The expansion announcements are coming thick and fast from Primark at the moment. After unveiling growth plans for Italy earlier this week it has now confirmed plans to debut in the Middle East.

It will do so in partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group.

Following the announcement of the strategic partnership in September 2024, Primark and Alshaya have confirmed plans to open the first of its new stores before the end of this year in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The rollout will begin with Kuwait at The Avenues in October and will continue with Dubai in early 2026 with it debuting in the Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif.

Four openings in a relatively short period is a fairly ambitious aim given the large size of the retailer’s stores. But the four locations shouldn’t be the end of the story. Primark and Alshaya will also “continue to work together to consider future stores in other markets across the region,” we’re told.

Interim CEO of the Anglo-Irish business, Eoin Tonge, said: “We know there is already a strong cohort of shoppers ready and waiting for us and we believe the wider region holds a lot of potential for Primark and our value proposition.”

The 56-year-old retailer currently operates over 460 stores across 17 markets, all selling its affordable fashion, beauty and homewares.

And as mentioned, this week it also announced another €40 million (£34 million) investment in Italy with five new stores coming in Rome, Biella, Perugia and Naples (one each in three cities and two in Naples).

The company first invested in the country nine years ago and as recently as 2023 unveiled a €50 million programme that saw it adding more stores. The newly-announced five-store plan will take it to 26 locations across the country in total.