Marka Makes First Move Outside The UAE
Retail operator set to launch three brands at Mall of Qatar in Q3 2016
Dubai, UAE (24 March, 2016) – 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.
-ENDSAbout Marka PJSC
Marka PJSC (DFM: MARKA) is the first public joint stock company focused on the growing retail
sector in the UAE. Incorporated with a capital of AED 500 million and headquartered in Dubai, Marka
is a premier retail operator targeting the mid-to-high-range and luxury segments. Since
incorporation in 2014, Marka has partnered with leading global brands in the retail and hospitality
sectors, pursuing a growth strategy focused on acquisitions, franchise agreements and unique
home-grown retail concepts.
Marka is committed to offering value to its customers through high quality products and services at
optimum cost, simultaneously generating value for its shareholders and giving back to the
communities in which it operates.
For further information about Marka and to learn more about its brands, visit
www.markaholding.com.
For Further Information please contact:
Riham Musleh
Senior Account Manager
Cicero & Bernay Public Relations
Tel: 04 -9284398
Email: [email protected]