Primark has announced it will open stores in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar as it plans major expansion in the Middle East.
Primark confirmed the plans to expand further across the Middle East, following the successful opening of its first store in the region at The Avenues in Kuwait in October 2025.
In partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will enter the UAE market with three stores in Dubai in the first half of the year.
- The first store is scheduled to open on March 26 at Dubai Mall
- The second will be at City Centre Mirdif in April
- Followed by Mall of the Emirates in May
Primark in Dubai
The retailer is also set to expand into two additional Middle East markets by the end of 2026, with stores planned in Bahrain at City Centre Bahrain and in Qatar at Doha Festival City.
Primark and Alshaya Group said they will continue to work together on plans for further regional expansion in the coming years.
Thousands of customers attended the opening of Primark’s flagship Kuwait store in October 2025, underlining demand for the brand’s value-led fashion proposition.
Shoppers in Dubai will now access Primark’s range of trend-led and everyday products across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home and beauty categories.
Eoin Tonge, Interim CEO of Primark, said the response to the retailer’s first Middle East store highlighted the brand’s growth potential in the region.
Tonge 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, CEO of Alshaya Group, said the UAE launch marks the next stage in the partnership.
“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”.
After more than 55 years in operation, Primark now runs more than 475 stores across 18 countries spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US.
The retailer is also preparing to expand further in its existing markets, including the opening of its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, in Spring this year, following its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.
