Carrefour Quits Multiple GCC Nations as HyperMax Takes the Helm
Majid Al Futtaim, the Dubai-based retail group, has started removing the Carrefour brand from several Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The company has already shut Carrefour operations in Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and most recently Kuwait. In place of Carrefour, Majid Al Futtaim is launching its new homegrown grocery chain, HyperMax. This change shows a major shift in how the group wants to run its supermarkets in the region.
What Has Happened
Carrefour officially ended its operations in Bahrain on September 14, 2025. The very next day, HyperMax supermarkets opened their doors to customers.
In Kuwait, Carrefour stores closed on September 16, 2025, and they will soon reopen as HyperMax outlets.
Earlier in January 2025, Carrefour exited Oman. Before that, in November 2024, it stopped operations in Jordan. Both of these countries already have HyperMax supermarkets running now.
Why the Shift
Majid Al Futtaim has been the exclusive operator of Carrefour in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia since 1995. Now the group seems to be turning toward its own brand for several reasons.
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Local Sourcing: HyperMax focuses more on locally produced items. In Bahrain, the new chain is already working with more than 250 farmers, small businesses, and local suppliers.
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National Visions: Countries like Bahrain are pushing long-term plans that focus on sustainability, food security, and support for small businesses. HyperMax fits into these goals by giving local products more space on shelves.
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More Control: By building its own brand, Majid Al Futtaim gains more control over operations, pricing, and customer experience. This gives the company more flexibility than operating under the global Carrefour franchise.
Impact on Consumers and Businesses
For shoppers, the most visible change will be the store name and branding. Customers may also notice more local produce and different pricing strategies. HyperMax is also planning to expand online shopping and delivery services to make the experience more convenient.
For employees and suppliers, the transition means adjustments too. Staff are being moved under the new brand, and local farmers and small businesses are becoming key suppliers.
For Carrefour as a brand, the exits reduce its visibility in the Gulf region. Carrefour will continue in other countries, but in these markets, HyperMax is taking its place. Some observers have linked the move to changing customer expectations and even regional political pressures, but the company highlights strategy and market adaptation as the main reasons.
What Majid Al Futtaim Says
The group says HyperMax is designed to provide fresh and affordable products, with a strong focus on local goods. It has also confirmed that there are no immediate plans to expand HyperMax outside the countries where it has already launched.
What to Watch Next
The key question now is whether HyperMax can win the same trust and loyalty that Carrefour built over decades. Customers will be watching prices closely to see if local sourcing makes groceries cheaper or more expensive. Supply chains will also be tested as the new brand takes shape.
It is also not yet clear if Carrefour will exit more countries in the future or if Majid Al Futtaim will keep running Carrefour in some markets while pushing HyperMax in others.
Conclusion
Carrefour’s exit from Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait signals the beginning of a new retail chapter in the Gulf. HyperMax is not just a rebrand; it is a strategic change focused on local sourcing, stronger supply chains, and more control for the operator. For shoppers, this could bring fresher food and more variety, but it will also test whether a new name can match the familiarity and trust that Carrefour once had.
