FranSpeak: International Franchising News, opportunities and events.

Dubai Skyline Focus on Dubai
Dubai is once again on the international franchise radar and is being seen as a new and fresh opportunity for food, service and retail franchises. The WFA Forum will showcase franchises wanting to open in the Emirates, and the Gulf region.

Dubai food court. Demand for Unit Franchises Surges in Dubai
5 Mar 2012 - Investors and entrepreneurs are rushing to open local restaurant franchises so fast that some see an analogy with the property boom of five years ago.

Mall of Dubai Dubai Developers Look to Retail for Growth
8 Mar 2012 - Developers in the emirate are seeing opportunity in retail - a relatively undeveloped sector that has performed well despite the economic crisis.

Franchise Forum - Dubai International Franchise Forum: Dubai - New Speakers announced
01 Apr 2012 - Speakers from Which Wich, Renue, Doner Kebab and DLA Piper have all agreed to share their knowledge and expertise on April 24 - 25, at the JW Marriott Hotel, in Deira, Dubai.

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries (US) Franchise Enters Middle East Market 29 Mar 2012
Burger King (US) Opens First Restaurant in Antigua 29 Mar 2012
Debenhams (UK) to Enter Russian Market 28 Mar 2012
Maui Wowi (US) Opens First Outlet in Ireland 28 Mar 2012
IKEA (Sweden) Awards Indonesia Franchise 28 Mar 2012
Le Duff Group (France) to Franchise Del Arte Restaurant in UK 28 Mar 2012
Domino's Pizza (US) Scottish Franchisee to Develop the Brand in Germany 28 Mar 2012
M&Co (UK) Signs Master Franchise for GCC Countries 27 Mar 2012
Alshaya (Kuwait) Announces Franchise Partnership with Muji (Japan) 27 Mar 2012
Burger Fuel (New Zealand) to Open in Libya 27 Mar 2012
Gelatissimo (Australia) Opens Flagship Store in Kuwait 26 Mar 2012
Re/Max (US) Expands into Egypt 26 Mar 2012
Pollo Tropical (US) Opens First Franchise in Costa Rica 23 Mar 2012
RadioShack (US) Announces Southeast Asia Expansion 22 Mar 2012
Baskin-Robbins (US) Expanding its Presence in the Mexico Market 22 Mar 2012
D' Tandoor (Malaysia) Signs Master Franchise Agreement for UAE 20 Mar 2012
Gap (US) Opens First South Africa Store 20 Mar 2012

Read more news on
World Franchise Associates News page

Baja Fresh (US) Opens First Singapore Location 20 Mar 2012
Thomas Pink (UK) Establishes JV with Reliance Brands Ltd. for India 15 Mar 2012
IIC (Switzerland) Expands into China 15 Mar 2012
Chanticleer Holdings Signs Hooters (US) Franchise Agreement in Brazil 15 Mar 2012
Baskin-Robbins (US) Expanding its Presence in the Canada Market 14 Mar 2012
Maui Wowi (US) to Open the Fifth Location in Saudi Arabia 14 Mar 2012
Golden Tulip (Netherlands) to Open 50 Hotels in India by 2015 12 Mar 2012
Dairy Queen (US) Expands in China 12 Mar 2012
Starwood Hotels & Resorts (US) to Open 25 New Hotels in Europe 06 Mar 2012
MTY (Canada) Signs Master Franchise Agreement for United Kingdom 06 Mar 2012
DePalma's (US) Awards South Korea Franchise 06 Mar 2012
Hooters (US) Plans Expansion into Russia 06 Mar 2012
Spar (Netherlands) Retailer Restarts Development in Romania 06 Mar 2012
Quiznos (US) Expands into Russia 02 Mar 2012
Casual Male Retail Group (US) Signs Franchise Agreement for Kuwait 02 Mar 2012
KFC (US) Coming to Kiev Soon 02 Mar 2012
C House (Italy) Announces Franchise Partner for Romania 01 Mar 2012
Muffin Break (Australia) to Open 40 Outlets in India in 2 Years 01 Mar 2012

The International Franchise Forum, Dubai: Franchisor Expectations are Optimistic

Todd Sinelli of Which Wich says "Which Wich is excited to expand into the Middle East. We see vast opportunities for international growth in the years ahead. The Middle East is a target area for us, where east meets west, and the cosmopolitan population has an appreciation for fresh and vibrant brands."

Franchisors are keen to be seen in what is being called the "Second Wave" for franchising in the Gulf region. Although most of the big global brands such as McDonalds and Starbucks already have a presence in the countries of the Gulf, there are a large number of smaller, but nevertheless excellent, franchises wanting to become established in the region.

And not just food franchises. écurie25 is the largest and longest established network of supercar clubs in the world.

Chirag Shah, CEO of écurie25 explains: "With 7 clubs spanning USA, Europe and Australia, the obvious missing link in the écurie25 portfolio is the UAE - and Dubai in particular. Popular with members from all over the world as a holiday destination, business destination and transit hub; we are confident that a branch of our supercar club concept will be a great success from day one."

For full details of the International Franchise Forum Dubai 2012, please visit the World Franchise Associates website

Which Wich (US) is Excited to Expand into the Middle East 28 Mar 2012
McDonalds (US) Plans Biggest Ever Expansion in Russia 28 Mar 2012
Wingstop (US) Eyes Overseas Expansion as Same-store Sales Increase 20 Mar 2012
Sbarro (US) Continues International Expansion 16 Mar 2012
Gelatissimo (Australia) Plans International Expansion 13 Mar 2012
Global Brands Look to Grow in Australia 12 Mar 2012
Protecting Your Brand in the Global Restaurant Race 08 Mar 2012
Dubai Developers Look to Retail for Growth 08 Mar 2012
Demand for Unit Franchises Surges in Dubai 05 Mar 2012
McDonald's (US) Plans to Expand Franchising in China 05 Mar 2012
KFC (US) in Iran is Unauthorized Use of Brand, Yum! Says 02 Mar 2012

Mall of Dubai

The following franchise businesses are currently inviting international applications from target markets. Please see full profile for country development information.

Maui Wowi	Good Earth Potato	Saladworks	Doner Kebab	Menchie's Frozen Yogurt
Hawaiian Smoothies and Coffee. (USA)	Healthy customizable fast food concept. (USA)	America’s Best Salads (USA)	Classic healthy approach to traditional kebabs. (UAE)	We make you smile. (USA)
Flip Flop Shops	Visiting Angels	écurie25 Supercar Club	Pingu's English	Direct English
Become part of the flip flop lifestyle. (USA)	Non-Medical Home Care Services. (USA)	The largest and longest established network of supercar clubs in the world (USA)	Unique children’s English language franchise. (UK)	Global English language training franchise. (UK)