The Middle East & North Africa (Mena) franchise industry is worth an estimated $30 billion, according to International Expo-Consults (IEC), organisers of the upcoming Franchising Middle East (FME) exhibition.

With approximately 70 per cent of retail businesses in the Middle East operating as franchises, the franchising sector has boomed across the Middle East in the past 30 years. According to IEC, the Gulf countries lead the way, with American and European brands proving most popular.

The phenomenal growth of the region’s franchising sector is mirrored by the rapid expansion of the Franchising Middle East (FME) exhibition, taking place in Dubai in March.

This year’s FME trade show has seen a 30 per cent increase in floor space as exhibitors from across the MENA region and internationally look to Dubai as a launch pad for further regional growth, IEC said.

“This year’s FME promises to be our largest show to date. FME will boast a variety of first time exhibitors as well as repeat exhibitors, all of whom are taking increased floor space. This shows us that companies are confident of securing deals and expanding their brands’ reach across the Middle East,” said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, chairman of IEC.

The eighth edition of FME will take place from March 14 to 16, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. International representation will include companies from Greece, India, Italy, Malaysia, The Netherlands and the US.

Franchise consultancies will also be on hand to offer advice to local entrepreneurs looking to take their brands global. FranCorp, FranExcel and MEFranchising will all be hosting pavilions at the event.

FME is the largest international franchise exhibition in the Middle East and is supported by the IFA (International Franchise Association).-TradeArabia News Service