UAE to Showcase National Franchise Sector at International Expo in Istanbul

The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA) will represent the United Arab Emirates at the 23rd International Franchise and Commercial Agencies Exhibition in Istanbul from October 16 to 19, 2025, under the slogan “Be a Franchise.”

The UAE pavilion, organized by the EFA, will feature the participation of 14 Emirati companies, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial support entities such as the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. The pavilion highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening its national franchise system and enhancing the global presence of Emirati brands.

Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, President of the Emirates Franchise Association, said: “Participating in this international exhibition is a key step in consolidating the UAE’s position as a leading destination in the franchise sector. With support from the Abu Dhabi Chamber, we aim to empower the franchise model, which contributes to job creation, drives innovation, and allows individuals to launch successful businesses. Many local restaurant chains, service centers, and retail stores have grown into global brands thanks to this system.”

A Strategic Focus on Growth

Al Tamimi emphasized that Abu Dhabi and the UAE have become global hubs for franchising, reshaping the sector with innovative approaches that keep pace with global economic changes. The UAE franchise sector has grown rapidly over the last decade, now comprising over 600 franchisor companies and more than 2,000 franchise-based brands, generating revenues exceeding AED 100 billion, with an estimated annual growth rate of 15%.

“The UAE pavilion at the Turkish exhibition aligns with our strategy to support local franchise growth and expand Emirati brands internationally,” Al Tamimi added. “Our goal is to introduce UAE companies to new markets, showcase their excellence to a global audience, and foster partnerships that contribute to economic diversification and competitiveness.”

Expanding into Turkish Markets

The EFA’s participation in Istanbul also aims to strengthen Emirati presence in Turkey, where franchise activity remains limited. While approximately 600 Emirati companies operate in Turkey—mainly in investment, infrastructure, finance, energy, and real estate—the consumer franchise sector is still emerging. This contrasts with the UAE, where Turkish brands have expanded significantly across restaurants, cafes, fashion, and consumer products, reflecting strong economic and investment ties between the two nations.

The Turkish franchise market has experienced remarkable growth, reaching $50 billion in 2023, with projections exceeding $55 billion in 2024. The market hosts more than 3,700 brands across 66,000 outlets, creating over 300,000 jobs in sectors including fashion, retail, food, and beverage.

Turkish Franchises in the UAE

Turkish franchise brands have increasingly targeted the UAE. More than 400 Turkish companies operate in the country, including major consumer-facing franchise outlets such as Mado, Hafiz Mustafa, Simit Sarayi Cafe, Koton, and LC Waikiki. Industry reports show that the Gulf region is a key market for Turkish franchisors, with franchise deals in the area increasing by nearly 25% between 2023 and 2024. These developments underscore the UAE’s role as a strategic hub for international franchise growth.