The Emirates Franchise Association will lead 78 UAE private-sector companies, brands and entrepreneurs at an international franchise exhibition in Istanbul this week, seeking investment partnerships and opportunities for business expansion.The association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced on Tuesday that it would organise a national pavilion at the 24th Bayim Olur musun? (Be My Franchise) exhibition, scheduled for October 15-18 at Istanbul's Yenikapı Eurasia Exhibition Centre.
The delegation will include established national brands, small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and entrepreneurs seeking access to international investors and franchise operators. Participants will present their business models and explore opportunities to establish commercial partnerships beyond the UAE.
Organisers expect more than 200 brands to participate in the four-day exhibition, which is targeting over 30,000 visitors and investors from domestic and international markets. The event provides a platform for franchise agreements, business networking and discussions between companies seeking expansion and prospective operators.
Ali Mohammed Al Marzooqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber and Chairman of the Emirates Franchise Association, said franchising contributes to economic diversification by enabling companies to expand, attract investment and create employment opportunities.
He said the chamber, through the association, was working to establish conditions supporting franchise development and connecting UAE businesses with international investors and markets.
The association's participation comes alongside expanding commercial links between the UAE and Turkey, reflected in new figures released by Abu Dhabi Chamber.
According to chamber records, the number of Turkish companies registered in Abu Dhabi has increased to 299 so far this year, compared with 289 in 2025, representing growth of approximately 3%.
Companies with Turkish partners have increased by 23%, reaching 381 against 311 previously. The figures indicate growing business engagement across several sectors, although they do not separately identify franchise-related investments.
Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and professional, scientific and technical activities account for prominent areas of Turkish commercial participation in Abu Dhabi. Accommodation and food services also feature among the sectors attracting Turkish businesses.
These commercial connections provide a potential basis for franchise partnerships, particularly for businesses seeking local operators familiar with consumer preferences, distribution arrangements and regulatory requirements.
The UAE pavilion is intended to provide participating companies with a coordinated presence, allowing smaller enterprises to approach investors and prospective franchise partners alongside established businesses.
Such arrangements can help entrepreneurs present their commercial concepts to audiences that individual businesses might otherwise find difficult to reach. However, securing franchise agreements depends on commercial negotiations, financial commitments and the suitability of individual business models.
The association has scheduled a specialised session examining the UAE's franchise and investment ecosystem. Participating brands and entrepreneurs will also be offered opportunities to make presentations explaining their operations, expansion plans and potential partnership arrangements.
The presentations will enable prospective investors to examine business concepts directly and discuss the requirements for operating them in different markets.
Franchising allows businesses to expand through agreements under which independent operators use an established brand and operating system, usually in exchange for fees or continuing payments. The arrangements can support expansion without requiring brand owners to finance every new outlet themselves.
For participating UAE enterprises, international franchising offers one possible route into overseas markets, although operating standards, intellectual property protection and contractual obligations remain important considerations when negotiating agreements.
The Istanbul exhibition is also expected to attract businesses seeking distributorship and branded dealership arrangements, alongside conventional franchise opportunities. This broadens the range of potential commercial relationships available to exhibitors and investors.
The UAE association participated in the previous edition of the Istanbul exhibition in October 2025, when its pavilion featured 14 entrepreneurs and brand owners. The planned delegation of 78 participants therefore represents a substantially larger presence this year, although the two figures describe different participant categories.
The association has identified international market access, business development and stronger connections with global franchise networks among its principal activities. Its programme includes supporting entrepreneurs in developing business models capable of expansion through franchise arrangements.
The Istanbul organisers are placing particular emphasis on businesses operating one outlet or a limited number of branches that want to establish wider networks. The exhibition will bring these enterprises into contact with prospective franchisees, investors, consultants and commercial partners.
The four-day programme will provide opportunities for direct business meetings, brand presentations and discussions concerning franchise and dealership arrangements across participating sectors.
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