Primark confirms Middle East expansion with new stores in Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar

Primark Dubai

International fashion retailer Primark has confirmed the next phase of its Middle East expansion, announcing plans to open stores in Bahrain and Qatar alongside its highly anticipated launch in Dubai, bringing the brand’s global footprint to 21 countries by the end of 2026.

The expansion follows the successful opening of Primark’s first-ever Middle East store at The Avenues in Kuwait in October 2025, which attracted thousands of shoppers and marked a significant milestone for the value fashion giant.

Working in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will open five new stores across the region in 2026. Three stores are confirmed for Dubai in the first half of the year, followed by new locations in Bahrain and Qatar before the end of 2026.

Primark’s first Dubai store will open in Dubai Mall on Thursday 26 March, with further openings scheduled at City Centre Mirdif in April and Mall of the Emirates in May. Later in the year, the retailer will launch in City Centre Bahrain and Doha Festival City, marking its debut in both markets.

The move reflects growing demand for Primark’s value-led offering in the region, following strong customer turnout and enthusiasm at the Kuwait opening.

Shoppers in Dubai will soon gain access to Primark’s broad range of fashion and essentials, spanning womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, homeware and beauty, all positioned at what the company describes as “unbeatable prices”.

Eoin Tonge, Primark Interim CEO, 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.”

For Alshaya Group, which operates a wide portfolio of international brands across the region, the expansion signals confidence in Primark’s long-term appeal to Middle Eastern consumers.

John Hadden, CEO 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!”

Founded more than 55 years ago, Primark now operates over 475 stores across 18 countries in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

The retailer continues to pursue ambitious international growth, including plans to open its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, in Spring 2026, following its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.

The Middle East expansion represents a significant step in Primark’s global strategy, with the brand positioning itself to reach 21 international markets by the end of 2026, underlining its confidence in continued consumer demand for affordable, trend-led fashion worldwide.