Omani Brands Expand into Egypt: Unlocking New Opportunities Through Franchising for Investors
Omani Brands Seek Expansion at International Franchise Expo
MUSCAT, JULY 5 – Twelve Omani brands showcased their franchise concepts and explored regional expansion opportunities at the Egyptian-Saudi International Franchise Expo in Cairo. This participation, organized by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), aims to position franchising as a vital driver of private sector growth and economic diversification.
The three-day event, held from July 1 to 3 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre, attracted investors, franchise operators, government agencies, and business support organizations 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 stated that its presence at the expo was focused on promoting investment opportunities within Oman’s franchise sector, supporting the international expansion of Omani brands, and strengthening connections with investors and companies specializing in franchise development.
During the opening ceremony, Al Saadi emphasized the significance of the exhibition as a platform for brand owners, investors, and industry stakeholders to forge partnerships, share expertise, and discover new business ventures. “The Chamber’s participation reflects our commitment to enhancing the franchise ecosystem in Oman and increasing the visibility of Omani brands in regional and international markets,” he noted.
“Franchising has emerged as an effective tool for business growth, knowledge transfer, and expanding private sector investment,” Al Saadi added. He highlighted that the Chamber is actively assisting Omani companies in leveraging this business model in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s economic diversification strategy.
He also encouraged Omani companies to capitalize on the exhibition, engage with investors, and participate in workshops and panel discussions that address the latest trends and best practices in the franchise industry.
Khalifa bin Rashid al Shamsi, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Ambassador of Oman to Egypt, hailed the Chamber’s involvement as a testament to its commitment to the franchise sector and its role in fostering economic diversification through the private sector.
According to al Shamsi, the exhibition served as an effective platform for linking investors, franchise owners, and supporting institutions, thereby enhancing 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, remarked that the Franchise Centre is dedicated to promoting franchising as a growth model while preparing Omani businesses for expansion aligned with international best practices. He noted that participation in regional exhibitions enables Omani companies to learn from successful international experiences and build direct relationships with investors.
The expo featured bilateral business meetings, panel discussions, and workshops covering topics such as franchise financing, regulatory frameworks, regional expansion strategies, and cross-border investment partnerships.
Al Saadi participated in a panel discussion titled “Building Economic Bridges: The Role of Franchising in Empowerment and Investment,” where he outlined the Chamber’s initiatives to enhance Oman’s franchise ecosystem and support national brands in broader markets.
On the sidelines of the event, the Omani delegation engaged in discussions with franchise support organizations, investors, and participating companies to explore collaborative opportunities and promote the services available at the Chamber’s Franchise Centre.
Businesses attending the exhibition also sought out strategic partnerships. Emad al Sabri, owner of the Darb Al Shay brand, stated that the event was a crucial step in his company’s regional expansion strategy, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with potential investors.
Mohammed al Rawahi, owner of NS Gamer, expressed the company’s ambition to expand into GCC countries, Egypt, and other Arab markets through franchising, aiming for sustainable growth and increased brand recognition.
Saif al Riyami, owner of the Shawarma and Musahab brand, indicated that his franchise model offers prospective investors comprehensive operational systems, training, technical support, and marketing assistance, expressing optimism that the expo would unlock new opportunities for regional expansion.
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Oman’s proactive participation in the Egyptian-Saudi International Franchise Expo signals a strategic push for economic diversification and private sector growth through franchising. This creates significant opportunities for local brands to expand regionally but also introduces risks related to competition and market saturationينبغي للمستثمرين ورجال الأعمال الأذكياء leverage this momentum by exploring partnerships and adopting best practices from successful international franchises to ensure sustainable growth in emerging markets.
