Multi-channel gift and home specialist The White Company is pushing into the Middle East with the help of Bahrain-based Jawad Business Group.

White Company managing director Oliver Spark said the first franchise store is scheduled to open in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates in March. Six are planned in the first two years.

The 3,000 sq ft (280 sq m) Dubai store will sell product from both the eponymous chain and fledgling kids’ fascia The Little White Company.

The retailer has set a turnover target of £40 million in the year to March next year. It opened a 2,900 sq ft (270 sq m) store at Bluewater last Friday, and will enter Birmingham Selfridges on October 8.