UAE's Spinneys to open 10 stores in Kuwait in major regional push

24/08/2025 04:24 AST

Premium UAE-based fresh food retailer Spinneys announced Friday that it is ready to embark on a significant regional expansion with its strategic entry into the Kuwaiti market.

According to an official statement, the move is being facilitated through a newly established joint venture with Alshaya Group, one of the biggest brand franchise operators across the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye, and Europe.

Under the terms of this new partnership, the DFM-listed grocer will assume a 51 per cent controlling majority stake, granting it operational leadership and management of all stores established under the venture.

The initial rollout plan includes the opening of ten new stores across Kuwait, with the inaugural location anticipated to welcome customers in 2026. This expansion marks Spinneys' successful entry into a fourth market within the GCC.

The DFM-listed grocer said it is committed to long-term growth across the GCC. The company has already successfully expanded its presence with the opening of twelve new stores in the UAE and two in Saudi Arabia between April 2024 and August 2025.

Why Kuwait, and why now?
According to Spinneys, the decision to expand into Kuwait represents a "natural and strategic evolution of the company's growth journey."

As the fourth-largest economy in the GCC, Kuwait offers a compelling retail landscape characterised by some of the region's highest per capita disposable incomes and a discerning consumer base.

Spinneys is strategically positioned to cater to this market with its differentiated, premium fresh food offering.

In a statement, Spinneys' Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Kumar, underscored the move as a "major milestone in our strategy to bring Spinneys' premium fresh food offering to more customers."

He added that the joint venture with Alshaya Group, a "highly experienced regional partner," provides a robust foundation for a successful market entry and long-term expansion.

Kumar added, "While the UAE remains the core of our operations, we are committed to expanding our regional footprint in a way that stays true to our brand values and proposition."

Gulfnews