Tinker Labs, a domestic STEAM franchise recently named the best franchise in Europe in the fast-growing brand category at the European Franchise Awards in Brussels, is planning significant international expansion into the Middle East. Founder and CEO Alan Orlić exclusively reveals to Lider that intensive negotiations are underway for the opening of the first center in the United Arab Emirates.
– We have been conducting intensive and very constructive negotiations with potential partners from the United Arab Emirates for several months now. Specifically, the first interest relates to opening a Tinker Labs center in Abu Dhabi, which excites us greatly as it is a market that strongly invests in innovation, education, and child development. Although we have not yet signed a final agreement, discussions are progressing in an extremely positive direction, and we are optimistic that we will soon be able to confirm this collaboration – said Orlić.
He claims that the UAE is a specific and dynamic market, with different standards and expectations than those in Europe. For this reason, their team in Osijek is already working on preparations for the localization and adaptation of the franchise model to align it with the cultural, educational, and business specifics of the region. They are confident that flexibility is one of their greatest assets and that they can create a system that will retain the core of their methodology while also meeting the local market needs.
– We see the market potential in the UAE as enormous – it is a country that actively encourages innovative educational projects and invests in young generations. We believe that Tinker Labs, as an educational franchise that develops creativity, critical thinking, and STEAM skills, will be recognized as a great partner in that mission. If negotiations conclude as we expect, the first Tinker Labs center in Abu Dhabi could open its doors as early as the first half of 2026 – emphasized Orlić.
