The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA), under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a landmark forum titled “Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us” in recognition of World Franchise Day.

The event, held at the Chamber’s headquarters, brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, industry leaders, government officials, and private sector representatives to discuss the future of franchising in the UAE and beyond. Organized in partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, the forum served as a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue.

Franchising: A Powerhouse for Economic Growth

In her keynote address, Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, highlighted the pivotal role of franchising in shaping the UAE’s economic landscape. She pointed out that franchising not only supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) but also fuels national efforts toward economic diversification and sustainability.

“Franchising is more than a business model — it’s a gateway for entrepreneurs to access proven systems, expert training, and institutional support,” Al Tamimi stated. “Our mission is to create an integrated ecosystem that enables Emirati brands to grow both locally and globally.”

The UAE’s franchise sector is experiencing robust growth, generating over AED100 billion in annual revenue with a 15% year-on-year increase. On a global scale, franchising contributes more than AED6 trillion to the economy and provides employment for over 19 million people.

Global Recognition and Strategic Vision

Al Tamimi also underscored the significance of the Association’s recent recognition by the World Franchise Council, making it the UAE’s official representative in the international franchising community. This milestone, she explained, marked a new chapter for the EFA and strengthened its commitment to advancing franchise practices aligned with global standards.

Simon Bartholomew, Secretary General of the World Franchise Council, echoed this sentiment in a recorded speech, urging global stakeholders to commemorate World Franchise Day as a symbol of unity, resilience, and sustainable business development.

Innovation at the Forefront

The forum featured a “Meeting of Minds” session that brought together prominent franchise owners, consultants, and industry experts to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. Discussions revolved around the legal, operational, and financial frameworks necessary for sustainable franchise expansion — particularly for homegrown UAE brands.

Participants also enjoyed an interactive visual showcase of the EFA’s accomplishments and the success stories of Emirati brands that have leveraged franchising to scale both regionally and internationally.

Complementing the main programme, the event hosted several side activities, including the “Franchise Walk,” where attendees explored offerings from leading local and global franchise brands. Professional advisory sessions were also held, providing entrepreneurs with targeted guidance on regulatory, legal, and business strategy matters.

A Call to Action for Entrepreneurs

As the forum concluded, the Emirates Franchise Association reiterated its dedication to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs through structured training, strategic partnerships, and market access initiatives. The Association encouraged startups and established businesses alike to join its network and leverage its resources to unlock growth and innovation in the franchising arena.

With its forward-looking agenda and inclusive approach, the EFA continues to position franchising as a dynamic vehicle for economic transformation in the UAE — one that unites ambition with innovation to build a resilient, diverse, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.