Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Notable exhibitors
Companies exhibiting at Arab Franchise Expo include 800TEETH, Aamal Al Majd For Industry, AL HAJIS PERFUMES, Alldene and APA.
- 800TEETH
- Aamal Al Majd For Industry
- AL HAJIS PERFUMES
- Alldene
- APA
Event overview
Overview
The Arab Franchise Expo is the premier event for franchising in the Arab world, taking place on 18-19 November 2026 at the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai.
This event will showcase a wide range of franchise opportunities across various sectors, including food and beverage, retail, and education.
Arab Franchise Expo takes place in Dubai, UAE.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Arab Franchise Expo takes place on 18-19 November 2026 at Queen Elizabeth 2, Dubai, UAE.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key platform for franchising opportunities in the Arab world, attracting numerous exhibitors and visitors.
- 3Organiser: The expo is hosted by Arab Business Media Group FZC LLC, a leader in the franchise sector.
- 4Buyer Authority: Entrepreneurs, investors, and franchisors will connect to explore franchise opportunities.
- 5Entry: Registration is available online; attendees can expect a comprehensive experience with various franchise brands.
Why visit
Visiting the Arab Franchise Expo provides unparalleled access to a variety of franchisors and investment opportunities. Attendees can engage in face-to-face discussions, attend informative conferences, and gain insights into the franchising landscape. This event is a must for anyone looking to explore new business avenues and network with industry leaders.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Arab Franchise Expo allows brands to showcase their franchise opportunities to a targeted audience of potential investors and partners. This event offers a unique platform for networking, generating leads, and expanding brand visibility in the growing Arab franchise market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Multi-unit franchise operators and master-licence holders evaluating new brands for the GCC market
Individual investors and family-office principals allocating capital to franchise concepts
First-time prospective franchisees from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and wider MENA region
Franchisor development directors scouting master-franchise partners for Gulf territories
F&B operators (QSR, coffee, bakery, dessert, cloud kitchen) comparing systems and unit economics
Retail, education, beauty and wellness entrepreneurs sourcing franchised concepts
Franchise consultants, commercial lawyers and accountants advising on territory rights and UAE agency terms
Shopping-mall leasing and retail real-estate teams matching brands to available space in Dubai and neighbouring emirates
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Food and beverage franchisors: quick-service restaurant chains, coffee shops, bakeries, dessert and cloud-kitchen concepts
Retail and convenience brands seeking Gulf master-franchise or area-development partners
Education and training franchise networks: tutoring, STEM, language and children's enrichment programmes
Beauty, salon, spa and personal-care franchise concepts
Fitness, sports-venue and wellness franchise systems
Automotive services, car-care and quick-service workshop franchises
Cleaning, home-services and facilities-management franchise operators
Franchise enablement suppliers: POS and loyalty platforms, delivery tech, central kitchens and packaging
Franchise consultancies, legal advisors, market-entry agencies and territory-development firms
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Quick-service restaurants, coffee, bakery and dessert franchises
Retail, convenience and specialty-store franchise concepts
Education, tutoring and children's enrichment franchise models
Beauty, salon, spa and personal-care brands
Fitness, sports and wellness venue franchises
Automotive service, car-care and workshop networks
Cleaning, home services and facilities-management systems
Franchise technology: POS, CRM, loyalty, delivery and showroom apps
Supply chain, central kitchen, packaging and equipment suppliers
Franchise consulting, legal advisory and market-entry services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2 Ship Hotel), Port Rashid
Queen Elizabeth 2
Mina Rashid P.O. Box 6769, Dubai, UAE
Facilities
Parking
Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Queen Elizabeth 2 in Dubai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Queen Elizabeth 2 for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Arab Business Media Group FZC LLC
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Visitor countries
20
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Dubai, UAE
Why it matters
On 2026-11-18 to 2026-11-19, Arab Franchise Expo in Dubai covering Food and beverage franchises, Retail franchise opportunities, Educational franchise models, Health and wellness franchis gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · AED
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dubai International
Primary gateway; Sheikh Zayed Road corridor to DWTC in normal traffic
~15 km
to venue
10-20 min off-peak
by car
Al Maktoum International
Al Maktoum International is south of the city - allow extra time in peak hours
~55 km
to venue
45-60 min
by car
Sharjah International
Sharjah airport serves budget carriers; cross-emirate taxi fares vary by operator
~30 km
to venue
30-40 min
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Palm Beach Hotel Bur Dubai
3-star
Bur Dubaiabout 720 m from Queen Elizabeth 2 to venueUSD 95–122 / night
Captured rate was about 50% below its usual price for the search dates; guest rating 3.6 from about 3.2K reviews.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Bur Dubai
3-star
Bur Dubaiabout 500 m from Queen Elizabeth 2 to venueUSD 95–122 / night
Guest rating 4.4 and flagged as great price at capture time; the closest of the captured hotels to the ship venue.
