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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.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reshift Media celebrates inaugural World Franchise Day
Award-winning franchise marketing company plays pivotal role, partnering with World Franchise Council to develop global marketing strategy NEW YORK, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Reshift Media, the leading digital marketing agency for franchise brands, proudly celebrates the first-ever World Franchise Day, to be observed on June 11. The agency played a central role in developing the marketing strategy and on-the-ground tactics for this global awareness event, working in close collaboration with the World Franchise Council and the Canadian Franchise Association. "World Franchise Day gives us the chance to shine a light on the tremendous value franchising brings to our local communities and the world," said Steve Buors, co-founder and CEO of Reshift Media. "We're honored to be part of this historic moment and thrilled to continue contributing to franchising's bright future." Spearheaded by the World Franchise Council, World Franchise Day is a global initiative designed to celebrate the global success of the franchise model—and to highlight its widespread impact. The goal behind World Franchise Day is to raise awareness regarding franchising's positive economic impact, its proliferation of jobs and ownership opportunities and the range of services offered to local communities. As a long-time advocate and marketing leader within the franchise industry, Reshift Media played a key role in providing behind-the-scenes leadership for this initiative. "Having worked with hundreds of franchise companies around the world, we are continually impressed by the enterprising spirit and incredible innovation we see from franchisors and franchisees," Buors said. "This is an industry that does a lot of good and is often underacknowledged—which is why World Franchise Day is such an important initiative." As part of the leadership team behind World Franchise Day, Reshift Media helped develop the marketing strategy and execution plan to introduce this initiative to a global audience. Reshift Media is known as a premier marketing partner within the franchising space, helping franchise systems grow through tailored digital outreach and proprietary software solutions. In addition to winning industry awards, the agency has placed on Entrepreneur's Top Franchise Suppliers list three times, earning the top spot in 2024. To learn more about Reshift Media, visit To find out more about World Franchise Day, visit About Reshift Media Reshift Media is the leading marketing company within the franchising space, providing comprehensive digital solutions combined with proprietary software innovations. The company has represented top franchise brands in the home service, fast casual dining and pet care industries, among many others. Reshift Media has partnered with more than 200 brands spanning 22 countries and won a number of major awards, including Best Franchise Marketing Firm from the Global Franchise Awards, three years in a row. For more information, visit MEDIA CONTACT:Heather RipleyRipley PR865-977-1973hripley@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Reshift Media
The Star
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Zahid proposes boosting franchise sector
Good for business: Ahmad Zahid (centre) visiting a booth at the opening of the FIM Exhibition 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed three initiatives, including the Asean Franchise Accelerator Programme, to elevate Malaysia's franchise ecosystem. He said the programme could serve as a flagship initiative to groom local franchise brands through expert mentorship, access to funding and fast-tracked regional market entry. The second initiative, he said, is the Asean University Franchise Business Challenge Programme, which gathers cutting-edge franchise concepts from university students across Asean, offering the best ideas to be adopted, nurtured and scaled by leading franchise players. 'The third will be celebrating World Franchise Day, a global event observed by all World Franchise Council (WFC) members every second week of June, honouring the impact and unity of the global franchise community through awareness programmes or conferences in Malaysia,' Ahmad Zahid said at the opening of the Asean Franchise Convention Declaration and the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition 2025. He added that Malaysia's franchise sector currently contributes over RM36bil to the gross domestic product (GDP) and provides more than 68,000 jobs, proving its significant potential. He said the joint declaration signed by franchise associations from six Asean countries marks a historic commitment to regional collaboration in franchise development. The declaration, read out by Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) director Deric Yeo, contained a commitment to ensuring Asean franchise sustainability, digitalisation and collaboration. The event was also attended by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and his deputy, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan. Ahmad Zahid said the ministry would also formulate a comprehensive Rural Youth Development Plan aimed at producing a digitally literate, knowledgeable and skilled young rural generation. The plan would not only create jobs through the establishment of Rural Gig Hubs, but also nurture young leadership by appointing Rural Youth Ambassadors to serve as the voice and representative of the new rural generation. Ahmad Zahid also urged the Community Development Department (Kemas) to strengthen engagement sessions with parents and educators to evaluate the impact of the Kemas Pre-Tahfiz Programme, which has been running for a year.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ahmad Zahid proposes ASEAN accelerator to boost franchise sector
