After Bahrain, Carrefour Exits Kuwait

Carrefour, long a household name across the Gulf, has abruptly exited Kuwait, closing all its stores as part of a broader pullback from GCC markets. This move follows very recent departures from Bahrain, Oman and Jordan. 

Owned in the region by Dubai‐based Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), Carrefour has been in the Gulf since 1995 and has operated hundreds of outlets across twelve countries. But the sudden closures in Kuwait arrive in tandem with the rising presence of HyperMax, a newer grocery brand being introduced by MAF, which appears to be intended as Carrefour’s replacement. 

In Bahrain, Carrefour closed on September 14, and HyperMax outlets opened the very next day. The new brand has already established six hypermarkets there, launched an e-commerce platform, and employs over 1,600 people. It has also forged partnerships with around 250 local farmers, producers, and SMEs—moves that align with Bahrain’s Vision 2030 strategy. 

Earlier in 2025, similar transitions took place in Oman in January and Jordan in November, where HyperMax quickly replaced Carrefour stores following their exits. Gulf News

The shift raises questions about MAF’s long-term retail strategy: whether this is a bid to gain greater control over branding and operations by phasing out the global Carrefour franchise model in favor of a proprietary chain. 

For consumers, the exits mark the end of an era. Carrefour has been associated with affordable groceries, wide household goods selection, and brand recognition. HyperMax, though promising, will need to earn consumer loyalty and prove itself as a credible alternative. 

As of this change, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Jordan are now “Carrefour-free” zones. Shoppers in these countries wake up to a dramatically altered retail environment, one shaped by MAF’s push to establish its new identity and phase out an established international brand.