Abu Dhabi hosted the Gulf Franchise Awards 2025 alongside the Gulf Franchise Expo, recognizing achievements in franchising across the Middle East. The awards organized by Arab Business Media Group (ABMG), honored brands and industry leaders for their contributions to various sectors. Elegant Hoo Poe received the award for “Leading Provider of Advanced Health & Beauty Solutions,” while B Chain Consultants was named the “Best Franchise Investment Advisory Firm.”
In the food and beverage sector, Halla Shawarma of Galadari Foods & Beverages won “Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain of the Year,” and Barns Café – Saudi Arabia secured “Fastest Growing Coffee Chain for Rapid Expansion and Market Dominance” and “Outstanding Franchise Management and Support Systems.”
The event also recognized emerging franchise concepts. Eclipse Well-Being Hub and School was awarded “Promising Wellness Franchise of the Year,” and True Gamers was named “Best E-Sports Franchise of the Year.” Legal and business support services were highlighted, with Bird & Bird winning “International Franchise Law Firm of the Year,” and the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, UK, honored for “Supporting International Business with UK Market Entry.” CYNYRGY Capital received the award for “Leading Provider of Franchise Growth Capital Solutions,” while the Aseer Development Authority was recognized as the “Best Franchise Retail Destination of the Year.”
Regional consulting firms were acknowledged for their role in market expansion. Emityz Franchise Consulting, UAE, won “Top Franchise Consulting Firm of the Year,” and Chain Oman received “Best Oman Franchise Market Entry Firm.” Notable brand winners included Salmontini Le Bistro, which earned the title of “Best Bistro Brand in the UAE,” and Sary Hamway, CEO & Founder of The Franchise Trainer, who was recognized as the “Top Franchise Coach of the Year.”
Top Franchise.com was awarded “Best Digital Franchise Platform of the Year,” while Waqqif Group was named “Promising QSR Group of the Year” for its growth and innovative approach in quick-service restaurants. Le Trone Noir of Cyprus won the “Innovator in Kids’ Apparel Retailing” Award.
Excellence in various industries was also recognized, with The One Spa for Gents winning “Promising Gents Spa Franchise of the Year,” and Sada Al Reem for Entrepreneurship taking “Best Entrepreneurship Firm of the Year.” F&B Pillars was named “Best Egyptian Franchise Market Entry Firm,” while Soccer Buddies earned the “Kids Sports Franchise Excellence Award.” In the luxury and lifestyle sector, Pearce Bespoke won “Premier Bespoke Tailoring Brand of the Year,” and Arab Franchise Magazine was recognized for “Pioneering Arab Franchise Media Excellence.” The Gulf Franchise Expo 2025 highlighted the growing influence and expansion of franchising in the region.
