UK private equity firm expands to Dubai to invest in professional services companies
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Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE franchise sector generates $27.2bn revenue a year
The UAE's franchise industry has become a significant contributor to the national economy, with annual revenues exceeding AED100bn ($27.2bn) and an annual growth rate of 15 per cent. Regionally, the MENA market is valued at more than AED120bn ($32.7bn), while globally the sector generates more than AED6tn ($1.63tn) and supports over 19m jobs through 2m franchisees. In celebration of World Franchise Day on June 11, the Emirates Franchise Association, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a high-profile forum under the theme 'Franchise Unites Us and Innovation Leads Us.' UAE franchises pass $27.2bn in revenue The event, held at the Chamber's headquarters, brought together a group of entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and public-private sector representatives with a shared interest in the rapidly growing franchise sector. Organised in collaboration with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, the forum focused on strategies to expand UAE-based franchise brands both locally and globally. This economic footprint underscores franchising's role in empowering entrepreneurs, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable business ecosystems. Noor Al Tamimi, Chairwoman of the Emirates Franchise Association, said that celebrating World Franchise Day reinforces the franchise sector's status within the UAE's economic ecosystem, especially considering national efforts to diversify sources of income and promote an entrepreneurial culture. She emphasised that franchising today is a practical tool for business growth, enabling entrepreneurs to operate within an integrated operational system, allowing them to benefit from knowledge, training, and institutional support. Al Tamimi said: 'The Emirates Franchise Association continues to implement its national strategy aimed at enabling Emirati brands to expand locally and globally. The relaunch of the Association's corporate identity has been a significant turning point in its journey, especially after it received official recognition from the World Franchise Council, which made it the accredited representative of the UAE at this international forum.' She confirmed that the Association hopes to be a strategic partner in building an integrated franchise ecosystem in the UAE, one that is based on supportive legislation, accessible financing, specialised training, and international representation. The forum featured a key dialogue session titled 'Meeting of Minds', where franchise owners, consultants, and experts discussed opportunities and challenges in growing local franchises. Topics included legal frameworks, operational readiness, and financial support mechanisms critical to achieving competitive and sustainable expansion. A presentation showcased successful Emirati brands that have scaled through franchising, and celebrated the Association's ongoing efforts to build a future-ready franchise landscape based on innovation and efficiency. Among the highlights of the event was the 'Franchise Walk,' a showcase of select local and international brands, providing attendees with direct insights into diverse business models. Meanwhile, advisory sessions were held in collaboration with professional consultancy firms, offering hands-on guidance regarding the legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of franchising.
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Mashreq launches NEO PLUS saver account for salary and non-salary customers
Dubai, UAE – Mashreq, a leading financial institution in the MENA region, has unveiled the NEO PLUS Saver Account – a high interest savings product designed to empower both salary and non-salary customers with market-leading returns and seamless digital access. Through the new account salary customers can earn 6.25% interest per annum in addition to a cashback of up to AED 5,000 making it one of the most compelling propositions in the UAE's banking sector. With a focus on simplicity and transparency, NEO PLUS Saver Account allows salary customers transferring a monthly salary of AED 10,000 or more, to earn 6.25% interest, along with a salary bonus of AED 3,500 and an Early Bird Cashback bonus of AED 1,500. Non-salary customers can also enjoy market leading interest rates by simply maintaining a balance of AED 50,000 or more and earning 5% interest. They can also benefit from AED 1,500 with their Early Bird cashback benefit, which includes 5% cashback on debit card transactions and AED 300 cashback on remittances. Unlike other banking accounts in the market, Mashreq's new proposition brings simplicity – no need for additional product sign-ups such as a credit card or loans or mortgages, underlining the bank's commitment to customer-first, frictionless banking. Fernando Morillo, Group Head of Retail Banking at Mashreq, said: 'We are proud to launch a product that directly responds to the growing demand