Economy / 'Monshaat': Over 1,500 Franchise Brands Operating in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, July 12, 2026, SPA -- The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat) confirmed the continued growth of the franchise sector in the Kingdom, with the total number of franchise brands operating in the Saudi market reaching 1,514 by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Local brands accounted for 744, representing about 49.1% of the total brands operating in the market. The authority explained that this growth reflects the development witnessed by the sector since the establishment of the Franchise Center under Monshaat in 2020, when the total number of franchise brands in the Kingdom was about 692, including 93 local brands representing about 13% of the total, reflecting the notable increase in the number of national brands in recent years. Monshaat pointed out that the Franchise Center directly contributed to supporting and converting 214 local brands to the franchise system, representing more than 28% of the total local franchise brands operating in the market, in addition to verifying the readiness of 2,636 brands to grant franchises, as part of its efforts to enhance the readiness of national brands and expand their opportunities. The authority indicated that the franchise market in the Kingdom is witnessing diversity in franchising sectors, including food and beverages, retail, education, healthcare, services, and entertainment, reflecting the wide range of investment opportunities available to entrepreneurs and investors. Entrepreneurs and investors can view available franchise opportunities through the center's website. Monshaat continues to implement programs and initiatives aimed at spreading the franchise culture and marketing brands. The Franchise Center has conducted 11 franchise tours across various regions of the Kingdom, including accompanying exhibitions to introduce brands and showcase franchise opportunities, supporting the participation of more than 258 brands. More than 7,102 visitors benefited from the awareness programs, events, and services provided during those tours. The authority affirmed its continued efforts to develop the franchise ecosystem, enhance the readiness of national brands, and promote their local and international expansion, contributing to the growth of small and medium enterprises and increasing their contribution to economic development, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. // End // 14:26 T M 0068

Riyadh, July 12, 2026, SPA -- The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat) confirmed the continued growth of the franchise sector in the Kingdom, with the total number of franchise brands operating in the Saudi market reaching 1,514 by the end of the second quarter of 2026. Local brands accounted for 744, representing about 49.1% of the total brands operating in the market. The authority explained that this growth reflects the development witnessed by the sector since the establishment of the Franchise Center under Monshaat in 2020, when the total number of franchise brands in the Kingdom was about 692, including 93 local brands representing about 13% of the total, reflecting the notable increase in the number of national brands in recent years. Monshaat pointed out that the Franchise Center directly contributed to supporting and converting 214 local brands to the franchise system, representing more than 28% of the total local franchise brands operating in the market, in addition to verifying the readiness of 2,636 brands to grant franchises, as part of its efforts to enhance the readiness of national brands and expand their opportunities. The authority indicated that the franchise market in the Kingdom is witnessing diversity in franchising sectors, including food and beverages, retail, education, healthcare, services, and entertainment, reflecting the wide range of investment opportunities available to entrepreneurs and investors. Entrepreneurs and investors can view available franchise opportunities through the center's website. Monshaat continues to implement programs and initiatives aimed at spreading the franchise culture and marketing brands. The Franchise Center has conducted 11 franchise tours across various regions of the Kingdom, including accompanying exhibitions to introduce brands and showcase franchise opportunities, supporting the participation of more than 258 brands. More than 7,102 visitors benefited from the awareness programs, events, and services provided during those tours. The authority affirmed its continued efforts to develop the franchise ecosystem, enhance the readiness of national brands, and promote their local and international expansion, contributing to the growth of small and medium enterprises and increasing their contribution to economic development, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. // End // 14:26 T M 0068