Plans to open six new outlets with an investment of BD62 million were announced as LuLu Group marked its 20th year of operations in Bahrain with a glittering event at Dana Mall in Manama.
LuLu Group chairman and managing director Yusuff Ali MA revealed the proposal, highlighting a focus on the sale of Bahraini products.
Over the last two decades, the retail giant has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with the kingdom, its people and the local business community.
The special event was staged under the theme ‘Celebrating the World in Every Aisle’, reflecting LuLu’s international character and deep local roots in Bahrain.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday evening in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Labour Minister and Legal Affairs Minister Yousif Khalaf, Industry and Commerce Minister Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro and Mr Yusuff Ali.
The Export Bahrain team, LuLu Retail director Juzer Rupawala and other senior LuLu management members also attended.
“Bahrain has been an important part of LuLu’s journey, and we’re proud to have grown alongside the kingdom over the past two decades,” Mr Yusuff Ali said, speaking at the milestone event.
“We’re deeply grateful to His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their visionary leadership, and to the people of Bahrain for their continued trust and support,” he added.
“We have six new stores coming in different parts of Bahrain with an investment of BD62m. Bahrain is expanding now and you will find Bahraini products in all our stores – this is my responsibility to promote local products.
“As we celebrate 20 years, our focus is firmly on the future – investing further, creating more opportunities for Bahraini talent, supporting local businesses and contributing to the kingdom’s continued growth and prosperity.”
On the sidelines of the celebration, 26 Bahraini employees who had completed 20 years of service with the retail brand were recognised. Bahrainisation has remained a key priority, with the group continuing to recruit and develop Bahraini nationals across its operations, with an emphasis on creating long-term career opportunities and developing local talent for leadership roles within the retail sector.
LuLu has also consistently supported Bahrain’s food security and supply-chain resilience, leveraging its global sourcing network to help maintain the availability of essential food products, particularly during periods of international supply disruption.
The customer has always been at the heart of its operations. In 2024, LuLu Group launched its ‘Happiness Rewards’ loyalty programme in Bahrain. Currently, the platform benefits 400,000 customers across the kingdom – a testament to the brand’s focus towards serving the community.
From its early presence in Bahrain, LuLu has grown to 13 stores across the kingdom, becoming a significant part of the country’s retail landscape. Alongside its expansion, the group has focused on creating employment, developing Bahraini talent, supporting food security and strengthening partnerships with local producers and businesses.
Today, LuLu works with more than 150 Bahraini companies and SMEs, providing a strong retail platform for local farmers, producers and entrepreneurs, while increasing the visibility of ‘Made in Bahrain’ products.
Beyond business, LuLu has maintained a strong commitment to the wider community, supporting education, humanitarian initiatives, sport and social development. This includes longstanding support for initiatives such as the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Programme and the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, as well as other sports and community programmes across Bahrain.
As it begins its next chapter, LuLu Group reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment in Bahrain, greater opportunities for local talent, stronger partnerships with Bahraini businesses and SMEs, and support for the kingdom’s long-term economic and social development.