Franchises should b forbidden frm such a nice concept. As many of u have said, its a place meant to highlight and promote local culture and history. The whole place was torn down and rebuilt for this very purpose. Defeats the purpose doesn't it? Its like selling an armoured car to a gangster! U throw out existing businsses in the location sayin u wanna change the concept, mood and feel to the place and then u end up commercialising it even more!

If u ask me, i think wat they need to do is promote new and local ideas and concepts. Franchises r the easy way out; familiar renowned cool brands u like to b associated to! Souq Waqif isn't supposed to b a cool place, its supposed to b an experience.

They seem to b losing their direction and focus on the whole concept of Souq Waqif.