Emirates Franchise sets priorities to enhance its impact on economy

The Emirates Franchise held its second meeting for 2025, chaired by Noor Al Tamimi, Chairperson of Emirates Franchise and Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with representatives from other emirates in attendance.

The discussion covered the Franchise’s operational plan, finalising bylaws, and setting strategic priorities to enhance its impact on the national economy.

Board members, along with the Executive Committee and working groups from each emirate, reviewed progress on the organisation’s agenda and highlighted key outcomes from recent discussions.

These included identifying challenges within the sector, proposing solutions, and offering actionable recommendations to align UAE franchising with global standards. Emphasis was placed on driving innovation, boosting competitiveness, and creating a platform for collaboration among entrepreneurs, franchisees, and stakeholders to promote sustainable growth.

Al Tamimi reaffirmed the Franchise’s commitment to empowering the sector as a catalyst for economic diversification and entrepreneurship. “The UAE spares no effort in providing enablers to achieve its economic vision. Our organisation will play a key role in advancing the franchise sector by implementing ambitious initiatives, including a flexible business framework that supports continued growth and prosperity,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property, raising awareness of franchising rights, and expanding the presence of Emirati brands locally and globally.

She also stressed the importance of embracing innovative ideas, fostering a forward-thinking and ambitious business environment, expanding partnerships, and promoting franchising as a tool to strengthen the presence and engagement of entrepreneurs, while providing them with investment opportunities and meeting their needs to help them achieve their goals.

Noor Al Tamimi emphasised that one of the main objectives of the franchise sector in the current period is to enhance its operational structure. The goal is to position the UAE as the ideal business environment for supporting and fostering the international growth of local franchises while also attracting global franchises to the UAE’s business landscape, further reinforcing its status as a leading global destination for the franchising sector.

Last week, the Emirates Franchise Association has been officially recognised by the World Franchise Council (WFC) as the approved Franchise Association in the UAE. This achievement strengthens its global partnerships and reinforces its role in the franchising sector.

The acknowledgement follows the Franchise’s participation in the WFC’s annual meeting in Mérida, Mexico, which convened representatives from 25 countries to exchange expertise and review global best practices in franchising.

Noor Al Tamimi said, “This recognition by the World Franchise Council reflects our organisation’s commitment to actively contributing to the development of the franchise sector locally and globally. It also highlights our efforts to raise awareness on the sector’s innovative and sustainable potential while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and young investors in the UAE to explore promising projects.”

She emphasised the Franchise’s role in driving economic diversification and expanding the UAE’s business ecosystem by providing tailored services, strategic guidance, and consultations for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors while supporting the growth of local brands. It also connects franchisors and franchisees, promotes best practices, and encourages innovation to strengthen the national economy.

The Emirates Franchise’s Board of Directors comprises representatives from all seven emirates, including Noor Al Tamimi, ADCCI’s Board member and Chairperson of the Emirates Franchise; Maher Al Aleeli, Board Member of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Vice President of the Emirates Franchise; Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Board Member of the Emirates Franchise; Ammar Al Aleeli, Director-General of Umm Al Qaiwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Board Member of the Association; Aref Khalifa Al Mizki, Board Member of Ras Al Khaimah Chamber and Board Member of the Association; Sultan Jemei Al-Hindassi, General Director of Fujairah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Board Member of the Association; and Mr Saleh Abdullah Lootah, General Director - Al Islami Foods Company, Board Member of the Association and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Association.

In December last year, The Emirates Association for Franchise Development (FAD) has announced a new board of directors and launched its new corporate identity (Emirates Franchise) on its 10th anniversary. This initiative aims to emphasise FAD’s role in promoting UAE’s commercial franchise sector and empowering entrepreneurs.

The announcement was made during the inaugural first edition of Abu Dhabi Business Week, hosted by ADCCI, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment office (ADIO).

WAM