Noor Al Tamimi, the President of the UAE Franchise Association, revealed that the revenue generated by the franchise sector in the UAE is estimated at around 100 billion dirhams annually, with a yearly growth rate of approximately 15%. This announcement was made during a celebration organized by the UAE Franchise Association at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.
In her speech, Noor Al Tamimi emphasized that franchising serves as an effective tool for business growth, providing entrepreneurs with a comprehensive operational framework that allows them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional support.
She stated that the UAE offers an attractive business and investment environment for the franchise sector, noting that global companies are seeking safe environments, skilled labor, and significant growth opportunities.
Al Tamimi highlighted that the country provides a legislative framework that facilitates investment. She pointed out that the UAE Franchise Association plays a crucial role in this regard by implementing its national strategy aimed at empowering Emirati brands for local and international expansion. Furthermore, she mentioned that the relaunch of the association’s corporate identity is a significant turning point, indicating that the association has received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, enabling it to serve as the accredited representative of the UAE in this international platform.
Sultan Al Hindasi, the General Director of the Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a board member of the association, stressed the importance of promoting franchise culture in the UAE and supporting entrepreneurs in investing in the franchise sector. He noted that this year’s celebration of Global Franchise Day holds special significance as the UAE accelerates its efforts to establish itself as a global hub, reflecting the growing momentum within the business community to leverage franchising as a method for innovation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Job Opportunities
Mahir Tarsh Ali Ali, a member of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and the Vice Chairman of the association, stated that the UAE Franchise Association aims to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to contribute to the diversification of the national economy, attract global brands, and create jobs in non-oil sectors such as retail, food and beverage, education, and services. He also emphasized the association’s support for national priorities regarding private sector growth and innovation, while fostering sustainable expansion and knowledge transfer.
Simon Bartholomew, the secretary general of the World Franchise Council, emphasized in a recorded message the importance of the global franchise community and its contribution to the international economic landscape, enhancing awareness of the significant role that franchising plays in shaping our modern economies.
Global franchise revenues have exceeded 6 trillion dirhams. In the MENA region, the total market value is estimated to be over 120 billion dirhams. The sector includes more than two million franchise companies worldwide, providing jobs for over 19 million people, underscoring its vital role in supporting economies and enhancing entrepreneurship.