Primark is Officially Coming to Dubai 2026: Opening Dates, Locations And Everything We Know

After years of rumours, postponed timelines, and TikTok speculation from hopeful shoppers, it is now officially confirmed: Primark is coming to Dubai. The Irish retail giant, famous for its affordable basics, viral beauty dupes, and licensed pyjamas, will make its UAE debut in early 2026. The announcement comes through the Alshaya Group and marks one of the brand’s most ambitious Middle Eastern expansions to date, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global shopping capital.

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Where and when the stores will open

Image credit: AD Middle East | Official Website

Primark is not testing the waters with a single location in Dubai. Instead, it is launching three flagship stores simultaneously in the first quarter of 2026. The confirmed stores will open inside Dubai Mall, specifically on the Lower Ground floor near Morelli’s Gelato, as well as inside Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif. In a city where malls are central to social life, lifestyle culture, and weekend plans, this triple rollout feels both strategic and perfectly tailored for Dubai shoppers.

Will Primark still be affordable in Dubai?

Image credit: Primark | Official Website

One of the biggest questions surrounding Primark’s arrival is whether its famously low price points will survive the Gulf market. Historically, international fast-fashion brands tend to become more expensive once they enter the region. However, Alshaya Group CEO John Hadden has directly addressed these concerns, noting that Primark’s pricing philosophy will remain intact. He even expressed his own excitement, saying that prices will stay the same. Early expected pricing suggests that basic T-shirts will start at around Dhs15 (SGD 6) and denim at roughly Dhs50 (SGD 20), making Dubai a potential new destination for affordable fashion hauls without the usual flights from London or Birmingham.

What to expect inside the stores

Image credit: Primark | Official Instagram

For those unfamiliar with Primark’s cult shopping experience, the brand is best described as a fast-moving treasure hunt. Inside, shoppers can expect a wide mix of fashion for men, women, and children, alongside home décor, scented candles, novelty mugs, bedding sets, footwear, accessories, and seasonal collections.

Image credit: Primark | Official Instagram

Primark’s beauty line, PS…, is frequently spotlighted on TikTok for being a haven of accessible dupes, while the brand’s licensed merchandise, especially Disney, Marvel, Harry Potter, and major sports teams, tends to attract serious fandom energy. If the Kuwait launch was any indication, the demand for Disney-themed pyjamas might require extra shelves in Dubai.

Primark’s Middle East context

Image credit: Primark | Official Website

Although Dubai is receiving three stores at once, it is not the first market in the region to welcome Primark. The brand made its Middle Eastern debut at The Avenues Mall in Kuwait in October 2025, and the response there was extremely positive. The Kuwait store effectively operated as a regional test case, helping the brand gauge customer behaviour, logistical needs, cultural preferences, and pricing sensitivities. Its strong performance accelerated the path toward Primark’s UAE entry. Interestingly, this arrival also aligns with a broader wave of international retail interest in the Gulf, with Ulta Beauty expected to launch soon and introduce more than 80 beauty brands to the region.

Modest and Muslim-friendly appeal

Image credit: Zaara Mahmood | Official Facebook

Beyond fashion trends and price points, Primark’s arrival is also noteworthy for modest dressers and Muslim-friendly shoppers. While the brand does not market itself as a modest fashion label, Primark is already known in Europe for offering long-sleeve basics, maxi skirts, non-sheer layering tops, wide-leg trousers, and comfortable sleepwear, items that are especially popular among modest consumers. In select markets, the brand has even introduced sports hijabs. The Kuwait assortment reportedly offered a strong selection of modest options, so many expect similar availability in the UAE.

Why this matters for Dubai’s shopping culture

Image credit: Dubai Aquarium | Official Website

Dubai’s mall culture is deeply embedded in everyday life, serving as a blend of entertainment, dining, tourism, and retail under one roof. The arrival of Primark enhances this ecosystem by offering a new category of affordable, casual shopping that appeals to families, teens, tourists, and long-term residents.

Image credit: Snow Resort | Official Website

For travellers, it may even become a new retail attraction; many already include Primark runs in their European itineraries, and soon they will be able to do the same after a trip to the Dubai Aquarium or the Ski Dubai slopes.

Also read: 16 Mega UAE Projects Every Muslim Traveller Should Know About (2025 & Beyond)

Final thoughts

With three stores opening at once, Primark’s Dubai launch is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated retail moments of 2026. Whether shoppers are after the affordable denim, the Harry Potter bedding, or the viral beauty dupes, Dubai is about to gain a whole new kind of shopping experience, one that feels casual, lively, affordable, and slightly chaotic in the best way possible.