Muscat – The first Omani-Saudi Franchise Exhibition opened on Tuesday at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 100 brands from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India.

Organised by Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), in partnership with the Federation of Saudi Chambers with support from Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, the three-day event will run till Thursday.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, who toured the exhibition. The event provides a platform for entrepreneurs and investors to expand operations through franchise agreements and commercial partnerships, highlighting the growing role of franchising in strengthening Gulf economic integration.

During the exhibition, 17 franchise agreements were signed. OCCI also inked a memorandum of cooperation with Development Bank to launch a financing programme for entrepreneurs seeking franchise opportunities through its Commercial Excellence Centre.

Faisal bin Abdullah al Rawas, Chairman of OCCI, said the exhibition reflects “a strategic opportunity to open new markets, attract quality investments and strengthen sustainable partnerships that mirror the depth of Gulf economic integration”. 

He added, “Franchising today is not only an expansion tool but an integrated system for growth and innovation. It empowers entrepreneurs, creates quality jobs, and enhances the competitiveness and sustainability of the private sector.”

Hamoud bin Salim al Saadi, Second Vice-Chairman of OCCI and Chairman of the Commercial Excellence Centre Committee, spoke of the strong demand for franchise opportunities. “We received more than 600 applications to participate. Over 100 companies and brands are participating, which reflects the strong demand and rising interest in this sector,” he said.

The exhibition features workshops, panel discussions and success stories in expansion, marketing, legal frameworks and international trends. It will also host the Omani-Saudi Business Forum and bilateral meetings aimed at boosting trade and investment.

Since its launch in 2023, OCCI’s franchise programme has facilitated 134 agreements, enabling Omani brands to expand into 20 countries.