The Canvas Dubai - MGallery Hotel Collection
5-star
Port Rashid / Bur Dubaiabout 890 m from Queen Elizabeth 2 to venueUSD 230–265 / night
Guest rating 4.5; nearest 5-star option in the captured Google Hotels result set.
Wescott Hotel
2-star
Bur DubaiUSD 150–202 / night
Guest rating 4.4 with a 28% discount versus its usual rate at capture time; note the 2-star classification when matching to a corporate travel policy.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costAED 40-55 (metered taxi, off-peak estimate)
Best forDubai International (DXB) to Queen Elizabeth 2
10-20 min off-peak
taxi
Estimated costAED 90-130 (taxi estimate)
Best forAl Maktoum International (DWC) to Queen Elizabeth 2
45-60 min
taxi
Estimated costAED 80-110 (taxi estimate)
Best forSharjah International (SHJ) to Queen Elizabeth 2
30-40 min
metro
Estimated costAED 4-8.50 (Nol Card single journey)
Best forWorld Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) to venue
RTA Red Line stops at World Trade Centre - buy or top up a Nol Card at the station.
Weather
Mid-November in Dubai is the start of the cooler season rather than peak summer heat. Expect daytime highs near 30-31 C, nights around 21 C, very little rainfall and moderate coastal humidity, with occasional hazy or dusty spells. Exhibition halls are heavily air-conditioned, so most visitors carry a light layer for long meeting days and still need water and sun protection for the short outdoor walks between taxi drop-off and entrance. Align your final forecast check to the 3-5 days before departure; the bands above are climatological guidance, not an official event forecast.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to UAE.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress code
Business attire is expected at the exhibition halls and in hotel meeting rooms. For Dubai in November, light suits, shirts and modest dresses work well; shoulders and knees covered is the safer norm for visits to government offices, heritage districts and mosques.
Greetings and business etiquette
A handshake is common in business settings, but some visitors and colleagues prefer a nod or a hand over the heart, particularly women greeting men. Use titles such as Mr, Ms or Sheikh where known, and expect a short opening exchange before commercial talk.
Weekend and working hours
The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday, so 18-19 November 2026 falls mid-week (Wednesday and Thursday) and offices are in normal session. Government and many corporate offices finish earlier on Fridays.
Tipping and payments
Most hotels and restaurants add a service charge, but a 5-10 percent extra tip is appreciated for good service. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep a small amount of cash for taxis, airport trolleys and small purchases.
Photography and social media
Ask before photographing stands, staff or other visitors, and avoid photographing government buildings, military sites and people without consent. Some exhibitors restrict filming of prototypes and franchise packs.
Public conduct and alcohol
Alcohol is served in licensed hotel venues and restaurants, not in public spaces. Public behaviour is conservative in malls and family areas, so keep conversations and attire business-appropriate during the show days.