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today proposed three initiatives, including the introduction of the ASEAN Franchise Accelerator Programme, to elevate Malaysia's franchise ecosystem. He said the programme could serve as a flagship initiative to groom local franchise brands through expert mentorship, access to funding, and fast-tracked regional market entry. The second initiative is the ASEAN University Franchise Business Challenge Program, which, he said, is an initiative that gathers cutting-edge franchise concepts from university students across ASEAN, offering the best ideas the opportunity to be adopted, nurtured and scaled by leading franchise players. 'Lastly, celebrating World Franchise Day, a global event observed by all World Franchise Council (WFC) members every second week of June, honouring the impact and unity of the global franchise community through awareness programs or conferences in Malaysia,' he said at the opening of the ASEAN Franchise Convention Declaration and the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition 2025 here today. He said these ideas reflect the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of franchise leaders who will carry the Malaysian flag proudly across ASEAN and beyond. Ahmad Zahid said he firmly believes the franchise industry does more than boost national competitiveness as it generates jobs, cultivates entrepreneurs and builds cross-border connections that unite economies and communities. He noted that Malaysia's franchise sector currently contributes over RM36 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and provides more than 68,000 jobs, proving its significant potential. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming business matching sessions, which will feature over 100 franchise companies from both local and international backgrounds, offering exceptional investment and partnership opportunities at the convention. 'I urge all Malaysians, especially our youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, to seize this moment. This is your launchpad to explore franchise ventures that align with your passion and ambition, and to propel yourselves onto the regional and global stage. 'I am confident this convention will emerge as a premier platform focused on embedding sustainability into business models, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, and driving franchise growth that is competitive, resilient and future-ready,' he said. Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid said the joint declaration signed by franchise associations from six ASEAN countries marks a historic commitment to regional collaboration in franchise development. He said the Malaysian government fully supports the initiative and looks forward to it becoming a lasting and inclusive platform that benefits all stakeholders. The declaration, read out by the Director of ASEAN Franchise Convention (AFC), Deric Yeo, contained a commitment to ensuring ASEAN franchise sustainability, digitalisation and collaboration. The event was also attended by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and his deputy, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Ahmad Zahid proposes Asean franchise accelerator to boost franchise sector in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on Thursday proposed three initiatives, including the introduction of the Asean Franchise Accelerator Programme, to elevate Malaysia's franchise ecosystem. He said the programme could serve as a flagship initiative to groom local franchise brands through expert mentorship, access to funding, and fast-tracked regional market entry. The second initiative is the Asean University Franchise Business Challenge Program, which, he said, is an initiative that gathers cutting-edge franchise concepts from university students across Asean, offering the best ideas the opportunity to be adopted, nurtured and scaled by leading franchise players. "Lastly, celebrating World Franchise Day, a global event observed by all World Franchise Council (WFC) members every second week of June, honouring the impact and unity of the global franchise community through awareness programs or conferences in Malaysia,' he said at the opening of the Asean Franchise Convention Declaration and the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) Exhibition 2025 here Thursday (May 8). He said these ideas reflect the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing a new generation of franchise leaders who will carry the Malaysian flag proudly across Asean and beyond. Zahid said he firmly believes the franchise industry does more than boost national competitiveness as it generates jobs, cultivates entrepreneurs and builds cross-border connections that unite economies and communities. He noted that Malaysia's franchise sector currently contributes over RM36bil to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and provides more than 68,000 jobs, proving its significant potential. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming business matching sessions, which will feature over 100 franchise companies from both local and international backgrounds, offering exceptional investment and partnership opportunities at the convention. "I urge all Malaysians, especially our youth and aspiring entrepreneurs, to seize this moment. This is your launchpad to explore franchise ventures that align with your passion and ambition, and to propel yourselves onto the regional and global stage. "I am confident this convention will emerge as a premier platform focused on embedding sustainability into business models, leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies, and driving franchise growth that is competitive, resilient and future-ready,' he said. Meanwhile, Zahid said the joint declaration signed by franchise associations from six Asean countries marks a historic commitment to regional collaboration in franchise development. He said the Malaysian government fully supports the initiative and looks forward to it becoming a lasting and inclusive platform that benefits all stakeholders. The declaration, read out by the Director of Asean Franchise Convention (AFC), Deric Yeo, contained a commitment to ensuring Asean franchise sustainability, digitalisation and collaboration. The event was also attended by the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, and his deputy, Datuk Seri R Ramanan. - Bernama TAGS: Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, franchise, FMI, convention, ASEAN
