Earlier this year, the company deputed a seven-member team from its experienced staff to undergo an intense eight-month training programme in preparation to launch its new franchising department.  Comments Abdullah Al-Dawish, Vice President of the group: "For many years we were inundated with requests from reputed international companies for distribution, agency and franchise rights.  We always refrained, as it was not in line with our strategy," he says.  "But there was a re-thinking on making Arabian Oud an internationally standardised franchising concept, ready to be operated anywhere in the world.  We are already in the process of assessing various operators who have submitted their requests to be franchisees."  .Arabian Oud is now operating in 17 different countries and has offices in all of them.  "Our plan is to open our own regional offices in the Far East, Russia, the U.S., Canada and South America in order to maintain a smooth flow of communication as well as operations with local franchisees," says Al-Dawish.  ."Moreover, we are now also introducing the brand to the travel retail sector (duty free markets) and were astounded with the demand and the sales turnover we experienced at our first location in Dubai Duty Free.  Plans are also underway to prepare for in-flight sales.  Several airlines, both Arab and foreign, have contacted us to have our products for their on-board flight sales," he says. "I have an ambitious target of opening around 400 Arabian Oud franchised stores in the next four years.  This figure is based on the number of the applications already being submitted to us from all over the world and the high demand and very positive feedback we are receiving, especially from our stores located in countries like the UK, Dubai, France and Malaysia."  .Al-Dawish says that the oriental perfume business has substantial competition in the local markets particularly in the GCC.  "However, it is gratifying to note that these competitors always maintain an eloquent professional etiquette that we truly respect.  Moreover, I do not see any competition in the global operation of Arabian Oud, as our widespread network and the size of our operations clearly puts us beyond any real competition.