Leading local and international brands from over 85 companies will be showcasing their products and services at the 4th Middle East Franchise Expo which opens in Dubai, UAE, next month.

The annual flagship event being organised by the Middle East and North Africa Franchise Association (Menafa) will also feature workshops and networking opportunities with special stands designed for ‘Meet the Buyer’ meetings.

It will be held from October 18 to 19 at the Convention Centre of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, UAE.

A major highlight of the show will be the presentation of the ‘Menafa Awards 2017’ by Prince Bandar bin Saud Al Saud, the honorary chairman of Menafa.

The categories for the award include Best ME Multi-Brand Operator, Best ME Master Franchisee Operator and Best Mena Franchise Brand.

"Menafa is a trade body protecting the interest of the franchise industry not only in the UAE, but also in the Mena region," remarked its chairman Dr Khalid AlSharfa.

"We are therefore able to demonstrate both national and international experience with local faces and a strong presence to give credibility to the markets and investors," he noted.

The exhibition space is nearly sold and majority of the space has already been allocated to national brands such as Desert Chill Ice Cream; Blends and Brews Coffee Shop; Freshplus; Bakeria; Glee Hospitality; Under500 Restaurant (all from UAE) besides US groups Reidel Law Firm, Goodcents Deli Fresh Sub, Nhance and Chemdry.

Hungary-based Museum of Illusions (Hungary) will also be a star attraction at the expo along with UK-based World Franchise Associates; Deek Duke and Roadster Diner of Lebanon; Truck-A-Licious and Etisalat (UAE), Moti Mahal (India), Franacess of Saudi Arabia and Yasalam (Bahrain).

Though almost half of the exhibitors represent the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, the expo has drawn experts from other sectors as well such as law, management consultancy, home goods, entertainment and education.

"Over the two days, we will provide a unique platform for the region’s dynamic franchise industry. Prospective investors will be able to engage with a wide variety of brands interested in building successful international and national networks," remarked Dr AlSharfa.

A key event at the expo will be the Middle East Franchise Conference aimed at providing real depth and diversity through high-level brand presentations and workshops to ensure that every participant benefits and gain more knowledge in the field of franchising, said the organisers.
 
Topics to be covered include: Going globally without losing your soul; Women in Business Start-ups; Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs; Elements of Successful franchising; Setting the right legal footprint; Choosing the Right Franchise; Technology In Franchising; The role of Banks/Financial Institution in SME franchising and Legal Challenges within the Mena region, they added.-TradeArabia News Service