The 2016 edition of the International Franchise Conference & Exhibition began today, Wednesday 14th December, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event, which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gathers companies and brands together with the goal of providing investment opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the United Arab Emirates.

The event was opened by His Excellency Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud, 1st Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the presence of members of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber as well as H.E. Mohamed Hilal Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Chamber, and a number of senior officials, businessmen and investors.

After the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, H.E. Ibrahim Al-Mahmoud toured the various stands meeting a number of exhibitors from different industries and countries around the world.

H.E. Mohamed Hilal Al Muhairi announced the official launch of the Emirates Franchise Association as an initiative from the Abu Dhabi Chamber. The association will focus on developing the franchise industry and providing training and advice to entrepreneurs in the UAE. The board of directors of the association was also appointed and its first meeting will be held in January 2017.

In its fourth edition the event recorded a 45% growth in the number of participating companies as compared to last year.  This year, a total of 300 companies took part – a third of which are local companies. The exhibition occupiies an area of five thousand square meters, representing a 50% increase over last year's edition.

The conference will see participation from a number prominent experts in the field. Fifteen keynote speakers will take part, and a number of seminars and workshops, organized for the first time in Abu Dhabi, will offer an extensive and exceptional experience for a projected audience of more than 3,000 visitors and 500 participants.

During the opening session of the event, His Excellency Mohamed Helal Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Chamber, said:'As part of our commitment to expanding the role of franchise business and investment, and to provide unique opportunities for entrepreneurs, we organised the fourth edition of the International Franchise Conference & Exhibition. Additionally, we were inspired to organise today's event after witnessing the positive outcomes of the previous three editions, who in past years have added value to the national economy and led to the expansion of the franchise model into one of the most important pillars of growth in global business partnerships. The international franchise business is a perfect tool with which to share knowledge, expertise, technical skills, and modern business practices worldwide. "

H.E. also added: "Over the past two decades, franchise business has emerged as an important contributor to the development of small and mid-sized enterprises through the provision of investment opportunities in key areas for young Emirati business entrepreneurs. These investment opportunities have high success rates, achieved in part through the support of the parent company's brand. The Abu Dhabi Chamber is keen to organise this event as a part of its new strategy 2016 - 2020 aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurs to enter and engage with the private sector, a key component in developing a sustainable economy in Abu Dhabi. Small and mid-sized companies represent 90% of the businesses operating in the UAE, and they are seen as an important pillar of the national economy.

H.E Al Muhairi also thanked Emirates Global Aluminium and everyone in attendance, including top representatives from the European, Portuguese, Croatian, and Chinese franchise associations who participated for the first time. This reflects great trust in the UAE's economy and the nation's leaders who have crafted the UAE into a major franchise hub, welcoming entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.

On its opening day, the conference program included presentations from global institutions including the French, Croatian, Singaporean, Portuguese, Chinese franchise associations as well as the European Franchise Union.

Tomorrow's conference agenda includes interactive sessions on cutting-edge concepts and business models for entrepreneurs and SMEs. The sessions are hosted by a number of leading global speakers, bringing with them their unique experience in developing small and mid-sized projects to visitors and participants.

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