Majid Al Futtaim Grows Luxury Retail Presence in the Middle East
Strategic partnerships with prestigious Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani & Poltrona Frau mark significant expansion of its luxury retail portfolio.
Majid Al Futtaim, the renowned force behind shopping malls, integrated communities, retail, and leisure in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, is gearing up for a bold expansion in 2025. Building on the momentum of a record-breaking 2024—where its Lifestyle division recorded an impressive 26% growth—the company will introduce a wave of new luxury store openings. Key players in this push include esteemed Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, with new locations planned across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Over 30 New Stores in the Pipeline Across the Region
In alignment with its strategic growth vision, Majid Al Futtaim will roll out more than 30 new retail outlets, spanning both upscale and mainstream fashion categories. Among the most notable additions are five standalone Eleventy stores, Corneliani’s inaugural launch in the region, and Poltrona Frau’s first Saudi store—marking the brand's debut outside the UAE. This expansion reflects the group's focused drive to deepen its luxury retail footprint across major Gulf markets.
Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle, said: “In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive. By introducing brands like Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, we are bringing new dimensions to the luxury market—combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities that resonate with the refined tastes of our customers.”
“At Majid Al Futtaim, our work with luxury brands has been deeply rooted in THAT Concept Store, which has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing brands with the potential to thrive in this market. Eleventy’s journey, from its initial shop-in-shop to standalone stores, is a testament to how we test, scale, and grow global luxury brands. This strategic approach allows us to continuously evolve the luxury retail experience, delivering fresh, distinctive offerings that resonate with our customers.”
Eleventy Expands Footprint with Key Store Openings
Italian brand Eleventy will significantly increase its visibility in the region with five dedicated boutiques set to open in 2025. Locations include Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia, along with Mall of the Emirates and Marsa Al Arab—both of which launched this month. Additional stores in the Dubai Mall and The Grove are scheduled for later this year. Known for its refined, sustainable approach to luxury fashion, Eleventy’s expansion reflects the growing demand for high-end, ethically made apparel with a distinct Italian heritage. The brand already maintains a regional presence through pop-ups and store-in-store concepts, including THAT Concept Store and Marina Mall Abu Dhabi.
Poltrona Frau Enters Saudi Arabia with Premium Furniture Offering
Further enriching its premium home décor segment, Majid Al Futtaim will bring the distinguished Italian furniture label Poltrona Frau to Saudi Arabia for the first time. The new store will open at Centria Mall in Riyadh this May. The brand has already experienced tremendous growth under Majid Al Futtaim’s wing, with a fivefold increase in sales following the launch of a second UAE location at Mall of the Emirates. This milestone underscores the brand’s regional appeal and the Group’s strong positioning in luxury interiors.
Corneliani Launches First Middle East Boutique
Luxury menswear powerhouse Corneliani marked its regional debut with the opening of a standalone store at Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia this April. Established in 1930, the heritage brand is known for its impeccable tailoring and timeless elegance, with a presence in over 70 countries. This latest launch introduces Middle Eastern customers to Corneliani’s signature blend of formal wear and refined casual styles, reinforcing Majid Al Futtaim’s role in curating best-in-class fashion experiences.
Marco Baldassari, Co-Founder and Menswear Creative Director at Eleventy said: “Eleventy's philosophy of understated elegance and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the sophisticated Middle Eastern consumer. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, whose visionary approach to luxury retail is shaping a new vision with a growing focus on customer needs. Together, we aim to redefine luxury retail by offering timeless craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and innovative experiences.”
Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau said: “Since partnering with Majid Al Futtaim more than two years ago, we have focused on strategic growth and elevating the customer experience across the region. The revitalisation of our flagship store in Jumeirah and our successful debut at Mall of the Emirates have been key milestones in our journey. We are now excited to bring this momentum to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our first store in Riyadh, further solidifying our presence in the GCC and expanding our reach in this dynamic market.”
Strong Performance in 2024 Sets the Tone for an Ambitious 2025
The expansion comes on the heels of a landmark year for Majid Al Futtaim’s Lifestyle division. In 2024, the group recorded a 26% boost in overall revenue and a 31% increase in digital sales. The company also launched 17 new outlets during the year, elevating its store count to 87. The roster includes iconic names like lululemon, Psycho Bunny, Shiseido, Crate & Barrel, and CB2, alongside a robust network of 27 online platforms. With 30 new store openings planned for 2025—seven of which are in Saudi Arabia—Majid Al Futtaim is primed for yet another defining year in regional retail.
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