FBR Ajman to kick-off from April 17-18

Ajman / Emirates Business

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, the third edition of Franchise Brands Retail (FBR Ajman) will be held at Emirates Hospitality Center-Ajman from April, 17-18. FBR Ajman will feature more than 100 local and international brands from various sectors representing 13 Arab and foreign countries. FBR Ajman is organized by Ajman Chamber and INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions – member of INDEX Holding.
The announcement came at a press conference held today at Fairmont Ajman to announce more details about the event in addition to reveal all the accompanying activities that will take place during the exhibition. The press conference was presided by Mr. Mohamed Al Janahi, Executive Director of Business and Investment Development, and Head of the Organizing Committee, Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, Jasim Al Bastaki, CEO of Middle East Franchise, along with sponsors’ and media representatives.
“The UAE is considered the region’s number one destination for franchising, in which it witnessed a significant fast growth during the past years, especially the F&B and garment sectors that occupy the largest share of the market by almost 60 per cent” Said Al Janahi.
Al Janahi also stressed on the importance of this vital sector, noting that more than 50 per cent of the world’s retail trading is based on franchising.
He also explained that the sales of the retail sector in the UAE are anticipated to exceed Dhs260 billion by 2021, as it actually reached Dhs208 billion during 2016. Furthermore, it is currently contributing to the GDP of the Emirates by 11 per cent. In addition, the UAE was ranked the 7th globally in the retail investment sector according to the World Retail Development Index-2015.
“The retail trading sector in the emirate of Ajman registered a remarkable growth during the past 3 years, and is expected to grow even more after the completion of the development plan of the emirate’s shopping centers. Ajman also attracts real estate developers to expand the malls in the emirate and establish more shops and centers in the new residential complexes, Al Janahi added.
Al Janahi also invited all businessmen to visit the exhibition and learn about the participating countries and brands. The exhibition is a great opportunity for those looking for successful private projects.
“This year, we are keen to provide a large diversity of brands from different sectors to make a strong start for several outstanding projects.” he added.
Al Janahi also continued: “This year’s edition will feature three sectors; franchising, brands and retail with the participation of 60 local brands out of 100 representing 13 Arab and foreign countries.”
He also added that the third edition of FBR-Ajman is expected to witness sealing of many deals between the exhibitors and investors. The organizers are also keen to invite experts and consultants that would share their expertise with the key participants, which will help those who are interested to enter this sector and give them full explanation about it.
Al Janahi also praised the guidance and the follow-up of Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman of Ajman Chamber, which helped in guiding businessmen and entrepreneurs and encourage them to engage in the franchise sector, especially that the success of franchise projects reached more than 90 per cent. He also pointed out that during the previous years; the Ajman Chamber was keen to participate in various international exhibitions in the UAE and other countries to strengthen its partnerships with the world’s largest entities in the franchises sector. The Chamber has been always keen through the Commercial Franchise Development Department to organize a variety of courses and seminars to introduce this sector, which is considered the fastest growing and safest sector in the past years. This is besides its efforts to establish the Emirates Association for Franchise Development.
From his side, Eng. Anas Al Madani, Vice Chairman and Group CEO of INDEX Holding, expressed his gratitude for all supporters and sponsors of FBR-Ajman.
Eng. Anas Al Madani said: “The Ajman strategy 2010-2030 outlines an extensive range of development projects that will take place in this booming emirate in order to cater to the rising needs of population and tourists. FBR Ajman will contribute to this development by providing the ultimate platform for franchisors, retailers, and brand owners to operate and expand in the emirate which will ever diversify Ajman’s economy in specific and the UAE’s one in general.”
He went on saying: “FBR Ajman exhibition is the largest franchise, brands, and retail show in Ajman that supports local brands, services and products and help them enter the international franchise market. The event aims to support young local entrepreneurs in particular. We are glad to announce that FBR Ajman this year will attract more than 80 companies, and it will witness a significant participation of local entrepreneurs that make up 24% of the exhibition.”
Meanwhile, Bo Sheng, Assistant General Manager of Gulf Chinese Trading Corporation and a commercial representative of Commercial Branch of Hunan Province in Middle East stressed on the diversification of the companies participating in the event who will present different and new products at the FBR-Ajman-2017, especially, those elite enterprises and competitive goods from Hunan Province.
Bo Sheng also added: “As a bridge of Hunan Province and Ajman Emirate, I also aim to facilitate more commercial and cultural exchange through different channels. FBR Ajman is a very unique way for those Hunan products going out oversea market to meet the demand of international buyers and value added partners.”
Moreover, there are 20 competitive enterprises participating in this exhibition from Hunan province, China, and they are involved in equipment manufacturing, residential industrialization, electric automobile, tea, beverage, leather manufacturing, ceramics, and animation & education industries. All the visitors are most welcome to our Hunan Pavilion, regardless of their backgrounds whether they are wholesalers, retailers, distributors, or other potential value added partners.
Moreover, Saher Gharibah, Director General at Al Madani Group, said that the Group will introduce its brands to the Ajman market. The group is also looking for ways to encourage entrepreneurs and support companies operating in the franchise sector in the Ajman.
On another note, AMG will display all their diversified international and local brands like; Mustang Jeans, Catimini and Carolina Boix from Fashion & footwear sector, Al Thawb Al Watani and Kandura from Tailoring Sector, Charley’s Philly Steaks, Bagel Bar, Mono and Al Barza from F&B Sector, and Apex Consulting from engineering sector,
At the end of the press conference, Mr. Al Janahi said that FBR Ajman will also feature “carts station”, an external exhibition that will display and sell the latest and most innovative flavors of food to all visitors and public from the morning until 10 pm.