Primark has opened its first Qatar store at Doha Festival City in partnership with Alshaya Group. The new outlet spans more than 52,000 square feet and employs over 400 people. The retailer is also preparing to enter Saudi Arabia in March 2027, while planning additional stores in Qatar and Kuwait. The expansion is relevant to UAE shoppers because Primark has already opened three stores in Dubai in 2026.
- Location: Doha Festival City, Qatar
- Retailer: Primark, in partnership with Alshaya Group
- Status: First Qatar store opened on 21 October 2026
- Employment: More than 400 people at the Doha store
- Store size: Over 52,000 sq ft across three floors
- What’s next: Saudi Arabia launch planned for March 2027, with more stores expected in Qatar and Kuwait
Primark has opened its first Qatar store at Doha Festival City, marking another step in the fashion retailer’s expansion across the Gulf. The opening on 21 October 2026 gives shoppers in Doha access to Primark’s clothing, accessories, homeware and everyday essentials at value-focused prices. The retailer entered Qatar through its partnership with Alshaya Group, which operates the brand across the Middle East.
The launch follows Primark’s entry into the UAE earlier this year, where it opened three Dubai stores. With a Saudi Arabia launch planned for March 2027 and additional outlets expected in Qatar and Kuwait, the brand is continuing to build its presence across the GCC.
Primark Opens Its First Store at Doha Festival City
The new Primark outlet at Doha Festival City covers more than 52,000 square feet across three floors and employs over 400 people, according to the opening report published by Arabian Business.
The store brings Primark’s range of fashion and lifestyle products to Qatar. Its offering includes clothing for women, men and children, along with accessories, beauty products, homeware and daily essentials.
The opening-day celebrations included entertainment, giveaways and customer activities. These events marked the retailer’s first store launch in the country and introduced the brand to local shoppers.
The Doha opening also takes Primark into its 21st international market. Qatar becomes its fourth Middle Eastern market after Kuwait, the UAE and Bahrain.
Eoin Tonge, Primark’s chief executive, said the Qatar launch builds on the company’s first year of regional growth. He also confirmed plans for a second Qatar store early next year.
What Does Primark’s GCC Expansion Look Like?
Primark’s Qatar opening is part of a wider regional rollout with Alshaya Group. The partnership has helped the retailer enter several Gulf markets within a relatively short period.
The brand began its Middle Eastern expansion in Kuwait in 2025. It then entered the UAE and Bahrain in 2026 before opening its first Qatar store in October.
The next phase will focus on adding more locations across the region. A second Qatar store is planned for Villaggio Mall in Doha, while a second Kuwait outlet is expected at Aventura Mall. Both are planned for early 2027, although opening dates may change.
For shoppers, additional branches could provide more options for buying everyday clothing and household products. For the retailer, the expansion creates a broader physical store network across markets with established shopping mall destinations.
Primark Confirms Saudi Arabia Launch for March 2027
Saudi Arabia is the next major market on Primark’s regional expansion plan. The retailer is scheduled to open its first Saudi store in March 2027, extending its Middle Eastern presence to five countries.
The launch is planned for The Avenues Riyadh, a major retail development in the Saudi capital. The opening will give Saudi shoppers access to the brand without travelling to its existing Gulf locations.
The wider development also reflects investment in the country’s retail sector. Alshaya Group has previously announced an agreement connected to The Avenues Riyadh involving more than US$150 million in investment to introduce 100 stores from its brand portfolio and create over 2,500 opportunities for Saudi nationals.
These figures relate to the wider retail development agreement, rather than Primark’s store alone.
The Saudi opening will be an important next step for the retailer as it builds on its existing customer base across Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.
How Does the Qatar Opening Connect to Primark’s UAE Stores?
Primark’s Qatar launch follows its entry into Dubai in 2026. The retailer opened its first UAE store at Dubai Mall on 26 March, followed by City Centre Mirdif on 9 April and Mall of the Emirates on 21 May.
All three openings were carried out in partnership with Alshaya Group. The Dubai locations give UAE residents access to the retailer’s fashion and lifestyle range without needing to visit another GCC country.
The expansion also offers a useful update for shoppers who have been following the brand’s arrival in the UAE. With stores now operating in Dubai and a new location open in Doha, Primark is building a wider regional footprint.
However, the Qatar opening does not change store availability in the UAE. Residents should continue to check individual Dubai branches for their current product ranges, stock and opening hours.
Why It Matters for UAE Residents
Primark’s growth across the GCC is relevant to UAE shoppers because it shows how the retailer is developing its regional store network following its Dubai debut.
Residents can already shop at the three Dubai locations, while the new Qatar store adds another option for shoppers visiting Doha. The planned Saudi Arabia and Kuwait openings will further expand the brand’s regional presence.
The rollout may also create additional retail employment opportunities in the markets where new stores open. The Doha store alone employs more than 400 people, although the retailer has not provided a comparable employment figure for every planned location.
For now, UAE shoppers do not need to wait for another launch to visit Primark. The next major regional milestone is the planned Saudi Arabia opening in March 2027.
FAQs
1. Has Primark opened its first store in Qatar?
Yes. Primark opened its first Qatar store at Doha Festival City on 21 October 2026, in partnership with Alshaya Group.
2. Where is the new Primark store in Qatar?
The store is located at Doha Festival City in Doha. It covers more than 52,000 square feet across three floors.
3. When will Primark open in Saudi Arabia?
Primark plans to open its first Saudi Arabia store in March 2027. The location is planned for The Avenues Riyadh.
4. Will Primark open more stores in Qatar and Kuwait?
Yes. A second Qatar store is planned for Villaggio Mall, while another Kuwait store is planned for Aventura Mall. Both are expected in early 2027.
5. Where can UAE residents shop at Primark?
Primark has three Dubai stores: Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates. The retailer opened these locations in 2026.
Primark’s first Qatar store marks another milestone in its GCC expansion, with further openings planned in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 2027. UAE residents can already shop at its three Dubai branches, while the upcoming launches will extend the brand’s reach across the region.
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