Opening day at a new mall has its own choreography: a ribbon stretched across the atrium, an oversized pair of scissors, and a crowd of red aprons and brand tees squeezing into the frame. On November 15, that scene played out at Aventura Mall in Jaber Al-Ahmad City, where Alshaya Group opened the doors to 15 stores in one go.

The Lineup

The first wave reads like a greatest hits list from the Kuwait-born franchise operator, which was founded in 1890 and today runs more than 50 international brands. Starbucks takes care of the caffeine, while Shake Shack, Raising Cane’s and Chipotle cover the burger, chicken finger and burrito cravings. H&M and Foot Locker bring the fashion and footwear, and Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Boots handle the beauty and self-care run.

A Step Forward

For Alshaya Group, the new address is about more than store count. “As a vibrant new addition to Kuwait’s retail landscape, Aventura Mall perfectly aligns with our vision to deliver innovative, unforgettable experiences that delight our customers,” said John Hadden, Chief Executive Officer of Alshaya Group. “We are thrilled to celebrate the official opening of Aventura Mall, marking another major step in our commitment to bringing world-class brands and premier dining and shopping experiences directly to our customers. We invite everyone to visit and enjoy the unique experiences we have created here.”

Worth the Wait

If the opening lineup feels generous, the coming weeks and months are even busier. Ulta Beauty is set to open its second Kuwait location at the mall, joined by American Eagle, P.F. Chang’s and Kuwaiti restaurant Amiti Noura. Entertainment gets a shake-up too, with first-in-market concepts Supercube, Zafari and Activerse on the way. And for anyone already counting down: Primark is scheduled to open its doors in January 2027.

A New Heart for Jaber Al-Ahmad City

Aventura Mall is the retail anchor of a much bigger plan. The Aventura project is one of the community-focused developments being delivered under Kuwait’s public-private partnership (PPP) model, led by Mabanee Company as the main investor in partnership with National Industries Company (NIC) and Privatization Holding Company. Alongside the mall, it brings Aventura Residences and a range of public facilities and services, all designed to give the area a contemporary, lively new identity.

Built to international standards, the mall is set to become a modern landmark that draws visitors from across Kuwait. With 15 Alshaya Group stores already open, there is every reason to make the drive now.

For more information, visit the Alshaya Group website alshaya.com and follow @alshayagroup on Instagram.