Watsons to open in UAE next month

A.S. Watson Group is set to expand its presence into the Middle East as it has reached an exclusive franchise agreement with Dubai-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim to launch the flagship health and beauty brand Watsons in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. 

The first Watsons flagship store will officially open in Dubai Mall on 1 October, along with an e-commerce portal Watsons.ae, a mobile app Watsons UAE, as well as a loyalty programme.

The expansion plan of Watsons in the Middle East will see the opening of two outlets in Dubai Festival City Centre and The Mall of the Emirates in Q4 2020. Apart from the United Arab Emirates, the company is also planning to enter Saudi Arabia in 2021.

“We are delighted to bring Watsons to the beauty-savvy customers in the Middle East which is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for beauty products," said Dominic Lai, managing director of A.S. Watson Group.

"Al-Futtaim has impressed us with their proven experience and track record in quality management of retail brands. We are excited to partner with them to bring new offline and online beauty experience as well as numerous trendy brands to customers in the region," he added.

This franchise agreement is the A.S. Watson Group's first in nearly 180 years of history and also marks the company's first foray into the Middle East. The group plans to open 100 stores in the region by the end of 2025. 

"Our partnership with A.S. Watson Group is another milestone in our journey to further enhance both the UAE and the Middle East’s position in the world’s top retail destinations map, and we look forward to making this brand available across further locations in the region," said Omar Al Futtaim, vice chairman of Al-Futtaim Group. 

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