Carrefour, a leading supermarket in the Middle East, has withdrawn from four countries in just over 10 months, signaling a major change in the regional grocery sector. The retailer shut down its stores in Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, expressing gratitude to customers but offering minimal explanations for these decisions.
Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE-based conglomerate with exclusive rights to operate Carrefour in the region, has simultaneously been expanding its own grocery brand, HyperMax.
Let’s delve into the closures, the reasons provided, and the implications of HyperMax’s expansion for shoppers and the retail landscape of the region.
Which countries has Carrefour exited?
Jordan: Officially closed on November 4, 2024.
Oman: Operations ceased on January 7, 2025, two months post-Jordan exit.
Bahrain: Operations ended on September 14, 2025.
Kuwait: Two days later, on September 16, 2025, Carrefour confirmed its exit from this Gulf nation.
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What reasons were given for the exits?
Official statements have been sparse. Most announcements, made via social media, expressed appreciation to customers, apologized for any inconvenience, and mentioned the cessation dates. No specific financial or operational reasons were detailed.
Jordan’s announcement on November 4, 2024, stated: “We thank our customers and apologize for any inconvenience this decision may cause.”
Bahrain’s statement noted Carrefour’s gratitude for customer trust and support over the years.
In Kuwait, the notice confirmed operations would cease effective September 16, 2025.
Who operates Carrefour in the Middle East?
Carrefour was introduced to the Middle East in 1995 by Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), a UAE-based conglomerate.
MAF holds exclusive rights to run Carrefour under its own name and “M” logo across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including countries like Bahrain, Egypt, Georgia, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uganda.
As of May 2025, Majid Al Futtaim Retail oversees more than 390 Carrefour stores across 12 markets, serving over 700,000 customers daily.
Has Majid Al Futtaim commented on the closures?
No comment from MAF has been made public. Khaleej Times has sought their response.
What is HyperMax? Where is it operational?
HyperMax is Majid Al Futtaim’s proprietary grocery brand, launched to broaden its retail portfolio.
After Carrefour’s exit from Bahrain, MAF announced six HyperMax stores across the country.
MAF previously disclosed that HyperMax operates 44 stores in Jordan and Oman, totaling 60 outlets across three markets.
HyperMax focuses on collaborations with local farmers, producers, suppliers, and SMEs, such as its partnership with over 250 local partners in Bahrain.
Will HyperMax replace all Carrefour locations in the region?
The brand quickly started operations in markets where Carrefour exited, yet no formal announcement confirms HyperMax will replace all Carrefour stores in the region.
In a statement to Khaleej Times, MAF indicated no immediate plans to expand HyperMax beyond Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
