Mabanee partners with Alshaya Group to bring global brands to Aventura Mall
This positions Alshaya as a critical gateway for international FMCG and beauty brands seeking to enter the Middle East market through its franchise model.
KUWAIT – Alshaya Group, a multinational retail franchise operator, has signed a major partnership with Mabanee Company, a leading real estate developer and partner, to bring more than 20 stores to Aventura Mall, a new retail development in Kuwait’s Jaber Al-Ahmad City.
The agreement will introduce a broad line-up of international brands across fashion, beauty and food and beverage, with H&M, Primark and Ulta Beauty among the confirmed names.
The deal covers more than 10,000 square metres of leasable space, underscoring the scale of Alshaya’s planned rollout at the mall.
Mr. John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer of Alshaya Group, said, “We are proud to be part of Aventura Mall, which reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing the world’s leading brands and premium retail and dining experiences closer to our customers.¨
¨With over 20 stores featuring our flagship brands, this investment reinforces our continued support for Kuwait’s growth journey.”
He added, “We view Aventura Mall as a strategic new destination that reflects the evolution of Kuwait’s retail landscape and aligns with our ambition to deliver innovative and diverse experiences that meet our customers’ expectations .”
Aventura Mall is expected to open in the third quarter of 2026, while some of the brand launches will continue into late 2026 and early 2027.
Ulta Beauty is slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by Primark in the first quarter of 2027.
The agreement strengthens Aventura Mall’s tenant mix. It supports Mabanee’s wider Aventura smart urban development in Jaber Al-Ahmad City, which is designed as a mixed-use project combining residential, commercial and retail components.
Previously, Alshaya Group facilitated Primark’s historic Middle East entry with the launch of its first store at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait in October 2025, marking Primark’s 18th international market expansion and its first franchise operation with the Kuwaiti retail operator.
In May 2025, the partnership was initially announced with plans to open two new retail stores in Kuwait and Dubai, signalling Alshaya’s strategic push to introduce fast-fashion giant Primark to MENA consumers.
In addition, in July 2025, American beauty retailer Ulta Beauty expanded its Middle East footprint with a new store in Dubai through a strategic franchise partnership with Alshaya Group, a leading retail operator in the Middle East known for managing numerous international brands.
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