Supports more than 19mn jobs worldwide
The franchising sector is one of the most vital contributors to the global economy, comprising more than two million businesses worldwide and supporting over 19mn jobs, reflecting its significant role in driving economic growth and enabling entrepreneurs to expand locally and internationally, affirmed HE Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Inustry & Chairman, The Emirates Franchise Association.
The sector’s strong momentum in the UAE, with a growing number of international brands choosing the country as a strategic hub for regional and global expansion, supported by a dynamic and investor-friendly business environment, advanced infrastructure, and a diversified economy spanning key sectors such as industry, tourism, education, healthcare, retail, and hospitality.
The Emirates Franchise Association continues to support the growth of the franchising sector as a strategic enabler of national economic competitiveness, helping empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), unlock high-value investment opportunities, promote franchising culture, and strengthen international partnerships.
The Association is committed to reinforcing the UAE’s presence on the global franchising stage through knowledge exchange, the adoption of international best practices, and supporting the international expansion of UAE-based businesses through modern franchise models. He also highlighted the Association’s continued efforts to build strategic global partnerships as a member of the World Franchise Council since 2017.
Advanced investment
The UAE’s franchising sector continues to benefit from the country’s advanced investment ecosystem, which has reinforced its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.
In 2024, the UAE ranked first globally for developing its entrepreneurship ecosystem, reaffirming its position as one of the world’s most supportive economies for entrepreneurship and a preferred destination for establishing businesses and commercial ventures.
This achievement reflects the UAE’s sustained efforts to diversify its economy, particularly across non-oil sectors, alongside integrated policies that have created a highly enabling environment for entrepreneurship, accelerated the growth of SMEs and start-ups, and strengthened sectors such as franchising as key contributors to economic development.
