Under a franchise agreement with Al Tayer Group, Gap and Banana Republic will launch in Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. A total of 10 Banana Republic and 25 Gap stores are planned. The first Gap outlets will open by the end of this year, and the first Banana Republic stores will open early next year.
The move follows the announcement in January that both brands will open stores in Malaysia and Singapore under similar franchise agreements.
Gap plans to continue its international expansion and is aiming to have Banana Republic shops in nine countries and Gap in 12 countries by 2010. The fascias operate in three and five countries respectively at the moment.
Al Tayer Group has headquarters in Dubai and United Arab Emirates and represents fashion brands such as Gucci, Asprey, YSL and Dolce & Gabbana. The group also operates the recently opened£16 million Harvey Nichols department store in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates.
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