Primark has today announced further expansion plans in the Middle East, following the opening of its first store in the region in Kuwait in October last year.

Working in partnership with retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will enter the UAE with three stores in Dubai in the first half of this year, with its debut location opening at Dubai Mall in March.

Primark also confirmed plans to open stores in two additional new markets, Bahrain and Qatar, by the end of 2026, working with Alshaya Group on wider regional expansion over the coming years, as the retailer looks to grow its global footprint from 18 to 21 countries.

Eoin Tonge, Interim CEO at Primark, 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 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,” commented John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group.

The retailer also said it is continuing to invest in its existing markets, including plans to open its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, this spring, after marking its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.