Global companies that made their GCC debut in 2025

From billion-dollar fintechs to fashion retailers, a number of big names launched in the Gulf in 2025.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi were particularly popular for companies keen to build their physical presence in the region.

Some 143 companies joined Dubai International Chamber in the first half of the year, including 31 multinationals. This compares with 13 multinationals in the same period of 2024.

“The UAE has strategically positioned itself over the years to attract proactive businesses,” said Phil Bedford, co-founder of Dubai-based networking and business-growth community Strategic Business Connect. 

“The ‘can do’ rather than ‘can’t do’ attitude sums it up nicely in the minds of business owners for those who love it here.”

Here are some of the global brands that made their GCC debut in 2025.

PayPal

PayPal opened a regional hub in Dubai in April, establishing its first physical presence in the Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai Internet City, the office will support customers across the region.

Primark

Primark opened its first Middle East store in the Avenues Mall in Kuwait, marking the value fashion retailer’s 18th international market and its first franchise operation. It plans to open three stores in Dubai by mid-2026.

Veon

Telecoms company Veon relocated its global headquarters to Dubai after delisting from the Amsterdam stock market in 2024. It has become the largest Nasdaq-listed company to be based in the UAE.

Skims

Skims, the US clothing brand co-owned by Kim Kardashian, opened its first store in the Middle East at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates in December. It had previously been available in the region through Ounass, the luxury e-commerce platform operated by Al Tayer Group.

Fortress Investment Group

US asset manager Fortress Investment Group opened offices in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in May. In April Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala agreed a $1 billion strategic partnership with Fortress, focused on private credit. 

Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty opened its first Middle East store at The Avenues mall in Kuwait, in partnership with Alshaya Group. The cosmetics retailer plans further openings in the UAE at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, as well as in Saudi Arabia at Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall in March 2026.

Partners Group

Swiss-founded private markets company Partners Group announced the opening of its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM as part of an expansion of its Middle East operations.

Bitcoin.com

Cryptocurrency news and education platform Bitcoin.com established its first Mena office at the DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai. It joins more than 650 blockchain and Web3 companies operating in the free zone.

Further reading:

• Why banks are launching venture funds in the Middle East
• Gulf heirs build ‘legacy brands’ in era of transparency
• GCC states make digital progress but oil’s grip is powerful