Business & Money | Sunday 6 November, 2016 10:58 am |

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the first public joint stock retail operator in the UAE, has been awarded ‘Best MENA Franchise Brand’ at the MENA Franchise Awards for Excellence in Franchising for its flagship restaurant Reem Al Bawadi. The award, given on 25th October, recognizes Marka’s excellence as Best MENA Franchise Brand.

The award ceremony was held at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel Convention Centre, with awards presented by His Excellency Abdulrahim Hassan Nagi, Secretary General of GCC Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice President, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Dr. Khalid Al Sharfa, Chairman of Middle East & North Africa Franchise Association (MENAFA) The MENA Franchise Awards are held under the patronage of His Highness Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khaled Al-Saud, Honorary Chairman of MENAFA.

Nick Peel, CEO of Marka Holding said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious accolade, which follows a period of significant franchise expansion for Reem al Bawadi, with outlets opening in Dubai, Al Ain, Jeddah and Bahrain over the course of the past few years. We plan to continue this franchise development and look forward to welcoming new franchise partners. From the starting point of just a single outlet in 2001, Reem al Bawadi’s popularity has enabled it to become one of the largest, best-known and highly-regarded food and beverage brands in the UAE.”

Hesham Almekkawi, Managing Director of Marka Hospitality added: “The GCC countries are rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing food service industry markets, and with Reem Al Bawadi we offer a shining example of a relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant & café that appeals to diners and franchisees alike. We offer customers an inviting dining environment and a franchise that has considerable market appeal across the region.”

Reem Al Bawadi was awarded ‘Best MENA Franchise Brand’ due to the restaurant’s strong brand power, along with world-class strategic marketing incorporating launch planning, consumer promotions and product support materials. Judges also considered its operational learning system including field training, and strong supply chain networking that includes approved supplier listings for all key food ingredients and equipment.

Reem Al Bawadi has gone from strength to strength, expanding globally with 11 restaurants currently in operation, and another three franchises already signed for 2017. Despite a regional slowdown the brand has sustained its profitability, expanding and growing its business with each year. The restaurant offers a taste of Modern Arabia, along with an uncompromising commitment to superior quality and outstanding service. Its ethical transparency and its quality guarantee for consumers are strong values that have earned it the trust of many customers in Middle East and beyond.

The brand is no stranger to accolades and recognition, having collected the What’s On Dubai Awards for two consecutive years (2014 & 2015) in the coveted ‘Affordable Dining’ category. It was also the recipient of the ‘Best Middle Eastern Restaurant’ at the prestigious BBC Good Food ME Awards 2014.