The latest franchise news from United Arab Emirates: new brands, market updates, regulation and events, curated by the Quality Franchise Association.
M&S plans to open its largest food store outside its home market at Dubai Festival City, combining thousands of own-brand products with 500 new locally sourced lines.
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SpudBros Express is beginning its UAE expansion with Forward Hospitality under an exclusive multi-unit development agreement, with its first location planned for Abu Dhabi.
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The partnership covers franchising, e-commerce and wholesale, with plans to open up to 40 stores across the Gulf within five years.
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M&S is linking its food expansion with Al-Futtaim to price cuts and 500 new locally sourced lines, combining local sourcing with a broader British range.
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M&S plans to open five food stores in the UAE with Al-Futtaim, starting with a Dubai Festival City Foodhall set to be the brand’s largest outside the UK.
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Papa Johns and PJP have extended their partnership by ten years, with plans to grow from 167 to more than 400 restaurants across four markets, including the UAE.
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KFC and Americana have opened the first Muse concept restaurant at Jumeirah Beach Residence, testing a format that combines speciality drinks with customisable chicken orders.
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Primark is preparing to open first-floor space at its Mall of the Emirates store in November, after its partnership with Alshaya reached three stores in Dubai.
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Gong cha’s UAE debut marks another step in its regional franchise agreement with Shahia Foods Group, although expansion has been slower than expected.
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The Emirates Franchise Association’s participation in an Istanbul exhibition highlights expansion routes spanning franchising, distribution and supply, with support for local brands.
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Alshaya’s UAE campaign combines seasonal products and experiences with tiered Aura rewards, running until 8 November across fashion, beauty and dining brands.
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Wow! Momo Foods is exploring entry into Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with potential partner discussions covering master franchising and a joint venture.
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Six UAE brands explore franchise, distribution and supply opportunities in Istanbul, focusing on understanding markets and choosing partners before expanding.
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7Grounds recorded 139 investment enquiries targeting the UAE, with interest in food and drink, beauty and services, alongside a Gulf-wide preference for buying existing businesses.
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A dispute involving a coffee brand in Dubai highlights the implications of registering franchise agreements as commercial agencies, and the importance of linking exclusivity to clear operational commitments.
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A Malaysian business delegation is preparing for meetings in Dubai in November, seeking UAE partners, investors and prospective master franchisees.
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The Arab Franchise Exhibition in Dubai brings together local and international brands and investors, focusing on licensing agreements, master franchises and entry into Arab markets.
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Philippine company Fruitas has opened its first franchise store in Dubai, marking its entry into the international market as part of a strategy that also includes plans to resume expansion in the Philippines.
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The Emirates Franchise Association is organising a national pavilion at Istanbul’s franchise exhibition, with brand presentations and business meetings to explore international expansion opportunities.
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The Emirates Franchise Association brought operators and investors together at the Future of Food Forum 2026 to discuss food brands’ expansion in the UAE and overseas.
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The source reports the opening of SleepyCat’s 50th store in Gurugram, India, but provides no information about the brand’s operations or franchise opportunities in the UAE.
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Eslab’s founders and existing shareholders will retain a 30% stake under an agreement to sell a majority holding to UAE-based MEER. Management arrangements and expansion plans remain undisclosed.
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CleanNew has converted its Saudi operations into a master franchise, with the local partner taking responsibility for distributing the brand’s products to its franchises in the UAE and Kuwait.
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Cavendish Maxwell sees opportunities in student accommodation and co-living in the UAE — trends worth examining when assessing potential franchise locations.
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A research excerpt points to a memorandum of understanding to expand the franchise supply chain, but does not establish a link to the UAE.
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NH Collection Dubai Ibn Battuta opens following the refurbishment of an existing 396-room hotel, with refreshed dining options and plans for the brand in Ras Al Khaimah.
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Palmonas has opened its second UAE outlet as a kiosk at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, raising practical questions about expansion and operating formats.
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An agreement between the Abu Dhabi Chamber and the French Chamber in the UAE aims to support market entry and partnerships, with practical implications for the franchise community.
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MIR’s agreement concerning Espressolab has yet to complete, with regulatory approvals required and existing shareholders set to remain involved in growth and development.
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MEER has signed an agreement to buy 70% of the company behind Espressolab, which has more than 400 cafés. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals.
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Comments by the vice-chairman of the Emirates Franchise Association put entrepreneurs and local brands at the centre of discussions about growing Al Ain’s franchise community.
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The Emirates Franchise Association points to factors supporting growth in Al Ain’s franchise sector. What does this mean for investors, and what still needs to be verified?
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An exclusive development agreement will bring Taco Bell back to the UAE after its 2012 exit, with phased Gulf expansion planned. Locations and opening dates have yet to be announced.
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The vice-chairman of the Emirates Franchise Association estimates that the franchise sector contributes more than AED 100 million to UAE GDP, with annual growth of around 15%.
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Commercial music licensing tariffs take effect in December 2026, bringing requirements relevant to franchise shops, restaurants and cafés in the UAE.
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