Emirates Franchise Unveils New Board and Corporate Identity

Abu Dhabi - UAE: The Emirates Association for Franchise Development (FAD) has unveiled a new chapter in its evolution by announcing a newly structured Board of Directors and a refreshed corporate identity, Emirates Franchise, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. The move underscores FAD’s continued commitment to enhancing the UAE's franchise sector and supporting entrepreneurial growth.

The announcement was made during the first edition of Abu Dhabi Business Week 2024, organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). This event marks a milestone in the association’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the UAE’s role as a global hub for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

A New Board for Strategic Growth

In line with its renewed vision, FAD has restructured its Board of Directors to include key representatives from across all seven Emirates. The new leadership is set to steer Emirates Franchise towards achieving its objectives of growing the local franchise ecosystem and empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Board will be led by H.E. Noor Al Tamimi, ADCCI’s Board member, who assumes the role of Chairperson of Emirates Franchise. Alongside her, the Board includes prominent figures such as H.E. Maher Al Aleeli, Board Member of the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vice President of Emirates Franchise, H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Board Member of Emirates Franchise, and several other distinguished leaders from the UAE’s business chambers.

This strategic restructuring reflects the association's ongoing efforts to align itself with the UAE’s national economic goals, as outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to position the country as a leading global economy based on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Franchising

In her remarks, H.E. Noor Al Tamimi emphasized that the refreshed board and corporate identity reflect a broader ambition to foster a sustainable business ecosystem in the UAE, especially in the franchise sector. She noted that franchising offers significant growth potential for entrepreneurs, allowing them to expand their business models efficiently and effectively in the UAE and beyond. The new board aims to create a supportive environment where entrepreneurs can leverage franchising as a vehicle for investment, growth, and regional and global expansion.

“Franchising is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and tap into new markets,” said Al Tamimi. “Our goal is to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s position as a global investment and innovation hub, supporting both local and international entrepreneurs and businesses through strategic partnerships.”

Revised Corporate Identity: Emirates Franchise

Alongside the new board, Emirates Franchise unveiled its updated corporate identity, which reflects its strategic shift towards being a leading partner in the UAE’s franchise ecosystem. The new branding aligns with the association’s goal of empowering franchises and facilitating growth and innovation. The rebranding signals a more modern and dynamic approach, aimed at driving the sector forward and increasing the visibility of UAE-based franchise brands.

Under this new identity, Emirates Franchise will focus on fostering sustainable investment opportunities, creating a conducive business environment, and providing valuable support to entrepreneurs and franchisees. The association aims to increase brand visibility both locally and internationally, enabling UAE franchises to compete on the global stage. It also seeks to offer educational resources and guidance to businesses to help them adapt to changing market dynamics and embrace innovation.

The core values of Emirates Franchise, including innovation, quality, responsibility, and collaboration, will guide its work as it continues to enhance the UAE’s franchising sector by providing a platform for communication, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices. The aim is to promote franchising as a key contributor to the UAE’s economic diversification and sustainable growth.

A Comprehensive Platform for Growth

Emirates Franchise’s updated objectives focus on several key areas designed to benefit both franchisors and franchisees. The first major objective is the enhancement and development of the UAE’s franchising sector. This includes offering a comprehensive platform for communication and collaboration between franchisors and franchisees, facilitating knowledge sharing, and creating synergies across the sector. Additionally, the association seeks to raise awareness of the opportunities within the franchise sector and provide the necessary support for entrepreneurs to understand and adopt franchising as a viable business model.

A key aspect of the new direction is fostering innovation and increasing investment opportunities within the sector. By creating a network of strategic partnerships and providing resources for businesses to innovate, Emirates Franchise aims to strengthen the competitiveness of UAE franchises both at home and abroad.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Franchising

As part of the launch of its new identity, Emirates Franchise hosted a panel discussion titled “The Franchise Evolution: Unlocking New Entrepreneurial Opportunities.” The session gathered industry leaders and entrepreneurs to share their experiences and insights on the growth of franchising in the UAE. Panellists included Fadil Al Nassar, Founder of Franchiseme; Melissa Murray from Bird & Bird LLP; Emirati entrepreneur Hamad Al Sharief, owner of Shagaf Cafe; and Nasser Al Mussaabi, owner of Low Calories. They discussed key growth indicators within the UAE’s franchising sector, explored opportunities and challenges, and provided actionable advice for aspiring franchisees.

The discussion highlighted the opportunities for franchising to drive economic growth in the UAE, with a focus on sustainability and innovation as drivers of success in the competitive global market.

Conclusion

The restructuring of the Emirates Franchise Board and the unveiling of its new corporate identity signal a new era for the UAE's franchising sector. The association’s updated vision, strategies, and focus on innovation and sustainability aim to position the UAE as a leading player in the global franchise market, empowering entrepreneurs to unlock new opportunities and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Through its strategic initiatives, Emirates Franchise is set to continue playing a vital role in shaping the future of franchising in the UAE and beyond.