Punctuality and scheduling
Traffic on the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor and around exhibition districts can add 20-30 minutes at peak times. Schedule meetings with buffer and confirm the hall and stand number before setting appointments.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: DXB
Captured Google Flights results for 18-22 November 2026 show Dubai served nonstop from Doha, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney, with one-stop routings via Bahrain, Istanbul, Doha and Manila. Prices shown include taxes and fees for one adult but exclude bag fees and optional charges, and Google labelled the Doha route as high versus its own history. Recheck fares closer to the show and compare DWC or Sharjah (SHJ) only if the saving outweighs the longer road transfer to Port Rashid.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Dubai International (DXB): 10-20 min off-peak; Al Maktoum International (DWC): 45-60 min; Sharjah International (SHJ): 30-40 min. Allow road or rail time to Queen Elizabeth 2; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Queen Elizabeth 2: Bur Dubai: Palm Beach Hotel Bur Dubai; Bur Dubai: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Bur Dubai; Port Rashid / Bur Dubai: The Canvas Dubai - MGallery Hotel Collection.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Dubai; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Queen Elizabeth 2 sits in Port Rashid, so metro does not reach the gangway directly. The Dubai Metro Red Line serves the DXB airport terminals and Bur Dubai; travellers typically ride the metro or an airport bus to Bur Dubai, then take a short taxi or local bus to the Port Rashid cruise terminal. RTA Journey Planner and Moovit both publish bus routes stopping at the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel, and the ship is about 500-890 m from several Bur Dubai hotels captured in the hotel mission.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Queen Elizabeth 2; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 21-31 C: daytime highs near 30-31 C in mid-November, dropping to around 21-23 C at night, with coastal humidity making midday feel warmer. Treat as climatological guidance, not an event-specific forecast.
Seasonality: Mid-November falls in Dubai's dry season: rainfall is rare and typically light when it occurs, while hazy or dusty conditions and high coastal humidity are more common. Plan for sun exposure on outdoor transfers and a light layer for strongly air-conditioned exhibition halls; check the live forecast in the final 3-5 days before travel.
Packing: Approx. 21-31 C: daytime highs near 30-31 C in mid-November, dropping to around 21-23 C at night, with coastal humidity making midday feel warmer. Treat as climatological guidance, not an event-specific forecast. Mid-November falls in Dubai's dry season: rainfall is rare and typically light when it
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Arab Franchise Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days out: register online at arabfranchiseexpo.com and store the confirmation QR or e-badge on your phone and in your e-mail.
T-2
14 days out: shortlist 10-15 exhibiting franchise brands from the online exhibitor directory and note investment level, territory availability and sector fit.
T-3
12 days out: book flights into Dubai International (DXB) and confirm the transfer from the terminal to your hotel.
T-4
10 days out: reserve a hotel in Bur Dubai, Deira or the central business districts and check the free-cancellation window in case dates or venue details shift.
T-5
10 days out: verify UAE entry requirements for your passport and apply for a sponsored e-visa early if your nationality needs one.
T-6
7 days out: draft a one-page investor profile covering capital available, target city or emirate and any existing operating experience.
T-7
7 days out: write the questions you will ask every franchisor: initial fee, royalty, payback, territory protection, training, supply chain and exit terms.
T-8
5 days out: download the floor plan and mark priority stands in walking order to cut time between halls.
T-9
3 days out: check the forecast, pack light business attire plus a layer for air-conditioned halls, and plan comfortable shoes for two full show days.
T-10
2 days out: top up a Nol card if you plan metro or bus travel and save a ride-hailing app for the hotel-to-venue transfer.
T-11
1 day out: confirm the venue address, opening hours and badge collection point, and set a realistic arrival time for the first morning.
T-12
Show day: arrive 45-60 minutes before doors for security screening, then work the priority list before the halls get busy.
T-13
After each meeting: log the brand, territory offered, investment band and next step the same evening rather than at the end of the trip.
T-14
48 hours after the show: send follow-up notes to every serious conversation and request the franchise disclosure pack for shortlisted brands.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Queen Elizabeth 2
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Arab Franchise Expo registration concourse
Queen Elizabeth 2
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Queen Elizabeth 2
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsAED 190.00
- Per diem × 2AED 150.00
Estimated totalAED 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Arab Franchise Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Arab Franchise Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Food and beverage franchises and Retail franchise opportunities solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Arab Franchise Expo in Dubai.
Min. budget
$2,518.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Food and beverage franchises and Retail franchise opportunities products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$11,331.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Dubai show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does Arab Franchise Expo 2026 take place?
The event is scheduled for 18-19 November 2026 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Check the organiser website at arabfranchiseexpo.com for the confirmed venue, hall and daily opening hours before booking travel.
Who should attend Arab Franchise Expo in Dubai?
The show suits prospective franchisees, multi-unit operators, master-licence candidates and family offices looking at Gulf franchise investment, plus franchisors seeking development partners and suppliers selling into franchise networks.
