The Ajman Chamber hosted a session titled "Franchising: Opportunities and Challenges" in collaboration with the Ajman sub-committee of the UAE Franchise Association. The session aimed to raise awareness about the concept of franchising, its role as a tool for business growth, expansion, and investment development, and to highlight key challenges and ways to overcome them. The session, held at the Ajman Youth Center, was attended by H.E. Maher Taresh Al Alili, Board Member of the Ajman Chamber and Vice Chairman of the UAE Franchise Association, along with Jamila Kajoor Al Nuaimi, Director of Member Relations and Support at the Ajman Chamber, members of the Ajman sub-committee of the UAE Franchise Association, and a number of entrepreneurs and business owners. H.E. Maher Taresh emphasized the importance of education and awareness in the franchise sector to enable business owners to leverage franchising opportunities and navigate associated challenges. He commended the UAE Franchise Association for its continuous efforts in strengthening this vital sector and for its collaboration with various entities to support local brands and facilitate their regional and international expansion. He noted the sector's rapid growth, which underscores franchising’s effectiveness as a tool for supporting the national economy and enhancing business opportunities in the UAE. The session was presented by Jassim Al Bastaki, a franchising expert. He provided a detailed explanation of franchising and its significance as a powerful tool for local and global market expansion and growth, highlighting how this dynamic sector offers well-known brands and proven business models that mitigate market entry risks. Additionally, he discussed how franchising provides opportunities for local projects and brands to expand their presence in regional and international markets, which in turn helps to spread Emirati culture and its authentic values through distinctive, national-identity products and services. Al Bastaki also addressed the challenges that investors may face in the franchise sector, including the need to adhere to operational standards and fees, the importance of conducting feasibility studies before entering any franchise agreement, and the necessity of legal and administrative knowledge. He showcased several successful experiences from the UAE and the wider region, illustrating how franchising contributes to economic diversification, creates new job opportunities, and facilitates the transfer of knowledge and expertise while developing the business environment. The workshop concluded with recommendations that stressed the importance of intensifying training programs and specialized meetings. The goal of these initiatives is to raise awareness among owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about franchising mechanisms and how to benefit from them, thereby supporting the growth of their businesses and enhancing the competitiveness of Ajman's business environment.