Emirates Franchise Association Attracts Investment at Istanbul Franchise Exhibition

The Emirates Franchise Association (EFA), an affiliate of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), recently concluded its participation in the 24th edition of the 'Bayim Olur Musun?' Franchise Exhibition held in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The UAE pavilion showcased six Emirati brands, drawing together 78 participants from various home-grown businesses, SMEs, and start-ups. These brands engaged in 312 business meetings with potential investors and partners, exploring opportunities for international expansion through franchising, distribution, supply partnerships, and broader commercial collaborations. The exhibition featured over 200 brands and aimed to attract more than 30,000 visitors and investors from both local and international markets.

H.E. Aref Al Muzaki, Board Member of the EFA and head of the UAE delegation, highlighted that the exhibition results demonstrated the diverse opportunities available to Emirati brands in global markets, extending beyond traditional franchising models. The EFA also conducted at least 90 meetings with officials, industry experts, and franchise operators to evaluate opportunities for sustainable commercial partnerships.

The participating Emirati brands included The Dates Farm, The Qlab Café, Low Calories, Snuw, Ice Juice Station, and Blend, representing sectors such as food and beverage, health, and food manufacturing. Khalifa Fund supported the participation of Ice Juice Station and Blend, aiming to empower Emirati entrepreneurs in exploring international growth.

An integrated programme during the event featured a session titled “The Franchise and Investment Ecosystem in the UAE,” which underscored the UAE's investment environment, available incentives, and market entry strategies for both the UAE and Türkiye. The delegation also visited various Turkish markets to provide insights into local dynamics and identify commercial partnership opportunities.

This participation reinforces the growing economic ties between the UAE and Türkiye, with Turkish companies registered in Abu Dhabi increasing by 3% to 299 companies by 2026, and those with Turkish partners rising by 23% to 381.