UAE

Each month, we bring you a roundup of international franchise news.

Famous Dave's operates 100 locations in the US, Canada, and UAE

The Netherlands-based multi-brand operator, which manages over 60 clubs, has expanded into the Middle East through a joint venture in Dubai Marina.

The activewear brand plans to open 20 new international locations and 25 U.S. stores over the next year as part of an aggressive global retail expansion strategy.

The UAE operation is led by Peter Matthews, Group CEO of CENTURY 21 UAE and India, whose oversight spans the brand’s presence across South Asia and the Middle East.

The Middle Eastern gym brand secured a $100 million credit facility to fuel its expansion toward 100 locations across the GCC and its initial entry into Asia.

Nearly 70% of exercisers across the GCC are craving more memorable fitness experiences, and GymNation’s answer comes 2,200 feet above Riyadh.

On World Mental Health Day, one of the Middle East’s largest fitness chains is asking members to drop the dumbbells and focus on their minds.

If there’s one word that defines what it takes to succeed in global franchising today, it’s “resilience.”

As the UAE bakes in record-breaking temperatures, GymNation is turning down the temperature…literally.

Papa Johns is elevating the pizza experience with the global launch of its latest innovation: the all-new Croissant Pizza.

UFC Gym, a studio extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is launching out a new franchise concept focused exclusively on Jiu-Jitsu as the fitness brand looks to broaden its footprint and capitalize on the rising demand for combat sports training.

Hotworx, the 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise, has entered the Dubai market, marking its first location in the UAE and second in the Middle East.

GymNation partners with Hyrox for training centers in Middle East

UFC Gym, an official extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, is opening more than 45 locations this year across the globe and will soon introduce its Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) studios, a new franchise concept co

UBX enters UAE market with new gym location in Marina Gate

Big Chicken, founded by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, is on a mission to scale to 275 locations by 2029, QSR Magazine recently reported.

Doner Shack enters the U.S. market with 150-store India deal.

We’ve selected highlights from Bill Edwards’ biweekly Global Business Newsletter (#121, November 12, 2024).

Anytime Fitness opens 25th club in Indonesia amid global push

In the world of art and finance, Nazem Ahmad, who is under American sanctions, has been accused of smuggling half a billion dollars for a Lebanese militant group.

The UAE explores the introduction of English common law to 26 free-trade zones, reflecting the belief that the Anglosphere's legal tradition is better for business.

Tappy Toes founder expands children’s dance franchise into the UAE, launching pre-school dance classes in Dubai.

Franchisors should consider factors like ease of doing business and market research when expanding internationally.