WFC holds its meetings for the first time in the GCC in Abu Dhabi
International Franchise Exhibition kicks off on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Association for Franchise Development has announced that it will host the 51st meeting of the World Franchise Council (WFC) in Abu Dhabi, which comes in conjunction with the 7th annual International Franchise Exhibition.
The meeting will witness the attendance of representatives of franchise associations from 42 countries including the United States, Russia, France, Portugal, Egypt, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and China among others.
The meeting discussed the most challenges franchising face across the globe such as legislations and policies. The meeting also tackled the best practices in spreading knowledge on franchising including specialized conferences, seminars, exhibitions and orientation workshops.
The International Franchise Exhibition, which is being held on 22 and 23 October at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, will conduct a number of workshops and interactive sessions.
The Exhibition also serves as an important platform to communicate with the most important local and international trademarks and creates an interactive environment for many investors. It also highlights the new and innovative ideas of SMEs and investors.
His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: “It was an honour to host the World Franchise Council meetings in Abu Dhabi. This meeting forms an interactive platform for the world franchise associations to gather together and to highlight the best practices in franchising as well as opening new and promising investment prospects for young entrepreneurs.”
“The Emirates Association for Franchise Development (FAD) is the first association in the GCC to join the WFC in 2017. Since then, FAD has played a significant role in encouraging entrepreneurs and investors to enter different and diverse economic activities. The Middle East has witnessed huge development and growth in franchise economies over the past few years, especially in the UAE, where this sector has become one of the most important pillars of the modern economy,” he added.
The World Franchise Council is an international organization that is consisted of world franchise associations. Its task is to develop and protect franchising sector and spreading awareness on the best practices in ethical franchising across the globe. The Council also aims at increasing the coordination and cooperation between world franchise associations and increase investment opportunities in the world markets.
The IFE is expected to host more than 120 international and local exhibitors that represents around 15 sectors including tourism, entertainment, property development, fashion, hospitality, IT, financial institutions, trade, transport, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, food and beverages, retail, training, safety and security, manufacturing, and maintenance.
It is worth noting that the IFE attracted more than 4,000 visitors last year and witnessed the participation of more than 500 trademarks from more than 120 countries.