The pavilion was inaugurated in the presence of the UAE's envoy to Turkey

• 14 UAE entrepreneurs and brand owners participate
• H.E. Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri: Pavilion reflects the strength of UAE-Turkey economic ties
• H.E. Noor Al Tamimi: Exhibition offers new opportunities for cooperation and partnership

Abu Dhabi, October 16 - 2025: The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA) has officially unveiled its pavilion at the 23rd International Franchise and Commercial Agencies Exhibition, taking place in Istanbul from 16 to 20 October. The pavilion showcases the participation of 14 distinguished UAE entrepreneurs and brand owners, with support from key organisations such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and several UAE Chambers of Commerce.

The pavilion was inaugurated by His Excellency Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Turkey, in the presence of Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, President of the EFA; His Excellency Maher Al Aleeli, Vice President of the EFA; members of the EFA Board of Directors; representatives from the Ajman and Fujairah Chambers of Commerce; Honorary members of the association and representatives of the working team, as well as senior officials and trade delegates from both countries.

During the opening ceremony, leading Emirati companies introduced their innovative franchise concepts to an international audience, highlighting the depth of commercial relations between the UAE and Turkey and paving the way for new avenues of collaboration and partnership.

Empowering National Companies

he Emirates Franchise Association's participation in the exhibition, held under the theme“Be Your Own Franchise”, is a testament to its ongoing commitment to elevating the presence of Emirati brands on the global stage. This initiative aims to broaden avenues for trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Turkey, empowering national companies to enter new markets and enhance their international competitiveness.

His Excellency Saeed Thani Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Turkey, stated:
“The Emirates Franchise Association's participation in this international event as a representative of the UAE reflects the deepening economic ties between the UAE and Turkey, and underscores the commitment of both nations' leadership to building a comprehensive and sustainable economic partnership.”

He further highlighted that the Association's involvement demonstrates the pivotal role of the UAE's private sector in expanding the global footprint of national brands and fostering the exchange of expertise in commercial franchising-one of the most significant drivers of economic growth.

His Excellency reaffirmed the UAE Embassy's dedication in Turkey to supporting efforts that strengthen economic cooperation across various sectors, contributing to shared development and mutual prosperity.

Supporting the Sector's Growth

Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi emphasised that the Association's participation in the exhibition is closely aligned with its strategic vision to advance the UAE's franchise sector. She stated: “This exhibition constitutes an important global platform for introducing Emirati brands and highlighting the quality of their products and services. It reflects the UAE's commitment to enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector and expanding the horizons of economic and investment cooperation with various countries.

”She further noted that the Association firmly believes that active involvement in such international events presents a strategic opportunity to increase the UAE's presence in global markets, explore new avenues for commercial expansion, and build high-quality partnerships.

“These efforts support business sustainability and contribute significantly to national economic growth, fully aligned with the visionary leadership's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and establishing the UAE as a global centre for franchising and innovation,” she added.

Praises for UAE Pavilion

Emirates Franchise Association Pavilion Draws Acclaim at Exhibition

The Emirates Franchise Association's pavilion attracted a significant number of visitors and garnered widespread acclaim throughout the exhibition. Attendees commended the Association's organisation and the exceptional quality of Emirati offerings, highlighting the innovative approaches demonstrated by national companies in brand design and contemporary franchising techniques. Representatives of participating Emirati companies praised the Association for its exemplary coordination of their involvement and for providing essential technical and promotional support. They emphasised that this initiative strongly reflects the Association's commitment to empowering the private sector and creating genuine opportunities for expansion into international markets.

Series of Strategic Meetings

During its participation in the exhibition, the Emirates Franchise Association will organise a series of bilateral meetings and site visits to several Turkish companies within the franchise sector. These activities aim to strengthen mutual cooperation and promote the exchange of expertise regarding best practices in brand development and franchise management. The programme will also feature a meeting between the Association's delegation and the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This session will explore opportunities for collaboration and examine ways to expand trade and investment partnerships between Emirati and Turkish institutions across the retail, hospitality, food, and service sectors. The initiative is designed to reinforce bilateral economic relations and support the sustainable growth and development of the franchise industry in both countries.

Franchising: A Key Driver of Economic Growth

The franchise sector is a leading driver of economic growth and expansion in the UAE and the wider region, experiencing rapid development in response to the evolving business landscape and the UAE's attractive market environment. The sector boasts over 600 franchise companies and more than 2,000 franchise brands, generating annual revenues exceeding US$27 billion and achieving a compound annual growth rate of approximately 15%. The sector is similarly flourishing across the region, with franchise agreements in the Gulf increasing by nearly 25% between 2023 and 2024 contrast, Turkey's franchise sector is estimated to be worth around US$55 billion, with more than 3,700 brands operating across diverse sectors. This exhibition thus serves as an ideal platform for exchanging expertise, fostering new avenues of cooperation between Emirati and Turkish entrepreneurs, and enhancing integration between regional markets within this vital sector.

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