Lulu Retail Group, based in the United Arab Emirates, is set to expand its operations into the suburban areas of major Emirati cities. The company plans to establish 15 new retail locations in Dubai and the northern Emirates.

This expansion aligns with a demographic trend where residents are increasingly moving away from crowded urban centers, as highlighted by Khaleej Times. The new ventures are expected to create a significant number of employment opportunities within the UAE’s retail industry, potentially numbering in the thousands.

According to Retail Insight Network, Yusuffali MA, founder of Lulu Group, stated that the population’s shift from urban areas to outskirts is prompting the company to explore new locations. He noted that the type of store—whether a hypermarket or an express store—will depend on the population density in those areas. Meanwhile, Saifee Rupawala, CEO of Lulu Retail, emphasized that the demographic growth in the UAE presents substantial opportunities for the group’s expansion.

Currently, 30 projects are under consideration within the UAE and are awaiting final decisions. Rupawala mentioned that the company is focusing on tier 1 and 2 cities, and the size of the new Lulu outlets will depend on the specific demographic and density of the population. He also revealed plans to open 100 stores in Saudi Arabia by 2028, as the company aims to increase its presence in the country where it currently operates in only 16 cities.