Primark has opened its first store in Bahrain in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group.
The new store, which is located at City Centre Bahrain shopping mall, marks the retailer’s 20th international market entry, as well as its third country in the Middle East following Kuwait in 2025 and UAE earlier this year.
The flagship Primark store spans over 43,000 sq ft of shopping space set over two floors and employs over 320 colleagues.
The launch was attended by the ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to the Kingdom of Bahrain H.E. Micheál Smith and CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management Mr. Khalifa Bin Braik. It was led by CEO of Alshaya Group John Hadden.
Opening day celebrations included entertainment, giveaways and activations “designed to create a memorable shopping journey for customers as they experienced Primark for the first time in the Kingdom”.
The celebrations also marked the traditional acknowledgment in Bahrain of the national day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the same day.
The Bahrain shop opening will be followed in a few weeks’ time by Primark’s first store in Qatar on 29 October in Doha Festival City.
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The fashion brand’s expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to continue into 2027, with the first Primark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) due to open in March 2027.
A new location in Kuwait at Aventura Mall and a second store in Qatar at Villaggio Mall are also set to launch.
Primark CEO Eoin Tonge said: “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.”
Smith added: “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).”
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