Franchise & Dine Expo in November

Manama : The first edition of the Bahrain Franchise & Dine Expo will be held in November under the theme “Expand Your Global Footprints in the Middle East Market”.

The two-day event, from 8 to 9 November at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, is expected to provide a unique platform for the Kingdom’s growing franchise industry as well as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The expo supported by the Capital Governorate is in line with the Governorate’s objectives in offering a business platform for small and medium size enterprises to explore various opportunities and new business prospects at the local, regional and global levels, and attract many experiences from different sectors such as education, training, food, health, business and others,” said Hassan Abdulla Al-Madani, Deputy Governor of the Capital Governorate.  

The event will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hisham bin Abdul-Rahman Al-Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate.  Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority (BTEA), and Tamkeen will be the official strategic partner. This was announced during an event held at Crowne Plaza Bahrain in the presence of a number of government organisations, NGOs and
guests.

Commenting on the expo, Dr. Ebrahim Janahi, Chief Executive of Tamkeen said, “Tamkeen is constantly trying to support Bahraini enterprises mainly SMEs, to help them grow and develop and provide opportunities envisioned in the forthcoming event where different enterprises will be participating and benefiting.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Khalid Al-Sharafa, Founder & Chairman of the Middle East & North Africa Frachise Association (MENAFA) and Co-Organizer of the expo pointed out that the franchise industry is worth approximately $30 billion and is growing at a rate of 27 per cent annually in the MENA region.

“Bahrain Franchise & Dine Expo 2017 will be the first edition of upcoming franchise events in the Kingdom,” he said adding: “Our aim is in line with the Government of Bahrain’s goals to promote growth and expansion regionally and globally for investors to explore their options in Bahrain.” 

“This will be a premier business event, attracting the most successful brands and service providers with the aim of networking with investors,” he added. 

Jacob Jijo Philip, Business Development Manager at QMS and Expo Organising Committee Member explained that Franchising is the current trend for business opportunities. 

According to him, the sector is growing at a very fast pace and has made its trademark in the global market for business expansion, Start-ups, Enterprises, Entrepreneurs and Economic Development.

“I believe it’s time to take Franchising at a larger scale in the Kingdom of Bahrain which will also deliver the same impact and I am very sure Bahrain is very much ready for it,” he said.