Dubai is set to host the 3^rd edition of The Global Franchise Market Exhibition – TGFM, the official franchising event in Dubai offering a dedicated platform for local and international ‘franchisors’ and ‘franchisees’ to explore new business partnerships & investment opportunities, on the 5^th and 6^th of December this year, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This year, TGFM will bring together leading investors, master franchisees, licensees, entrepreneurs, and leading brands in various sectors and it is expected to attract over 2,000 visitors and participants and witness the participation of over 100 leading brands from 80 countries. The exhibition will feature also 5 pavilions for participating countries like Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Malaysia and Turkey. TGFM will offer a great platform for B2B meetings at the exhibition while also awarding participating brands with the ‘best stand design’ and ‘best stand activity’ prizes to recognize their unique contribution.

As a testament to its growing reputation for generating great value on investment for exhibitors, last year, 42 % of exhibitors generated business value between 100,000 to 500,000 USD while 18 percent generated business value between 500,000 to 1 million USD and 3 percent even generated business worth more than 1 million USD.

“The Global Franchise Market Conference and Exhibition – TGFM 2018 comes at a time when the Franchise market in the UAE is set to grow immensely owing to a series of business-friendly policies and regulations implemented by the UAE leadership as well as UAE’s strong economic growth, high purchasing power among consumers, consumption patterns, and the increasing penetration of international franchise brands. Franchising has developed extensively in the UAE over a short time, especially in the Food and Beverage F & B sector, which according to a survey by a global audit firm KPMG, has grown by nearly 4 percent annually, increasing from 11.3 billion dollars in 2014 to reach 13.2 billion dollars this year”, said Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding.

From his side, Mr. Jassim Al Bastaki, CEO, Franchise Souq said: “With the growing franchise industry and the increased number of aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, TGFM presents a great medium for franchise brand owners looking to enter the MENA region to meet and connect with franchise partners. As the franchise market is growing people are understanding the benefits of franchising and investing in quality risk free businesses. TGFM is a business-matching platform for companies wishing to grow globally through networking with potential investors, business partners, distributors and agents, as well it provides an opportunity to meet industry experts within their field.”

He went on saying: “As a strategic partner ‘FRANCHISESOUQ.COM, similarly is a  smart initiative to link aspiring entrepreneurs with franchise owners through B2B online marketplace providing opportunities to franchisors to showcase their brands and connect with local and global potential partners from different sectors of F&B, Retail, Beauty & Fitness, Entertainment, Education, Manufacturing, Distribution and various services. Offering 360 solutions to franchise, jobs, commercial property, consultancy, funding and many franchise related services. Reviewing the tremendous success and footfall of visitors at TGFM exhibition, the Government entities and Ministry of Dubai Economic Department has shown great support to the franchise market in the region. We are looking forward to the 3rd edition of TGFM this year which we believe will be one of the most successful franchise exhibitions in the region encouraging franchisors to participate and benefit from this great platform.”

On another note, the CEO of Francorp Middle East & Strategic Partner for TGFM, Mr. Imad CharafEddine said: “This December will be Francorp’s third consecutive year as a strategic partner for TGFM, and we couldn’t be happier with the success of the previous years and the international growth the two days offered those exhibiting.”

He added: “The Global Franchise Market 2018 is set to be the perfect platform for face-face interaction with every type of profile in the franchising industry, whether you’re a business owner, investor, service provider or employee; we are confident it will be a memorable and valuable experience from the moment you sign up to attend. TGFM is an excellent opportunity where you can expand the know-how of others to propel your business into a successful future in franchising!”

Food and Beverage: Key to the growth of franchise industry in the UAE

According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, F & B continues to dominate the franchise market in the region and the industry was the second largest spending category for UAE consumers, totaling 24.8 billion dollars last year. In addition, fast food is expected to account for 40 percent of the franchising market and industry experts expect the region’s F & B franchisees to grow by more than 25 percent in the coming years and maintain their dominance over other sectors like education and healthcare services.

A number of leading brands from the F&B sector are exhibiting this year at TGFM like
Jelly Belly Ice Cream (Gold Sponsor),and the region’s first locally made gourmet ice-cream produced in the heart of Dubai in an exclusive state-of-the-art manufacturing facility; in addition to Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters, Reis &Irvy’s, The Future of Frozen Yogurt, Delifrance, AlmayassLebanese – Armenian Cuisine, Bouza Roll, Fishface, Munch Bakery, Meito Café Lounge & Bubble Tea, Under500 and ChicKing. The exhibition will also witness the participation of Francorp Middle East (Platinum Sponsor and Strategic Partner)among others.

The Global Franchise Market (TGFM) is organized annually by INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions – a member of INDEX Holding with the support of Department of Economic Development – Dubai and under the strategic partnership of Franchise Souq and Francorp Middle East.