Primark Enters Qatar Market in Partnership with Al-Shaya
Primark enters the Qatari market as its 21st global market, with plans to expand into Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
Primark has opened its first store in Qatar at Doha Festival City, in partnership with Alshaya Group, the global leader in the management and operation of international brands. This opening marks Primark’s entry into its 21st global market and its fourth in the Middle East, following Kuwait in 2025, and the UAE and Bahrain earlier this year.
The new flagship store spans over 52,000 square feet across three floors and offers the brand’s signature range, combining elegance, distinctive prices, and everyday essentials. It also creates employment opportunities for more than 400 staff members.
The opening day featured a variety of entertainment activities, gifts, and interactive experiences designed to provide customers with a distinctive shopping experience as they discovered Primark for the first time in Qatar. Following the Doha Festival City launch, Primark’s second store in Qatar will open at Villaggio Mall at the beginning of next year.
Commenting on the occasion, Iain Tong, CEO of Primark, said: “Our first year in the region has been a significant milestone for Primark, and we are delighted by the strong customer response we have seen as we expand our presence here. Today’s opening in Qatar builds on this momentum and represents a new achievement as we enter our 21st global market. In collaboration with Alshaya Group, we continue to bring Primark to new destinations and customers, with our second Qatari store scheduled to open at the start of next year.”
For his part, John Haden, CEO of Alshaya Group, said: “As we continue our partnership with Primark to bring this beloved brand to customers in the region, we are proud today to open our sixth Primark store in our fourth regional market, all within just one year. The response to the store has been exceptional. I extend my sincere thanks to our partners at Fattal Group as we continue our ambitious expansion journey with Primark.”
Commenting on the opening, Mohammed Al Sharqawi, Assistant Director of Leasing at Doha Festival City, said: “Alshaya Group, as a key partner of Fattal in the retail sector, plays a vital role in enhancing the shopping options we offer. In this context, we are pleased to welcome Primark to Doha Festival City. The brand’s presence reflects our status as a leading destination for shopping, lifestyle, and entertainment in Qatar, bringing together global brands, exceptional experiences, and vibrant community atmospheres. We continue to shape the country’s retail sector by setting high standards for visitor experience, offering a diverse and distinctive mix of brands, and developing a destination where shopping, entertainment, and community engagement seamlessly integrate. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable value to our visitors and partners, and supporting the ongoing development of Qatar’s retail sector.”
Looking ahead, Primark continues its expansion across the Gulf region, with its second store in Kuwait set to open at Aventura Mall later this year, alongside the launch of its first store in Saudi Arabia in March 2027. These developments will strengthen Primark’s presence in the region and enable more customers to enjoy the brand’s experience.
