Partnership with Saudi National Franchise Committee to Boost Global Expansion of Homegrown Concepts in Line with Vision 2030
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – 10th July 2025 – World Franchise Associates (WFA) and The National Franchise Committee, part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, have signed a landmark cooperation agreement to enhance strategic collaboration in the franchising sector. The agreement aims to support the globalization of Saudi brands in line with Saudi Vision 2030, with a particular focus on expanding into the UK, Europe and selected Southeast Asian markets.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to enabling Saudi brands to thrive internationally, positioning the Kingdom as a dynamic hub for franchise innovation and export. Through this agreement, WFA will support the Committee in taking Saudi brands global while helping strengthen the domestic franchise ecosystem.
The agreement enables collaboration on a wide range of franchise related projects and initiatives, including capability & readiness programs, franchise development programs, workshops, events, franchise marketing & recruitment activities and market entry support. Already underway following the execution of the agreement is a comprehensive multi-phase market entry program with the objective of introducing multiple Saudi F&B brands in the UK by 2026.
This strategic alliance is anchored in the objectives of further strengthening the franchise ecosystem within Saudi Arabia and facilitating the entry of Saudi brands into global markets. It signals a bold step toward achieving Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and global brand leadership, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a key player in the international franchise landscape.
Khalid Mahdi, WFA MENA Regional General Manager added “This agreement marks a major milestone for both WFA and the National Franchise Committee. It lays the foundation for a quantum leap in the international expansion of Saudi brands. The Kingdom has made remarkable progress in recent years in developing a vibrant and forward-looking franchise sector. With our extensive global network, proven track record, and deep experience in international franchise development, WFA is uniquely positioned to support Saudi brands as they take this exciting step onto the world stage. We are proud to contribute to the continued growth and global visibility of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic franchise industry.”
Also present at the agreement signing in Riyadh, WFA Managing Partner Troy Franklin added, “This collaboration reinforces WFA’s commitment to Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region. Saudi Arabia is the regional pioneer in developing and institutionalising a multifaceted franchise infrastructure project and we are proud to have contributed to this through our work with Monsha’at on the Saudi Commercial Franchise Launch and Activation Program. We are honoured to begin this new collaboration with the Federation of Saudi Chambers and their National Franchise Committee to further support the development of the franchise ecosystem in the Kingdom and to help Saudi brands develop strategy, build capability and launch international expansion initiatives.”
