The first-ever International Floating Franchise Expo officially launched aboard the luxurious cruise ship Aroya Cruises on May 5. This pioneering initiative, featuring the participation of top entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both Saudi and international brands, will empower Saudi brands to expand locally and globally, while promoting collaboration and investment in the franchise sector.

Opening ceremony

The event commenced with an introductory video showcasing the mission and objectives of the National Franchise Committee, followed by the Saudi national anthem. Salman Al-Anzi delivered the opening speech, followed by remarks from Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee. The event continued with speeches from strategic partners, namely, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi, chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mohammed Al-Ouhali, director general of agriculture, food production and franchising at the Ministry of Investment; Nawaf Al-Ruwais, vice president of Monsha’at; and Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ruwais, vice president for business sector at the Social Development Bank.

Global expansion

Al-Ghamdi said that the franchise sector in the Kingdom is witnessing rapid growth, reflecting market maturity and strong investor confidence. He noted that the floating expo is more than just a platform to showcase opportunities — it marks a significant step in exporting “Saudi franchises to the world,” aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and investment promotion.

Al-Ghamdi also unveiled three key initiatives launched during the expo:

• The establishment of a national company to support export-oriented franchises

• The launch of a platform to facilitate international expansion of Saudi brands

• The creation of an investment fund to support global expansion of Saudi trademarks

He further highlighted the growing global interest in Saudi products, known for their quality and reliability. To date, more than 204 Saudi brands have been listed on the national franchise platform, with franchise registration increasing by 866 percent over the past three years, reaching a total of 1,788 registered franchise agreements.

Promising figures

Ibrahim Al-Hussein, director of franchise services at Monsha’at, said that the expo represents a strategic step to empower the franchise ecosystem. By the end of 2024, the number of operating franchise brands had surpassed 1,200 — a 38 percent increase over the previous year. The platform currently offers more than 22,000 franchise opportunities for investors.

He also noted that the Franchise Center has provided more than 5,000 consultations since its inception, evaluated the eligibility of over 1,900 brands, and licensed more than 300 franchise brokers. The center continues to play a key role in dispute resolution and supporting brand development through specialized training and advisory programs.

Investment support

Al-Ouhali of the Ministry of Investment highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to streamlining investment processes through advanced digital services and targeted incentives, while also enhancing transparency and governance.

He said that the Kingdom is experiencing a “golden era” of investment opportunities, with sustained support for investors from setup to operation, in full alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.

Fostering partnerships

The expo witnessed the signing of several MoUs between the National Franchise Committee and the Social Development Bank, Monsha’at, and the Restaurant and Café Owners Association, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in the franchise sector.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, sponsors were honored by the National Franchise Committee and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Participating brand representatives were also recognized for their contribution to this landmark event.

A platform for growth

The expo continues for three days until May 8 aboard Aroya Cruises, one of the Public Investment Fund’s flagship projects. The event offers an exceptional experience that blends business, investment, and tourism, with the goal of promoting shared franchising models and fostering collaboration between local and international brands.

Diriyah Company has launched the third edition of the Diriyah Engineers Development Program, a flagship initiative designed to attract and develop Saudi graduates with an engineering mindset. This pioneering program empowers participants to contribute to Diriyah’s transformational projects, aligning with the Human Capability Development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The program offers a comprehensive, year-long training journey that combines both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. It enhances personal growth, strengthens professional competencies, and cultivates an engineering mindset.

Participants will benefit from industry experts’ mentorship, which will equip them with the practical knowledge and skills to become future leaders in the field. This initiative reflects Diriyah Company’s commitment to investing in national talent, creating high-quality employment opportunities, and enabling Saudi youth to play a fundamental role in the development of the Diriyah project. Throughout the program, participants will develop a wide range of skills, including professional writing, presentation techniques, data analysis, project management, financial analysis for non-financial professionals, strategic problem-solving, emotional intelligence, operations management, and more.

The program’s third edition will train and develop 40 promising male and female engineers, recent graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees (Class of 2024 and beyond) and no more than six months of professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both Arabic and English and are expected to have participated in cooperative training programs, university projects, or related initiatives. The program offers specialized full-time employment opportunities with a robust benefits package, including monthly bonuses, housing and transportation allowances, medical insurance, social security registration, and access to external training at leading global educational institutions. Participants will join one of three key departments — design and development, asset management, or technology management — where they will undergo high-level training. A series of expert-led workshops and immersive, hands-on learning experiences will help participants build technical, leadership, and personal skills under the guidance of distinguished professionals.

Building on the success of its first two cohorts, which collectively trained 48 engineers (14 in the first edition and 34 in the second), the third edition of DEDP solidifies Diriyah Company’s dedication to empowering the next generation of Saudi talent. The program has already garnered significant interest, with more than 37,000 applicants, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the company’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of this national transformation, the company is working to establish Diriyah as a world-class destination for tourism, heritage, and culture. The development includes office spaces for tens of thousands of professionals alongside vibrant artistic, cultural, sports, and entertainment zones. It also encompasses more than 18,000 luxury residential units, 40 international hotels, iconic cultural and historical landmarks, museums, and specialized educational institutions and academies.