Lulu Group, the UAE-based retail giant, is planning an extensive expansion into the outskirts of major cities as the population grows beyond downtown areas. This move will create hundreds, if not thousands, of job opportunities in the retail sector across the UAE.
The group is focusing on 15 new projects in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The decision to expand into suburban areas comes as rising rents in city centers have pushed many residents to seek housing in less crowded, more affordable locations on the outskirts. The type of outlets—whether hypermarkets, express stores, or mini-markets—will depend on the population density of these areas, according to Yusuffali MA, founder of Lulu Group.
Lulu's CEO, Saifee Rupawala, emphasized the company's strategy in capitalizing on the growing population in the UAE. The retailer is in discussions for 30 new projects, although some are still in the final stages. This expansion is expected to significantly boost job creation, with each new store generating numerous positions.
According to Lulu's IPO prospectus, a typical hypermarket employs around 290 people, while express stores hire around 55 employees, and mini-markets require three staff members. By June 2024, Lulu had approximately 55,000 full-time employees.
In addition to the UAE, Lulu is expanding in Saudi Arabia, with plans for 37 new stores by 2028 and more in the Kingdom’s tier 1 and 2 cities. The company has identified 31 cities in Saudi Arabia for further expansion as part of the country's Vision 2030 to increase organized retail.
