How franchising builds the Kingdom’s non-oil economy
From local heroes to regional exporters — the policy push behind Saudi brand expansion.
Franchising sits at an unusual intersection of the Vision 2030 agenda: it creates SME ownership, transfers operating know-how and builds employment at speed, without requiring the state to underwrite the businesses themselves.
The policy tools have been deliberate — a franchise law with mandatory disclosure, a central registration system, and SME finance products designed around franchise cash-flow profiles rather than conventional collateral.
The next stage is outbound. Saudi brands with two hundred domestic units are being encouraged to license into neighbouring markets, exporting concepts rather than commodities.
Expect that theme to dominate the workshop programme at both editions this cycle.
Photography and video from the show
Free to use for accredited press — full-resolution files on request.
