Preparations are all set to hold the 3rd Middle East Franchise Expo & Forum on Oct. 25-26, 2016, at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, according to Omar Al-Haza'a, Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Franchise Association (MENAFA). "The forum will showcase a wide range of 90 brands in the two-day event. We want to send a clear message to the industry that franchising is not only F&B as it covers more than 75 different sectors, from education to health, services, sports to automotive, just to name a few," added Al-Haza'a. "The Middle East and North Africa markets hold some of the most extraordinarily advantageous platforms for the development of the franchising industry in the world as it is a $30 billion franchise economy. The UAE alone commands $18 billion of this growing sector," he further said. The 3rd Middle East Franchise Expo & Forum offers a unique platform for investors to meet franchisors in a congenial setting, in addition to specialized seminars and workshops, making it an absolute 'must attend' show for everyone interested in the franchising business. "The MENA region, home to 355 million people, has witnessed numerous positive changes in recent years. With most countries adopting new policies allowing for positive changes, the economy is reviving rapidly especially with the help of factors such as the region's overwhelmingly young population and the vast demand from high income states," he added. "It is now the right time to explore franchising opportunities across the region as most of the GCC economies are diversifying their income sources away from primarily relying on oil. Governments can have a bigger role in nurturing franchising business by urging banks to be part of funding small and medium businesses to bring more franchising licenses to the region," Al-Haza'a moreover said. Visitors from Australia, Europe, the United States, Asia, Levant and the MENA region will be engaging in one-on-one business meetings with franchise brands from over 65 companies. Franchising experts and successful franchisors will conduct highly instructive seminars and workshops focused on inspiring SMEs to adopt the franchising model of business. Major brands and companies to be featured at the 3rd Middle East Franchise Expo & Forum coming from UAE, MENA, Australia, Europe, UK, Russia, Canada, Argentina, US, Malesia and many other countries. The Expo is endorsed by MENAFA Honorary Chairman Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Khaled Al-Saud, and supported by the Federation of the GCC Chambers of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Khalifa Fund, Dubai SME and Dubai Events. Using the highly successful format of the International Franchise Association (IFA) forums, the MENAFA Expo focuses on bringing together many high net worth investors and franchisors interested in building successful international and local networks. Franchise professionals and investors interested in attending the 3rd ME Franchise Expo & Forum 2016 can register on this link: www.menafa.com/expo/.— SG
