Around 50 JD Sports stores are to be opened in the Middle East after the retail giant signed its first franchise agreement.
The Greater Manchester-headquartered group has partnered with GMG, a Dubai-headquartered well-being company, which will launch the shops in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt.
Under the terms of the 10-year deal, GMG will open the stores by 2028.
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The deal is part of JD Sports' plans to open between 200 and 300 new stores each year over the next five years.
Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports, said : "We are very pleased to be delivering this historic deal, the first franchise agreement JD has entered, in partnership with GMG.
"Through my own career, I have seen first-hand the massive untapped potential for retailers in the Middle East, and I am certain that GMG - with their expansive retail expertise and a local understanding of the customer - are the best partners for us in the region.
"We also know, from our love index, that no matter the market there is a direct correlation between having a strong physical retail presence, and popularity and love for the brand.
"We are excited by the opportunity to explore franchise partnerships as an avenue for further store growth in underpenetrated markets, leveraging the global growth phenomenon of athleisure while bringing our proven proposition to more customers worldwide."
Mohammad A. Baker, deputy chairman and CEO of GMG, added: "We are starting a new chapter in the sports retail landscape by acquiring the franchise rights for the GCC region and Egypt for JD Sports.
"By leveraging our respective strengths and expertise, we aim to revolutionise the sports retail sector, offering a diverse range of high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and innovative shopping experiences.
"This alliance is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the lives of consumers in the region, as we embark on a journey to provide them with unmatched choices and empower their active lifestyles."
