Fashion retailer Primark, which trades as Penneys here, has confirmed further expansion plans in the Middle East after the opening of its first store in the region at The Avenues in Kuwait in October.
In partnership with retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will open in the United Arab Emirates with three stores planned for Dubai in the first half of the year.
Primark said it will open new stores in Dubai Mall on March 26, followed by a new store in City Centre Mirdif in April, and Mall of the Emirates in May.
Later in 2026, Primark will open in Bahrain (City Centre Bahrain) and in Qatar (Doha Festival City).
The company said that it and Alshaya Group will continue to work together on plans for further expansion across the region in the coming years.
Primark now operates more than 475 stores in 18 countries across Ireland, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US.
The retailer is also preparing to expand in its existing markets, including opening its first flagship store in Manhattan in New York, in Spring this year after recently marking its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.
Eoin Tonge, Primark's interim CEO, said it was amazing to see the reaction to the opening of its very first store in Kuwait, which shows the potential of its 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," he said.
"Today is an exciting moment for us and our growth ambitions, as we move forward with plans to reach 21 countries," he added.
John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, said the company was proud to be working with Primark to bring this most anticipated brand to shoppers across the region.
"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," he added.
