Primark to expand into three new markets in the Middle East
Primark is to expand further in the Middle East following the opening of its first store in the region in Kuwait last year.
Working in partnership with retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will launch three stores in Dubai in the first half of the year. The retailer will also enter Bahrain and Qatar by the end of 2026.
Subscribe to TRBThe Dubai stores will be situated in Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates and will open in March, April and May respectively. Later in 2026, Primark will open in Bahrain (City Centre Bahrain) and in Qatar (Doha Festival City).
The retailer said it will continue to work with Alshaya Group on plans for further expansion across the region in the coming years.
Eoin Tonge, Primark interim chief executive, said: “It’s been amazing to see the reaction to the opening of our very first store in Kuwait, which shows the potential of our brand in the Middle East.
“We are now delighted to announce the expansion of our franchise partnership with Alshaya Group with five stores due to open in 2026 in UAE, Bahrain and Qatar – beginning with Dubai Mall in March.
“Today is an exciting moment for us and our growth ambitions, as we move forward with plans to reach 21 countries.”
John Hadden, chief executive of Alshaya Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of working with Primark to bring this most anticipated brand to shoppers across the region, and we are looking forward to opening in three countries with five stores this year.
“This is just the beginning as we work with Primark to grow the brand, after such a fantastic first opening in Kuwait. Next stop Dubai in March”
Primark is also preparing to expand in its existing markets, including the opening its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, this year..