for rewarding, transparent savings solutions. With NEO PLUS Saver, customers do not just earn competitive interest – they enjoy a complete digital banking experience through our award-winning mobile app, designed to simplify money management and support smarter financial growth.' Radu Topliceanu, Global Head of NEO at Mashreq, added 'Mashreq NEO has always been about creating intuitive, high-value banking experiences that fit into our customers' lives. With NEO PLUS Saver, we are setting a new benchmark for what digital savings can offer in the UAE – unmatched returns, no hidden requirements, and a fully digital, customer-first journey from start to finish.' Available exclusively through the Mashreq Mobile App – the highest customer-rated banking app in the UAE at 4.8 stars – the NEO PLUS Saver can be opened instantly, offering customers convenient access to the full suite of Mashreq's digital wealth and investment tools. These include fee-free US stock trading, mutual funds, bonds, thematic investments, and more. This launch further strengthens Mashreq's position as a digital banking pioneer and reinforces its role in shaping the future of personal finance in the UAE. With a fully digital onboarding process and no hidden requirements, the NEO PLUS Saver Account is built for growth-minded individuals who want to make their money work harder – all from their smartphone. For more information on NEO PLUS Saver Account, please click here. About Mashreq Mashreq is more than half a century old, yet proudly thinks like a challenger, startup, and innovator. Mashreq has pioneered key innovations and developments in banking, starting with entry-level digital-first customers all the way to powering some of the region's most prominent corporations and wealth accounts. The bank's mandate is to help customers find their way to Rise Every Day, partnering through the highs and lows to help them achieve their goals and unlock their vision of success. Reassuringly present in major financial centers of the world, Mashreq's home and global HQ remains in the Middle East, offering services whenever and wherever opportunity takes its customers. Mashreq has been recognized as the fastest-growing Middle East brand, by Banking 500 rankings for 2024 by Brand Finance. Find your way to Rise Every Day at: For media inquiries, please write to: media@
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Zawya
Iridium and Copley Fund Research partner to unlock GCC investor relations potential
The partnership combines Iridium's consulting expertise with Copley's fund-level data to equip GCC companies with insights to expand their investor base. Early adopters gain a competitive edge by advancing investor relations and attracting GEM funds Dubai - Iridium Advisors, the MENA region's leading investor relations consultancy, has partnered with Copley Fund Research, the leading provider of Global Emerging Markets (GEM) fund data and insights. This exclusive partnership offers GCC-listed companies a unique tool to identify and engage more strategically with the world's largest emerging market investors. The GCC region has seen explosive growth in foreign investment since 2018, driven by the inclusion of four GCC countries (Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE) in the Emerging Market universe. Yet, significant untapped potential remains, with only 57% of GEM funds currently allocating to Saudi Arabia and 63% to the UAE. Additionally, overweight positions in GCC markets are far fewer compared to more mature emerging markets, signalling substantial untapped potential. However, many companies struggle to engage effectively with global institutional investors, limiting their access to foreign capital. The exclusive partnership addresses these challenges by combining Iridium's deep regional expertise with Copley's market-leading fund data. GCC public companies now have the ability to analyse the world's largest emerging market fund allocations, pinpoint high-potential investors, and engage directly with investment decision-makers through tailored IR strategies. Companies that adopt these tools early will gain a measurable advantage, enhancing their market presence and attracting international investors. 'This partnership with Copley Fund Research is a game-changer for public companies looking to compete for institutional capital on a global scale,' said Oliver Schutzmann, CEO of Iridium Advisors. 'By combining Iridium's strategic advice with Copley's fund insights, we enable listed companies to stand out in competitive capital markets, attract new investors, and unlock their full valuation potential.' Steven Holden, CEO of Copley Fund Research, added: 'The GCC is an exciting but underinvested region for active Global Emerging Market investors. With strong economic fundamentals and increasing corporate transparency, we are confident this partnership will help drive greater interest and investment into the region. Our collaboration with the market leader marks a new chapter for GCC investor relations, empowering companies to seize the growing opportunities in foreign institutional investment.'
