NEW DELHI : The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by the Franchise Center, in cooperation with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, participated in the 22nd International Franchise & Retail Show, held from 16 to 17 May 2026 in New Delhi, Republic of India, with the participation of 12 Omani brands. The Chamber’s delegation was headed by Eng. Hamoud bin Salem Al Saadi, Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of OCCI and Chairman of the Chamber’s Franchise Center Committee.

The participation aims to support and empower Omani brands to expand through the franchise model in the Republic of India and neighboring markets, while opening direct communication channels with investors, operators, and potential partners, in addition to strengthening the orientation of the Omani private sector toward global markets. The participation also enables Omani companies to benefit from the events, programs, and workshops accompanying the exhibition, which specialize in franchising and investment fields.

Eng. Hamoud Al Saadi stated: “This participation comes in line with the Chamber’s strategic directions aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing economic diversification, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on diversifying sources of income, encouraging investment, and expanding the presence of Omani companies in regional and international markets.”

He affirmed that the exhibition represents an important opportunity to introduce and promote Omani brands internationally, in addition to exploring expansion opportunities through the franchise system. He pointed to the importance of Omani participating companies benefiting from available investment opportunities, learning about successful international experiences, and taking advantage of the accompanying events and specialized sessions that contribute to developing brands and enhancing their expansion opportunities in foreign markets.

Meanwhile, Khalfan bin Saeed Al Khatri, Assistant Director of the Marketing and Events Department at Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and member of the Chamber’s Franchise Center Committee, explained that the participation of Omani brands in the exhibition reflects the development witnessed by the franchise sector in the Sultanate of Oman and the growing readiness of local brands to expand internationally. He noted that the Indian market is characterized by its diversity and scale, providing promising opportunities for Omani brands seeking expansion and entry into new markets.

Al Khatri added that participation in such international exhibitions contributes to enhancing the exchange of expertise and knowledge, while enabling brand owners to explore the latest trends and successful models in the franchise sector.

Embassy Visit

Tahira bint Hamood Al Zadjali, Minister Plenipotentiary and Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in New Delhi, Republic of India, along with Nawaf bin Abdullah Baamar, Minister Plenipotentiary, visited the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry pavilion participating in the exhibition, where they reviewed the participating Omani brands.

They praised the efforts of Omani companies in expanding internationally and stressed the importance of encouraging business owners to expand and enter global markets, while benefiting from the promising investment opportunities offered by the Indian market, in a way that enhances the presence of Omani brands regionally and internationally.

Participants’ Remarks

Asaad bin Saud Al Akhzami, owner of the “Nomad Inn” brand, said: “Our participation in this exhibition represents an important strategic milestone to showcase an Omani brand that originated from local passion and an ambitious vision before a vast global market rich with promising investment opportunities in the franchise sector.”

He added: “The participation goes beyond the concept of traditional commercial promotion, as it allows us to build direct relationships with investors and strategic partners who believe in the potential of Omani brands and their ability to expand regionally and internationally. It also represents a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest global trends and practices in the franchise industry and benefit from successful international experiences, thereby enhancing the readiness of national brands to compete according to the highest international standards.”

Al Akhzami affirmed that the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a pivotal role in supporting entrepreneurs and Omani companies by enabling their effective participation in international forums and providing the necessary organizational and coordination support to introduce national brands to investors and decision-makers.

For his part, Imad Al Sabri, owner of the “Darb Al Shai” brand, said: “Through this participation, we seek to explore opportunities for international expansion, particularly in the Indian market, which enjoys broad economic and cultural diversity and provides a suitable environment for the growth of brands with high quality and added value. We have benefited from the events and specialized sessions accompanying the exhibition in the field of franchising, as they provide an opportunity to learn about the latest global practices and experiences in this sector.”

Al Sabri also praised the support provided by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in enabling national companies to participate effectively and strengthen their presence in foreign markets.

Meanwhile, Alwaleed bin Ahmed Al Siyabi, owner of the “Al Wedad Perfumes” brand, stated: “Through this participation, we sensed the interest of international investors in Omani brands, especially those offering high-quality products and services that carry a distinctive identity reflecting Omani culture and values.” He explained that this interest reflects the positive reputation that Omani brands have begun to gain in foreign markets. He added that global markets are increasingly searching for brands that possess authenticity, quality, and the ability to innovate.

Al Siyabi pointed to the role of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting and assisting Omani companies to participate in such international events, affirming that the Chamber’s efforts have contributed to creating a supportive environment for expansion and building new partnerships with investors and global markets.