Primark expands to Middle East with store in Kuwait

The fashion giant continues its global expansion

The new Primark store in Kuwait marks the company's expansion into the Middle East 

The Middle East has seen its first Penneys open in Kuwait under the Primark brand as the the fashion giant expands to a new market.

Primark this week opened an outlet at Grand Plaza, The Avenues, Kuwait, in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. It marks Primark’s first franchise store and 18th international market entry.

The store will operate over over 60,000 sq ft on two floors and will employ 350 workers. Primark and Alshaya have confirmed that three stores will open in Dubai in the first half of 2026 — starting with Dubai Mall in March, followed by City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of the Emirates. Primark and Alshaya will also continue to work together to consider future stores across the region.

The brand, which operates as Penneys in Ireland, continues its global expansion and will open its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, in 2026 after recently marking its 10-year anniversary in the US earlier this year. Primark currently has 475 stores across 18 countries in Europe, the US — and now for the first time in the Middle East.

Primark Interim CEO Eoin Tonge said: "Kuwait marks our first franchise market and our 18th international market globally, which we are delighted to open in partnership with the Alshaya Group. With the strength of our brand and distinctive value proposition, combined with Alshaya’s deep market expertise and close partnership, we believe today represents an important and exciting new growth chapter."

Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden said: "Since we announced our partnership with Primark a year ago, we’ve worked flat out to bring our first store to our customers here in our home country of Kuwait. Today marks the beginning of bringing this most anticipated brand to shoppers across the region.”