BUSINESS REPORTER
MUSCAT, JULY 5
Twelve Omani brands showcased their franchise concepts and explored regional expansion opportunities at the Egyptian-Saudi International Franchise Expo in Cairo, as the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) stepped up efforts to position franchising as a driver of private sector growth and economic diversification.
The three-day exhibition, held from July 1 to 3 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, brought together investors, franchise operators, government agencies and business support organisations from across the region. The Omani delegation was led by Eng Hamoud bin Salem al Saadi, Second Vice-Chairman of the OCCI Board and Chairman of the Chamber's Franchise Committee.
The Chamber said its participation was aimed at promoting investment opportunities in Oman's franchise sector, supporting the international expansion of Omani brands and strengthening links with investors and companies specialising in franchise development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Al Saadi described the exhibition as an important platform for bringing together brand owners, investors and industry stakeholders to build partnerships, exchange expertise and identify new business opportunities.
He said the Chamber's participation reflects its efforts to strengthen the franchise ecosystem in Oman and increase the presence of Omani brands in regional and international markets.
"Franchising has become an effective tool for business growth, knowledge transfer and expanding private sector investment," Al Saadi said, adding that the Chamber is working to help Omani companies benefit from the business model in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the country's economic diversification strategy.
He encouraged Omani companies to use the exhibition to engage with investors, explore expansion opportunities and participate in workshops and panel discussions covering the latest trends and best practices in the franchise industry.
Khalifa bin Rashid al Shamsi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Ambassador of Oman to Egypt, said the Chamber's participation underlined its commitment to developing the franchise sector and strengthening the role of the private sector in economic diversification.
He said the exhibition provided an effective platform for connecting investors, franchise owners and supporting institutions while helping to strengthen economic cooperation and trade ties between Oman and Egypt through new business partnerships.
Hamad bin Salem al Harthi, Head of the Business Complex at the Development Bank and Vice-Chairman of the Chamber's Franchise Committee, said the Franchise Centre continues to promote franchising as a growth model while preparing Omani companies for expansion in line with international best practices.
He said participation in regional exhibitions enables Omani businesses to learn from successful international experiences, establish direct relationships with investors and identify opportunities for regional growth.
The exhibition featured bilateral business meetings, panel discussions and workshops covering franchise financing, regulatory frameworks, regional expansion strategies and cross-border investment partnerships.
Al Saadi also took part in a panel discussion titled Building Economic Bridges: The Role of Franchising in Empowerment and Investment, where he outlined the Chamber's initiatives to develop Oman's franchise ecosystem and prepare national brands for expansion beyond the domestic market.
On the sidelines of the event, the Omani delegation held meetings with franchise support organisations, investors and participating companies to explore opportunities for cooperation and promote the services offered by the Chamber's Franchise Centre.
Participating companies also used the exhibition to seek strategic partners. Emad al Sabri, owner of the Darb Al Shay brand, said the event marked an important step in the company's regional expansion strategy and would help build relationships with investors interested in acquiring franchise rights.
Mohammed al Rawahi, owner of NS Gamer, said the company is targeting expansion into GCC countries, Egypt and other Arab markets through franchising to achieve sustainable growth and increase brand recognition.
Saif al Riyami, owner of the Shawarma and Musahab brand, said the company is offering investors a comprehensive franchise model that includes operational systems, training, technical support and marketing, expressing confidence that the exhibition would open new opportunities for regional expansion.
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