Primark has announced it will open stores in the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar this year, expanding the number of countries it operates in to 21.

The move follows the successful opening of its first store in the Middle East in October last year.

Primark opened the Kuwait store in partnership with international franchise retailer Alshaya Group. It will extend the partnership to open the new stores.

Primark said it will open in the UAE with three stores in Dubai in the first half of the year, with the first store opening on 26 March in Dubai Mall.

The clothing retailer added it will open stores in Bahrain and Qatar by the end of 2026.

Primark said it will continue to work with Alshaya Group on plans for further expansion across the region in the coming years.

“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,” said Eoin Tonge, Primark interim chief executive. “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.”

After more than 55 years, Primark now operates more than 475 stores in 18 countries across 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, New York, in Spring this year after recently marking its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.

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