FASTSIGNS® Enhances Middle East Presence with First Dubai Location
Categories: NewsCARROLLTON, Texas (May 26, 2015) – Continuing to solidify its spot as the leader in the visual communications industry, FASTSIGNS International, Inc.—the worldwide franchisor for the more than 575 FASTSIGNS® sign, graphic and visual communications centers in nine countries—has opened its first Dubai location in the Addiyar Building at 258 Sheikh Zayed Road.
Further enhancing the company’s presence in the Middle East, this expansion is led by FASTSIGNS Master Franchisee Hamdi Osman—chairman of Solitaire IGT and former senior vice president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa—who is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the Middle East logistics industry. Under his master franchise agreement with FASTSIGNS, Osman will open 12 locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and 25 centers in North Africa – specifically targeting Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya for expansion.
In addition to owning and operating franchise locations, Osman also has the rights to sub-franchise FASTSIGNS across the UAE and North Africa market as a part of the master franchise agreement.
“As we continue growing FASTSIGNS globally, partners like Hamdi are essential to our brand’s success,” said FASTSIGNS International, Inc. CEO Catherine Monson, adding that Osman is a true business leader and will be a valuable partner among its team of master franchisees. “Every business needs help informing customers, directing visitors and selling more, so we’re seeing a strong demand for our products and services in both developed and developing countries.”
Outside of Osman’s master franchise agreement, FASTSIGNS is continuing to expand the Middle East with two new centers in Saudi Arabia planned to open later this year by another master franchise partner. Due to the need for the franchise’s services, FASTSIGNS is also seeking additional master franchisees to develop the region.
Altogether, the sign, graphics and visual communications franchisor has more than 530 centers in the United States and Canada, as well as 40-plus locations in seven other countries – including England, Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Saudi Arabia and the UAE as well as Australia, where centers operate as SIGNWAVE®. Through its targeted growth strategy, the company plans to open upwards of 50 locations each year for the next three to five years across the globe, entering 10 new markets. FASTSIGNS is specifically seeking growth opportunities in Mexico, Southeast Asia, Central and South America, India, and the Middle East based on high demand in those countries for the franchise’s core offerings of signs, graphics, printing, promotional products and related marketing services.
World Franchise Associates (WFA) North American COO Martin Hancock facilitated the franchise deal between FASTSIGNS and Osman. FASTSIGNS is also working with WFA’s South East Asia COO in identifying qualified candidates to grow FASTSIGNS throughout Southeast Asia.