Cairo: The first edition of the Egyptian Saudi International Franchise Expo (Franex 2026) kicked off in Cairo yesterday. The exhibition runs from July 1 to 3 and has attracted broad participation from government entities, economic institutions, and international organizations specializing in the franchise sector. According to Saudi Press Agency, the exhibition features a series of panel discussions and workshops covering key topics, including the journey of building successful brands, the role of franchising in driving economic growth, and the future of the franchise industry. The event will also see the launch of the franchise accelerator, a specialized initiative dedicated to qualifying brands and preparing them for franchise expansion. Franex 2026 aims to promote investment opportunities, support the growth and expansion of local and regional brands, deepen economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and establish both countries as regional hubs for the franchise industry.