Middle East news and archive

How the West Asia crisis is putting a tax on every garment moving east to west

The garment industry, a sector famously built on the “just-in-time” philosophy and razor-thin margins, is currently navigating one of its most complex periods of structural volatility. The West Asia crisis has evolved quickly from a regional concern into a systemic chokehold on global textile flows. The escalating conflict in the Middle East is...

Primark to expand into three new markets in the Middle East

Budget retailer Primark has announced plans to expand into three additional markets in the Middle East, with five stores set to open this year alone, in partnership with retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. Expanding in the United Arab Emirates, Primark is set to open three stores in Dubai during the first half of 2026, with the first store...

Pacsun reveals location of first store outside US, preps domestic retail expansion

Pacsun has confirmed the opening plans of its first store outside of the US. The American youth retailer is due to open its inaugural international store in spring 2026 at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. The news comes on the back of the company securing a regional partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, with which it is planning to open up to 20...

Fashion

Fédération Libanaise de la Mode joins forces with ABC Lebanon

The Fédération Libanaise de la Mode (FLM), Lebanon's official fashion organisation, has announced a long-term strategic partnership with retail group ABC Lebanon to “elevate” the country's fashion industry. In a statement, FLM said the move would enable the organisation to accelerate Lebanon’s fashion industry by championing Lebanese designers...

PacSun plots Middle East retail expansion

PacSun is preparing to launch into the Middle East. The Californian lifestyle brand has reportedly struck up a partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, a shopping mall developer, to open stores across the region. According to WWD, Majid Al Futtaim will open 20 PacSun stores in key markets over the next five years, including flagship locations in Dubai...

Primark opens first store in Middle East via franchise partner

Budget retailer Primark has opened its first store in the Middle East as it plots a wider expansion across the region. The new location has been launched via a franchise partnership with Alshaya Group, making it Primark’s first franchise store. Based at Grand Plaza, The Avenues, Kuwait, the retail space, serving as a flagship site, spans 60,000...

Fashion |Exclusive

Exclusive: Paraiso Miami Swim Week to hold first Dubai event in 2026

Paraiso, an organiser behind the annual Miami Swim Week, is preparing to venture into a new region. The platform has announced the debut of an United Arab Emirates (UAE) edition of its event dubbed Paraiso Dubai, set to take place October 2026. In a bid to build a “commercial bridge” between Miami and Dubai, Paraiso is looking to leverage...

Dr. Martens expands into the UAE and Latin America

British footwear brand Dr. Martens is expanding its global presence with a new distribution partnership with Beside Group, marking its entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) market for the first time. Additionally, the brand has secured a deal to further its expansion into Latin America through a partnership with Crosby. In a statement, Dr....

Canada Goose is expanding in the Middle East market

Premium Canadian outdoor and footwear brand Canada Goose has signed a multi-year partnership with Beside Group, a leading retail and distribution company in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, to expand into the Middle East market. Carrie Baker, president of brand and commercial at Canada Goose, said in a statement: “This partnership is a...

Fanatics enters Middle East, opens office in Qatar

US digital sports platform Fanatics has entered the Middle East, opening a new office in Doha, Qatar, which will serve as a “hub for operations” in the region. The move comes on the back of the company signing a partnership with the State of Qatar in February, which included the country’s sponsorship of Fanatics Fest. It builds on Fanatics’...