Primark has entered its 20th international market with the opening of a two-floor store at City Centre Bahrain, continuing its Middle East expansion in partnership with Alshaya Group.
Primark has opened its first store in Bahrain at City Centre Bahrain, marking the fashion retailer’s fifth location in the Middle East and its entry into a 20th international market.
Opened in partnership with Alshaya Group, the store provides more than 43,000 sq ft of shopping space across two floors and employs more than 320 colleagues. Bahrain becomes Primark’s third country in the Middle East, following its entry into Kuwait in 2025 and the UAE earlier in 2026.
Thousands of customers attended the opening at City Centre Bahrain, which was also attended by H.E. Micheál Smith, Ambassador-designate of Ireland to the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management. The event was led by John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group.
Opening-day activity included entertainment, giveaways and customer activations. The programme also acknowledged the national day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“I’m delighted to attend the opening of the first Primark store in Bahrain, as one of my first engagements in the region. I’ve no doubt that this iconic Irish brand will continue to excite customers and I’d like to congratulate Alshaya Group on their partnership with Primark. Go n-éirí leat agus gach rath ort (an Irish phrase meaning – good luck and every success to you).”
H.E. Micheál Smith Ambassador-designate of Ireland to the Kingdom of Bahrain
Middle East Expansion
The Bahrain opening continues Primark’s international expansion through its partnership with Alshaya Group.
“It’s fantastic to see Primark open its doors in Bahrain and reach the milestone of our 20th international market. We’re excited to build on the momentum we have seen in our stores in Kuwait and the UAE, as we bring Primark to more customers across the region. Our partnership with Alshaya Group is going from strength to strength and we look forward to seeing Bahraini customers experience Primark for themselves.”
“As we approach a year since we opened our first Primark store in Kuwait, we are thrilled to open our fifth store here in Bahrain as we continue our partnership with Primark to bring the much-loved brand to the region. The response to the store has been amazing – thank you to our customers in Bahrain and from Saudi Arabia for joining us at the fantastic opening, and H.E Ambassador Smith for his support, and to our partners at Majid Al Futtaim.”
John Hadden CEO, Alshaya Group
The Bahrain opening is the third Primark store to launch at a Majid Al Futtaim destination through the retailer’s partnership with Alshaya Group, following locations at City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates.
“We are delighted to welcome Primark to Bahrain for the very first time at City Centre Bahrain, bringing one of the world’s most recognised fashion brands to our customers in the Kingdom. This opening also marks the third Primark store to launch across Majid Al Futtaim destinations in partnership with Alshaya Group, following City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates. It reflects our continued focus on bringing sought-after international brands and new experiences to our markets and is another important milestone in a growing partnership that will see Primark expand further across our portfolio in the region.”
Khalifa Bin Braik CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management
Qatar and Saudi Arabia Openings Ahead
Primark’s regional expansion is set to continue with its first store in Qatar, scheduled to open at Doha Festival City on 29 October 2026.
Further openings are planned during 2027. Primark is due to enter Saudi Arabia in March, while an additional Kuwait store is planned at Aventura Mall and a second Qatar location is set to open at Villaggio Mall.
The planned openings will extend Primark and Alshaya Group’s partnership across further GCC markets following the retailer’s expansion into Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain.
Terry Clark is the Publisher and Content Director of 365 Retail, with more than a decade of experience covering retail design, technology innovations, store openings and the wider retail industry. He also works closely with leading retailers, suppliers, agencies, events and industry awards across the UK.
