When will Primark's new branch open in Dubai: What shoppers need to know

Dubai: Dubai’s long-awaited Primark debut in UAE finally happened, and if the opening day crowds were anything to go by, the budget fashion giant has already become one of the most talked-about retail store openings this year.

The first UAE branch of Primark opened at Dubai Mall on March 26, 2026, but it's just the beginning. In just over a week, on April 9th, the budget-friendly second store will be launched at the City Centre Mirdif. The third store opening dates are yet to be revealed.

It's no secret that the first Dubai store opening was an epic one. Gulf News was on the ground covering the launch.

Opening day crowds and long queues

Long queues formed outside the store early in the morning, with lines stretching across sections of the mall as eager shoppers waited to get inside. Many had been waiting years for the brand to arrive in the UAE, after regularly shopping at Primark stores abroad.

Once inside, shoppers were met with the brand’s signature layout, large open floors, neatly organised sections and selections across womenswear, menswear, kids, homeware, accessories and beauty.

Shoppers share their excitement

When Gulf News spoke to shoppers at the opening, many said they were excited to finally have the brand in the UAE instead of shopping abroad. Several shoppers shared that they used to visit Primark while travelling.

“We go to the UK and other countries to usually shop at Primark, but now that it is in Dubai we are loving it. Hopefully this inspires other brands to open in the UAE too” one shopper said.

Another shopper said they waited in line for more than an hour to get inside the store on opening day, "it was so worth it" they said.

The arrival of Primark in the UAE was first publicly confirmed last year by John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, during an interview on The Kris Fade Show.

During the interview, Hadden revealed that the company had expansion plans for Dubai and confirmed that multiple stores would open across the city rather than just one flagship location.

He explained that three stores were planned specifically in The Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdif, and Mall of the Emirates.

What to expect?

Shoppers visiting the upcoming stores can expect the same concept as the Dubai Mall branch, large format stores offering affordable fashion, basics, homeware, accessories and seasonal collections.

Primark is known internationally for offering trend-driven fashion at lower price points compared to other retailers, which is one of the reasons the brand has such a strong following.

Across categories, the pricing remains notably accessible, particularly for everyday essentials. Jeans start from around Dh50, kids’ clothing sets are available for approximately Dh40, and beauty and makeup items can be found from as low as Dh5.

If the Dubai Mall opening is anything to go by, the next two store openings are also expected to attract large crowds and long queues in the first few days.

Article contributed by Saarangi Aji