A major Chinese jewellery retailer is preparing its next international move — and the Middle East is on the list.
In January 2026, Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group opened a flagship store in Bangkok at Siam Paragon, marking a new phase in its overseas push. Reuters reported that the company plans further expansion into the Middle East — specifically Dubai and Doha — within the next two years.
The company also published its own statement around the same timing, describing the Bangkok opening as part of the “next phase” of international expansion and saying it intends to expand into the Middle East market within two years.
The confirmed facts behind the plan
Here’s what is clearly stated in public reporting and official releases:
New store opened: Chow Tai Fook opened a store in Bangkok’s Siam Paragon in January 2026.
Middle East mentioned by name: Reuters reported planned expansion into the Middle East, including Dubai and Doha, within the next two years.
More international stores planned: Reuters reported plans for additional openings in Australia and Canada by mid-2026.
Why the company is looking overseas (as reported): Reuters linked the push to slowing domestic demand, market saturation, and pricing pressures in its core markets, alongside broader trends of Chinese and Hong Kong consumer brands expanding abroad.
Company documentation also flags the Middle East: Chow Tai Fook’s 2025/2026 interim report references plans to expand into new markets, including the Middle East.
Why Dubai and Doha are being watched by the luxury jewellery industry
Two things make this notable from a business standpoint — both are factual:
Dubai and Doha are explicitly named as target cities
Many brands talk about “entering the Middle East” in general terms. In this case, Reuters reported Dubai and Doha specifically.The move comes as the company starts a broader international rollout
The Bangkok opening is positioned as an early step in a wider expansion sequence, with additional openings reported for Australia and Canada and the Middle East planned within a defined time window.
What we don’t know yet (and shouldn’t assume)
Public reporting and releases do not confirm:
Exact store locations or launch dates in Dubai or Doha
The number of stores planned in each city
The investment size, partners, or whether the expansion will be through owned stores, franchises, or joint ventures
So the most accurate way to frame the story today is: intent and direction are confirmed, details are not.
What to watch next (fact-based checkpoints)
If you’re tracking this as GCC luxury business news, the next concrete updates will likely be visible through:
Official company announcements naming specific GCC locations and timelines
Regulatory filings or interim/annual reports that give clearer market-by-market plans
Mall leasing news in Dubai and Doha once exact store sites are confirmed (not yet publicly specified in the sources above)
Chow Tai Fook’s Middle East plans are not a rumour: Reuters reported Dubai and Doha as targets within two years, and the company’s own communications describe the Middle East as part of its next phase of international expansion.
