎡ agritech facility in the Al Ain Region, marking a major milestone for the UAE and regional agriculture sectors. The facility will harness advanced technologies, including AI and robotics to drive precision, boost efficiency, and deliver sustainable, high-impact innovations across the agricultural value agritech facility will showcase SVG's advanced Shouguang Model of greenhouse technology, which will be adapted and optimised for the climate conditions of the UAE. It will feature a range of advanced greenhouse structures, such as intelligent photovoltaic glass greenhouses, thin film-connected greenhouses, and large-span solar project encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem that includes seedling cultivation as well as post-harvest processing, storage and distribution centres. The entire smart greenhouse system will be powered by solar energy, minimising the facility's carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural Alameri, CEO of Silal, said: "Our partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group aims to revolutionise the UAE's Agritech sector. By combining SVG's world-leading expertise in greenhouse technology with Silal's commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are creating a cutting-edge model for innovative agriculture that can be replicated across the region and beyond. Ming Yang, Founder of Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group, said: "Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach and its willingness to embrace new technologies make it a vital hub for agritech innovation. In addition, the region's unique climate conditions make it a crucial testing ground for new technologies and solutions. Therefore, our partnership with Silal provides an unparalleled opportunity to refine our advanced technologies."The facility will integrate AI and robotics to optimise every stage of cultivation, enabling precision planting, accelerated harvesting, and greater operational efficiency. Integrated technologies include intelligent climate control, automated irrigation, robotic harvesting, and advanced AI-driven research and a dozen crop varieties – including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and strawberries—will be cultivated with enhanced traits for superior taste, resilience and productivity. Smart resource management will reduce water and fertiliser usage by up to 30 per cent, promoting sustainability and environmental project will be supported by AI labs, technology testing zones, and a sensory experience centre, alongside advanced water treatment systems, modular purification units, mushroom production areas, energy storage solutions, and dedicated employee accommodations. Complementing production, a fully equipped post-harvest complex will include cold storage, automated sorting lines, and export-ready logistics to maintain product integrity and ensure seamless distribution to domestic and international markets. Make it in the Emirates Continue full coverage Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
CairoScene
20-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
China-UAE AgriTech Hub to Pioneer Desert Farming in Al Ain
Silal and China's SVG are launching a 100,000-square-metre AgriTech hub in Al Ain to advance climate-resilient farming, water-efficient technologies, and post-harvest innovation in the UAE. May 20, 2025 A new Dh120 million AgriTech hub is set to open in Al Ain as part of a joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Silal and China's Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG). Designed to transform food production in harsh climates, the 100,000-square-metre facility aims to pioneer sustainable farming techniques tailored to the UAE's arid environment. The project centres on adapting SVG's 'Shouguang Model'—a smart agriculture system developed in Shandong province—to the desert context. Powered by renewable energy, the facility will feature photovoltaic glass greenhouses, solar-powered structures, and climate-controlled production units growing over a dozen varieties of fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries. Precision agriculture and automation will be at the core of operations, with robotic harvesting, smart irrigation, and climate control systems reducing water and fertiliser use by up to 30%. Supporting infrastructure will include energy storage systems, employee accommodation, mushroom cultivation areas, and a visitor centre designed to engage the public with sustainable agriculture practices. The site will also house high-tech post-harvest systems, including cold storage and automated sorting and logistics services to support both domestic distribution and international exports. This facility expands on a 2024 collaboration between Silal and SVG focused on seed breeding and counter-seasonal crop strategies aimed at boosting efficiency and securing local supply chains.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's RTA to auction 350 exclusive number plates of 3, 4, and 5 digits
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to hold its 79th online auction for exclusive number plates, offering 350 distinctive plates consisting of three, four, and five-digit combinations for private vehicles, classic vehicles, and motorcycles. The auction includes plates bearing codes H through Z, covering the following categories: H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Registration for the auction opens on Monday, May 19, and will remain open for five days only. The auction will go live on Monday, 26 May 2025. All sales are subject to a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), and all participants must hold a valid traffic file in the Emirate of Dubai. To participate, bidders are required to submit a security cheque payable to RTA amounting Dh5,000, along with a non-refundable participation fee of Dh120. Payments can be made at the Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, and Deira, or via credit card through the RTA website. The auction terms also require successful bidders to complete payment within 10 working days from the auction's closing date. Payments can be made at authorised service provider centres as follows: cash for amounts up to Dh50,000, and certified cheque or credit card for amounts exceeding Dh50,000. Transactions may also be completed at Customer Happiness Centres or via the RTA's website.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Rents on Al Marjan Island increase by 60% in 2 years as demand soars
Rental prices on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah have seen a dramatic surge over the past two years, with the median annual rent climbing from Dh40,000 in April 2023 to Dh64,800 in April 2025 a rise of 62 per cent in just two years, according to data from Property Finder. The most recent figures show a 12 per cent year-on-year increase between April 2024 and April 2025, following a steep 45 per cent jump the previous year. The sharp rise in rental prices is largely concentrated in apartments and duplexes, which dominate the market on Al Marjan Island, making up 97 per cent of all residential rental listings. Currently, the median rental price per square foot on Al Marjan Island stands at Dh 81, with listings typically ranging between Dh50 and Dh120 per sq ft. The median size of a rental property is 773 sq ft. Compared to other sought-after residential areas in Ras Al Khaimah such as Al Hamra Village and Mina Al Arab rents on Al Marjan Island are approximately 20 per cent higher. This premium is driven by the island's growing appeal as a waterfront destination and its proximity to high-profile developments, including the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan, the first integrated resort in the Middle East. Fibha Ahmed, Vice President of Property Sales at Bayut & dubizzle, highlighted the Marjan island's apartment sector as a key driver of the upward momentum. 'We've seen solid growth across the board, but it's the apartment segment in Al Marjan Island that really stands out,' she said. 'Rents jumped by 42 per cent year-on-year from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, and then climbed another 13 per cent by Q1 2025.' This sharp trajectory underlines the growing appeal of the waterfront destination not just for tenants in search of upscale, well-connected homes, but also for investors eyeing compact units with strong rental yields. According to Fibha, user engagement backs the numbers. 'Our data at Bayut shows Al Marjan Island consistently attracts around 25 per cent of all apartment rental views in Ras Al Khaimah, despite being a smaller community in size. That's a significant concentration of demand, driven by both media attention and actual user interest.' Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Founder of BNW Developments stated that 'Based on current momentum and upcoming high-impact developments, BNW Developments anticipates rental prices in Al Marjan Island to increase by approximately 10–15 per cent over the next 12–24 months. This growth will likely be driven by continued demand from international tenants, rising tourism, and the relatively limited availability of premium inventory. As projects like the Wynn Resort near completion and tourism-linked infrastructure scales up, we expect further tightening in supply, pushing rents steadily upward. The island is on course to become one of the UAE's most dynamic investment destinations, with robust returns for both short-term and long-term asset holders.'