Is Arab Franchise Expo open to the public or trade only?
Franchise expos of this type are normally business-to-business, with entry by pre-registration. Confirm the visitor policy and badge requirements on the official registration page before you travel.
How do I register as a visitor?
Register online through arabfranchiseexpo.com ahead of the show, save the confirmation e-mail or QR code, and collect your badge at the venue. Pre-registration usually shortens the queue at the entrance on the first morning.
What does it cost to attend?
Visitor entry terms and any paid conference passes are set by the organiser and are not published in the material available here. Check the official registration page for the current ticket or free-pass policy.
Which franchise sectors are represented?
Expect food and beverage concepts such as quick-service restaurants, coffee and bakery brands, alongside retail, education, beauty and wellness, fitness, automotive services, cleaning and home services, plus franchise technology and consulting suppliers.
What should I bring to meetings with franchisors?
Bring a one-page profile of your investment capacity, target city and operating experience, plus a question list covering initial fee, royalty, unit economics, territory protection, training and supply chain in the UAE or your target market.
How do I get to the venue from Dubai International Airport?
Dubai International (DXB) is the closest major gateway to the central Dubai exhibition districts, usually a 10-20 minute drive off-peak depending on traffic and final venue. Allow extra time on the morning of day one for badge collection and security screening.
Do I need a visa to travel to Dubai for the show?
Many nationalities receive a UAE visa on arrival, while other passport holders need a sponsored e-visa arranged through an airline, hotel or licensed agent. Check the current rules for your nationality with the UAE authorities or your airline before booking.
What is the weather like in Dubai in mid-November?
Mid-November is the start of the cooler season, with daytime highs around 30-31 C, nights near 21 C and very little rain. Exhibition halls are strongly air-conditioned, so a light layer is useful during long meeting days.
Can I bring children or colleagues without a badge?
Badge and guest rules are set by the organiser, and trade events often restrict access to registered business visitors. Confirm guest policy in advance rather than arriving with unregistered companions.
Are meetings and follow-ups arranged at the show?
Many exhibitors pre-book meetings with master-licence and multi-unit candidates, so shortlist brands from the online exhibitor directory first and request appointments. Keep the two show days for confirmed conversations and follow up within 48 hours.
Glossary
- Franchise
- A licence in which the franchisor grants a franchisee the right to operate under its brand, systems and trademarks for a fee, within an agreed territory and term.
- Franchisor
- The brand owner that develops the concept, the operating system and the franchise agreement, and supports franchisees in exchange for initial and ongoing fees.
- Franchisee
- The operator who buys the right to run the branded business, typically funding the fit-out, working capital and ongoing royalty payments.
- Master franchise
- A right to develop and sub-franchise a brand across a whole country or region; common in the Gulf where a single group holds the licence for the GCC or a single emirate.
- Area development agreement
- A contract committing the franchisee to open an agreed number of units within a defined territory and timeline, without the right to recruit sub-franchisees.
- Initial franchise fee
- A one-off payment at signing for brand rights, initial training and opening support; it is separate from fit-out cost and working capital.
- Royalty fee
- An ongoing payment, usually a percentage of gross sales, for continued use of the brand, systems and support.
- Unit economics
- The per-store revenue, food or product cost, labour, rent and payback profile that determines whether a single outlet is viable in a given market.
- Territory protection
- Contract terms that limit how many franchise units the franchisor may open around yours; a key negotiation point in dense Gulf retail catchments.
- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- A pre-contract disclosure pack covering fees, unit counts, franchisee contacts and financial performance claims; ask for the version used for the Gulf territory.
- Conversion franchise
- Rebranding an existing independent business under a franchise system, often used by Dubai operators who already hold a lease and a customer base.
- Multi-unit franchisee
- An operator holding several outlets or brands, typically with a regional management team and central back-office functions.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Arab Franchise Expo 2026
- Arab Franchise Expo Dubai
- franchise expo Dubai 2026
- Arab Franchise Expo November 2026
- franchise opportunities UAE 2026
- master franchise GCC
- F&B franchise Dubai expo
- franchise investment Dubai
- buy a franchise in Dubai
- MENA franchise show
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.