Alshaya Group Expands Its Kuwait Franchise Portfolio with More Than 20 New Stores at Aventura Mall
Alshaya Group strengthens its Kuwait franchise portfolio with more than 20 new stores at Aventura Mall, featuring leading international retail and restaurant brands.
Alshaya Group, one of the Middle East's leading international franchise operators, is expanding its franchise portfolio in Kuwait through a new agreement with Mabanee Company to open more than 20 stores at Aventura Mall. The agreement highlights the group's continued investment in the Kuwaiti retail market and its strategy of developing a diversified portfolio of international brands across the region.
Alshaya Group Strengthens Its Presence in Kuwait
Under the agreement, Alshaya Group will introduce more than 20 stores covering over 10,000 square metres of leasable space at Aventura Mall, located in Jaber Al-Ahmad City, Kuwait. The new retail destination is part of the wider Aventura development, which also includes residential facilities and public services. According to the announcement published on May 14, 2026, the mall was scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026.
The agreement extends the longstanding relationship between Alshaya Group and Mabanee Company, a major developer of retail and mixed-use destinations in Kuwait. For Alshaya, the project represents another opportunity to expand the reach of its international brand portfolio while strengthening its position in one of the region's established retail markets.
A Diversified Portfolio of International Franchise Brands
The planned stores will bring together a broad selection of international retail, fashion, beauty and restaurant brands. The portfolio includes Starbucks, American Eagle, Foot Locker, H&M, Raising Cane's, Shake Shack, Chipotle, Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, alongside Primark and Ulta Beauty.
The agreement also reflects the group's strategy of managing and developing brands across multiple consumer sectors. By combining fashion retailers, beauty specialists, sports brands and international restaurant concepts, Alshaya Group is reinforcing the diversity of its operations and its ability to serve different customer segments through a single franchise portfolio.
Primark and Ulta Beauty are also part of the group's expansion of international concepts in the region. Both brands opened their first regional stores at The Avenues in Kuwait in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to the announcement, Ulta Beauty was scheduled to open at Aventura Mall in the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by Primark in the first quarter of 2027.
Alshaya's Multibrand Strategy Supports Regional Growth
Founded in Kuwait in 1890, Alshaya Group has developed into one of the world's leading international brand franchise operators. Its portfolio includes more than 50 international brands, with operations spanning the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Turkey and Europe.
The company operates more than 3,500 stores, cafés, restaurants and leisure destinations, supported by major logistics and food production operations and more than 125 online and digital businesses. Its activities cover several sectors, including fashion, food and beverage, health and beauty, pharmacy, and hospitality and entertainment. The group employs more than 50,000 people.
The Aventura Mall agreement illustrates how established franchise operators can use multibrand development strategies to expand their market presence, diversify their activities and strengthen partnerships with major property developers. For Alshaya Group, the addition of more than 20 stores represents a further step in the development of its international brand portfolio in Kuwait.
Middle East Franchise Editorial Team