Marka Makes First Move outside the UAE

Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA), the first public joint stock retail operator in the UAE, announced today its expansion beyond the UAE in a move that will see the company launch Morelli’s Gelato ice cream, fashion brands City Chic and Weill, and jewelry house dinh van at Mall of Qatar during the third quarter of 2016.

Khaled Almheiri Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Marka, said, “Qatar has always been a part of our strategic expansion plans beyond the UAE - in particular because of the dynamic retail environment in the country, and the excellent location and tenant composition of the Mall of Qatar. Our expansion into Qatar is a significant milestone for Marka, not only because it marks our first international expansion, but also because it demonstrates the progress we are making on our business strategy and the commitments we have to our shareholders.”

Nick Peel, CEO of Marka, said, “Our expansion into Qatar is Marka’s first reach beyond the UAE, and after only 12 months of full operations, we are proud to be delivering our strategy for expansion and growth. This remarkable opportunity in Qatar has cemented our reputation as an international retail operator within the GCC. Our first brands for Qatar are a perfect fit for the market, and we are closely reviewing additional opportunities to expand these brands across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.” 

Today’s announcement follows the company’s recent announcement of partnership with leading Japanese beauty brand, Shiseido, to launch of the region’s first Shiseido Beauty Boutique in Dubai’s City Walk Phase II – which will open in Q2 of 2016.

With fabulously fresh Italian gelato of the highest quality, Morelli’s Gelato offers freshly sculpted dairy and culinary creations that are hand-crafted to a 100-year-old family recipe. Their flavours and extravagant presentations will be tickling customers’ taste buds as one of the first of Marka’s F&B brands to be opened at the Mall of Qatar.

In addition, fashion retailer City Chic is ready to bring its celebration of curves in all sizes to fashionistas in Qatar. Having a well-established fan base of over 100 stores worldwide, its expansion throughout the UAE saw new outlets opening in Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai and Sharjah before dazzling discerning shoppers in Qatar with its elegant and stylish brand of womenswear in plus shapes and sizes.

For fans of the elegant French look and style, Weill, the oldest French Fashion House in the world, will also be opening its doors at the Mall of Qatar. The brand, which aims to reinvent the codes of Parisian elegance, is notorious for its unrivalled ready-to-wear collection and stunning seasonal pieces for every occasion. 

In addition, contemporary French jewelry house dinh van will add the perfect complement to any outfit with its bespoke range of luxury, hand-crafted masterpieces. After the successful launch of its boutique in Dubai in the first quarter of 2016, dinh van is poised to be the perfect fit for Qatar’s jewelry connoisseurs. 

Marka now boasts over 40 outlets with over 1,200 employees throughout the UAE. With a steady expansion plans to unveil many more coveted brands in the GCC, the retail operator is well ahead of the curve in establishing its presence as an industry leader throughout the region.