Carrefour has officially exited Bahrain, closing all its stores across the country. The decision follows the retailer’s earlier closures in Oman and Jordan. The company announced the move on Instagram, without providing a reason for the shutdown. Dubai-based Majid Al Futtaim, which operates Carrefour in the region, did not comment on the decision.
Majid Al Futtaim brought Carrefour to the Middle East in 1995 and has expanded the brand across 12 markets. The company operates over 390 stores in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. In 2013, it acquired a 25% minority stake from Carrefour Group for €530 million. At that time, the partnership was extended through 2025. Since then, Majid Al Futtaim has maintained exclusive rights to operate Carrefour stores.
The company also owns HyperMax, a grocery retail brand with 44 locations in Jordan and Oman. HyperMax focuses on modern retail concepts while Supeco, a low-cost hybrid model, operates across 17 sites in Egypt. Majid Al Futtaim continues to diversify its retail portfolio beyond Carrefour to meet changing market demands.
In Bahrain, Majid Al Futtaim launched six HyperMax stores and a new e-commerce platform. HyperMax partners with more than 250 local farmers, producers, and suppliers. The initiative employs over 1,600 staff members, strengthening the grocery supply chain in Bahrain. This strategy allows the company to shift focus from Carrefour to a localized retail approach.
The Middle East retail sector, especially in the Gulf, is expanding rapidly. Forecasts indicate compound annual growth of 4.6% in sales, rising from $309.6 billion to $386.9 billion in the near future. Population growth, higher per capita income, and increased tourism are key drivers. These factors encourage companies like Majid Al Futtaim to adapt their strategies to capture growth opportunities.
Despite Carrefour’s exit, Majid Al Futtaim remains a dominant player in the region. Its diversified brands allow the company to serve a broader customer base while innovating in grocery retail. By leveraging HyperMax and e-commerce, the company continues to strengthen its presence in Bahrain. This transition reflects a broader trend of modernizing retail while maintaining strong local partnerships.
Carrefour’s departure underscores the challenges multinational chains face in the Gulf. Companies must balance brand presence with market adaptation. Meanwhile, Majid Al Futtaim demonstrates agility in shifting focus to growing sectors and locally tailored retail solutions.
