Dr. Abdelrahim El Rayah is a distinguished academic and consultant with vast expertise in corporate development, franchising, and economic strategy. He is the author of eight influential books, focusing on the UAE’s economic landscape, SMEs, stock exchange establishment, and privatization.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. El Rayah served as a Corporate Development Consultant to the Abu Dhabi Chamber from 1996 to 2018, where he played a key role in shaping the region’s economic policies. He also served as a consultant to the Minister of Development of the Sultanate of Oman for six years, contributing to the growth of the productive sector.

Dr. El Rayah has been a senior consultant in corporate development and franchising since 2009, helping to advance the franchise sector in the UAE. In 2008, he and Salma Matar AlMansoori initiated the first Franchise Development Program in Abu Dhabi, which included seminars, workshops, and international franchise events. Their efforts continued with the establishment of the Emirate Franchise Association in 2012, a project that marked a significant milestone in the region’s franchise industry.

Dr. El Rayah’s work extends beyond consultancy and strategy development. He has authored numerous research papers on key topics in franchising, including the impact of COVID-19, industrial manufacturing franchises, and the rise of social franchising. He has also been an influential speaker at international franchise conferences and exhibitions, contributing to the global exchange of ideas in the franchise community.

Through his ongoing work and research, Dr. El Rayah remains a leading figure in franchise development, helping to shape the future of franchising in the UAE and beyond.