In a joint statement, the two companies stated the initiative will introduce the three American brands to GCC customers through a phased approach combining e-commerce and retail stores.
Online launches will begin throughout the region in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with physical stores slated to open across the region next year.
The collaboration aims to deliver what both companies described as an “omnichannel experience”, leveraging Chalhoub Group’s established regional expertise and distribution network.
Chalhoub Group, headquartered in Dubai, manages a portfolio of over 10 owned brands and distributes more than 400 international names in sectors including fashion, beauty, and luxury goods.
Chalhoub Group managed companies president David Vercruysse said: "We are particularly excited about this partnership with Gap Inc., a group that is increasingly consolidating its cultural relevance on a global scale, with a clear and distinctive product and brand identity that speaks powerfully to both loyal customers and new generations.
“For our Group, this collaboration represents an opportunity of great potential and long-term vision: to amplify the cultural presence of the Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta brands across the GCC, leveraging our deep understanding of the consumer and the region's cultural dynamics, together with our digital expertise and omnichannel capabilities.”
This agreement marks Gap's latest international push, following previous efforts to build a global footprint for its brands.
"Gap Inc. was built on the idea of bringing modern American style to people everywhere, and this partnership with Chalhoub Group allows us to do that in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing retail region,” said Gap chief business & strategy officer Eric Chan.
Gap, which also owns Old Navy brand, revised its sales guidance for the full fiscal year 2026 (FY26), lowering its forecast after mixed financial results in the first quarter (Q1).
The retail group reported net sales of $3.5bn in Q1, marking a 1% rise from the same period a year ago.
