Doing Business in Saudi Arabia - International Franchise Association

traffic flow. Non-food franchises account for 55-65% of the franchise market, especially apparel
and fashion retail outlets.
The large expatriate work force in Saudi Arabia patronizes franchises as a way of obtaining the
same quality and level of services received at home. There are approximately 7 million
expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Franchisers should take into account the culture and religious background of the Saudi people
in order to appropriately tailor their franchise concepts. In turn, this has presented a window of
opportunity for U.S. and foreign companies; for instance, restaurants are required to have two
entrances and two eating areas, one for Singles (males without their families), and another for
Families, which has prompted foreign and U.S. companies to expand their seating areas and
thus their daily capacities.
Saudi consumer trend has changed dramatically in the last five to six years – transforming them
into more refined, savvy consumers who demands value for money, a recognized brand and
quality customer service — like any other consumer in the world.
U.S. companies interested in finding Saudi franchisees should consider attending the Saudi
Franchise Show, to be held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh on June 1-3, 2010.
Resources Return to top
Riyadh Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
www.riyadhchamber.com/indexen.php
Middle East Franchising www.mefranchising.com/
Franchising Saudi Arabia www.internationalbusinessstrategies.com/market-research-reports/
InfoFranchise World www.infofranchise.com/
Franchise Expo www.franchiseexpo.com/
Saudi Franchise Show www.icef-ksa.com/