Majid Al Futtaim, one of the Middle East’s most iconic retail and lifestyle conglomerates, is set to revolutionize the regional luxury retail landscape with the launch of 30 new stores across the Middle East in 2025. This strategic move underscores the group’s commitment to upscale retail and reaffirms its status as a key player in the GCC’s evolving luxury market. With a stellar 2024 performance backing this aggressive expansion, Majid Al Futtaim is now poised to cater to an increasingly discerning clientele across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
Majid Al Futtaim : A Record Year Fuels Ambitious Growth
The momentum behind this expansion is rooted in Majid Al Futtaim’s stellar 2024 financial year. The company’s Lifestyle business unit recorded a 26% year-on-year increase, propelled by a massive 31% rise in digital sales. This growth has not only reaffirmed the strength of its luxury portfolio but also highlighted the region’s booming appetite for high-end fashion, lifestyle, and home decor brands.
The group’s luxury-focused strategy—anchored in market intelligence, digital integration, and immersive retail experiences—has enabled it to navigate global economic uncertainties while setting new standards in regional retail. With confidence soaring, the group is now channeling its energy and resources into delivering curated, exclusive experiences across some of the Middle East’s most premium shopping destinations.
Introducing Global Luxury Icons to the Region
As part of this expansion, Majid Al Futtaim will be introducing renowned Italian brands to the GCC, including Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau—names synonymous with refinement, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
Eleventy, known for its understated luxury and Italian sophistication, will anchor much of the group’s fashion-centric growth. Five standalone Eleventy stores are expected to open in prominent locations: Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia, Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al Arab, The Grove, and the world-famous Dubai Mall. These openings mark a calculated expansion into affluent neighborhoods and commercial zones frequented by high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and luxury seekers.
Corneliani, another pillar of Italian sartorial excellence, will complement Eleventy’s offering, targeting the region’s thriving segment of fashion-forward, affluent men seeking premium bespoke tailoring and contemporary silhouettes.
Elevating the Luxury Home Market
Majid Al Futtaim is not limiting its expansion to fashion alone. The brand is also tapping into the booming luxury home segment, which has gained remarkable traction in the Middle East thanks to a surging real estate market and the influx of global elite homeowners.
Leading the charge in this segment is the introduction of Poltrona Frau—an iconic name in luxury furniture design and Italian artisan tradition. The first Poltrona Frau store outside the UAE is set to open at Riyadh’s upscale Centria Mall, cementing Saudi Arabia’s importance in the company’s long-term vision. This move aligns with the group’s broader strategy of diversifying its portfolio while strengthening its hold in adjacent lifestyle verticals like interiors and décor.
The Middle East’s appetite for designer furniture and home styling has grown exponentially, fueled by urban development, designer residences, and a regional push toward interior opulence. Majid Al Futtaim’s foresight in capturing this trend demonstrates its nuanced understanding of regional consumer behavior and its agility in catering to changing tastes.
Integrating Digital Excellence with Physical Expansion
Majid Al Futtaim’s digital-first philosophy remains central to this expansion strategy. The remarkable 31% growth in digital sales in 2024 was no coincidence—it was the result of targeted investments in e-commerce, mobile platforms, AI-driven personalization, and omnichannel engagement tools. From curated online styling sessions to real-time inventory integration, the group has successfully merged the tactile pleasures of in-store shopping with the convenience of digital retail.
With a customer base increasingly reliant on mobile devices and personalized digital experiences, especially among the region’s younger, tech-savvy demographics, this hybrid model is the future of luxury shopping. Majid Al Futtaim’s continued emphasis on innovation is positioning it as a pioneer in next-generation luxury commerce.
This seamless convergence of online and offline experiences will be a key differentiator as the group rolls out new stores. Digital enhancements such as augmented reality (AR) dressing rooms, app-based VIP services, and AI-assisted personal shopping will be embedded into the new outlets, making them more than just retail spaces—they will be destinations.
Focusing on the UAE and Saudi Arabia: Markets with Momentum
The UAE and Saudi Arabia remain the twin engines of Majid Al Futtaim’s expansion. The UAE’s established luxury retail infrastructure, world-renowned malls, and vibrant tourism industry make it a natural home for upscale brands. With Dubai and Abu Dhabi consistently ranked among the top global cities for luxury shopping, the decision to anchor major Eleventy and Corneliani stores in these cities is both strategic and symbolic.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia presents one of the most exciting frontiers for luxury retail. Driven by Vision 2030 reforms, urban mega-projects like NEOM and The Line, and a booming young population with rising disposable income, the Kingdom is transforming into a premium lifestyle hub. Riyadh’s Centria Mall, where Poltrona Frau will make its debut, already hosts several luxury icons and caters to a clientele with evolving tastes and global aspirations.
By anchoring flagship stores in both nations, Majid Al Futtaim is tapping into established and emerging luxury epicenters, amplifying its regional influence and broadening its consumer base.
Sustainability and Responsible Luxury
In a global environment where environmental consciousness and ethical sourcing are increasingly non-negotiable, Majid Al Futtaim is also bringing sustainability to the forefront of its luxury expansion. The group has publicly committed to sustainable retail practices, with store designs embracing eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient lighting, and minimalistic, sustainable packaging.
Its new luxury stores are expected to reflect these values while upholding the aesthetic grandeur expected from top-tier fashion and design houses. By harmonizing ethics with elegance, the brand is setting a new precedent for responsible luxury in the Middle East.
Strengthening Brand Loyalty and Customer Relationships
Brand loyalty is another cornerstone of Majid Al Futtaim’s retail strategy. Through its loyalty programs, digital apps, and VIP services, the company has created a seamless loop of engagement, incentivizing repeat purchases and enhancing the lifetime value of its customers.
The expansion will see greater integration of these customer engagement strategies within the luxury segment. Members of the company’s loyalty programs can expect exclusive previews, private trunk shows, bespoke tailoring sessions, and early access to limited-edition collections, making each touchpoint a personalized, high-value experience.
A New Era for Middle East Luxury Retail
Majid Al Futtaim’s 2025 expansion plan marks a watershed moment in the evolution of luxury retail in the Middle East. More than just adding new stores, it is about redefining the luxury experience—from architecture and customer service to brand curation and technological innovation.
The decision to invest in 30 new stores across the region is not just bold—it’s visionary. It reflects a deep understanding of regional macroeconomic trends, consumer psychology, and global luxury dynamics. It is also a testament to the company’s enduring values: innovation, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to shaping the future of retail in the Middle East.
As the group embarks on this next chapter, one thing is clear—Majid Al Futtaim is not just participating in the region’s luxury boom; it is leading it.
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