THE 2ND FRANCHISING MIDDLE EAST EXHIBITION CONCLUDES ON A HIGH NOTE

The exhibition featuring over 72 exhibitors from across the world registered a 40% growth compared to last year.

Franchising Middle East Exhibition (FME) 2005, an exclusive International event offering an unparalleled opportunity for franchisors to access entrepreneurs and investors concluded on a high note. The post event survey of exhibitors has revealed numerous trade leads, and business potential. The tradeshow has set the stage for future growth of the Franchising Industry in the Middle East.

The 3 day event was inaugurated by Saeed AL Muntafique, Director General of Dubai Development & investment Authority & was visited by H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Defence Minister of UAE. The exhibition featured well known and proven Brands, Concepts and Services from International Franchise markets. 72 companies from 18 countries exhibited at the event, showcasing more than 18 categories of Franchise Products, Brands and Services.

"The event has proved that Franchising is the next sunrise Industry in the Middle East" said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, International Expo Consults, " With increased retail competition Franchising offers an assured way of setting up a business with International know how & technology. We are also seeing home grown companies like Magrudy's & Café Ceramique take Franchising to a new level which reflects the success of the Show. We have already received queries from various international franchising associations who want to be a part of the success of our future shows. We are indeed pleased with these developments" continued Mr. Falaknaz.

There has been favourable feedback from participants at FME. Several deals were discussed and many are in the pipeline according to an Exhibition spokesman. Speaking about their successful participation Mr. John Chedia, Subway International Development Agency, Netherlands said, "This is our second participation. We have got a quality response. We averaged between 15-20 serious business queries in a day. We hope to convert at least 20% of these queries."

Another delighted exhibitor Ms. Terry Wong General Manager Franchising & Licensing Association, Singapore said, "We got a high quality response. Singapore companies are already well established in the Asian markets & we intend to secure a foothold in the Middle East markets through this exhibition. Our participating companies are absolutely thrilled with the response that we are getting here"

Franchise Development Services, UK, were also pleased with their participation, "We have increased our investment \ participation in this event by almost 120%. That's because we believe that Franchising as a concept is really catching on in the Middle East & this exhibition is helping promote the concept further. The quality of crowd participation is excellent," said Ms. Tracey Furey, Managing Director of the company.

Mr. Borja Zamacoua International Director, Neck & Neck, Spain was also excited about the outcome of the event "The quality of response from the trade visitors was excellent. Serious business people who are really interested in our products & services. We already have 30 really serious business leads which we are pursuing. We're extremely satisfied with our participation," he said.

FME is presented by Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders and is supported by International Franchise Association (IFA), the worldwide body of Franchising. The technical organisers of the expo are International Expo - Consults LLC.

Industry estimates put the annual growth of this sector at 27 per cent, currently evaluated at over $14 billion across the region. While fast food accounts for 40 per cent of the total market, other sectors are also growing rapidly.