With the UAE Pavilion: The Power of the Gulf in Istanbul – Türkiye Becomes the New Route of Global Franchising

Özhan Erem, Chairman of the Board of Medyafors A.Ş., stated:
“Türkiye’s and the region’s most powerful franchise ecosystem will come together at the 23rd Bayim Olur musun? (Be My Franchise) Franchising and Branded Dealership Exhibition, to be held between 16–19 October at the Istanbul Yenikapı Eurasia Exhibition Center. The future of Turkish franchise brands in the Gulf region will be shaped this year by our ‘strong’ guests coming from the United Arab Emirates  and I take great pride in that.”
This year’s most significant innovation is the strong participation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Supported by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emirates Franchise will host the UAE Pavilion in Istanbul. The pavilion will feature 19 private-sector brands based in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, as well as various chambers of commerce and entrepreneurship organizations.

Her Excellency Noor Al Tamimi, President of Emirates Franchise, said:
“Our participation in this international exhibition is an important step toward strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading destination in the global franchising sector. With the support of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, our association is committed to promoting franchising as an integrated economic model that creates employment, encourages innovation, and offers entrepreneurs a higher success rate compared to independent businesses. Today, restaurant chains, service centers, and retail brands are transforming from local concepts into global names through this dynamic system.”

Al Tamimi also emphasized that the Abu Dhabi-centered ecosystem has become a global franchising hub. The country hosts more than 600 franchise companies and 2,000 brands, with an annual industry volume exceeding AED 100 billion and an average annual growth rate of 15%. This initiative aims to increase the international visibility of Emirati brands and introduce the UAE’s franchising culture to new markets

Among the strategic partners of Emirates Franchise is Francorp Middle East, which also serves as a strategic partner of Bayim Olur musun? (Be My Franchise) in Türkiye and is represented locally by Destek Patent. Francorp Middle East President Imad Charaf Eddine and Mrs. Chirine Ajami highlight that this collaboration supports the vision of positioning Türkiye as a strong investment and growth hub for regional brands.

 

Index Holding, led by Vice Chairman & Group CEO Anas Al Madani, is also participating in the exhibition with five international brands from Dubai, including two Japan-origin concepts for which the company holds the master franchise rights in Türkiye. This participation further demonstrates Index Holding’s expanding international network and its pivotal role in connecting Asian excellence with regional franchise markets.

 

Özhan Erem, Chairman of the Board of Medyafors A.Ş., stated:
“Franchising is no longer just about brand growth; it has become one of the strongest tools for establishing sustainable trade bridges between nations. This model transcends traditional export and ushers in the era of permanent export.”

He added:
“Meeting the executives and participating brands of Emirates Franchise during the exhibition offers Turkish entrepreneurs a valuable investment opportunity and holds strategic importance for Turkish brands seeking to expand into the Gulf region. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the exhibition.”