Carrefour Exits Bahrain After Boycott Campaign

Carrefour has officially ceased operations in Bahrain as of Sunday, September 14,  the company announced via its latest statement. The French retail giant expressed gratitude to its customers for their “trust and support throughout the decades.” 

This exit is part of a broader pattern in the Gulf region. Earlier this year, Carrefour shut down its operations in Oman and Jordan, citing strategic — and likely political — influences in addition to market challenges. 

Majid Al Futtaim Group, which holds the Carrefour franchise in many Middle East markets, has, over recent months, launched its own retail brand, HyperMax, in places like Oman, replacing Carrefour outlets.

While Carrefour did not explicitly name the boycott as the reason for the Bahrain exit, the move comes amid rising public pressure in the region, especially boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaigns — targeting companies perceived to have ties with Israel. 

Carrefour’s exit in Bahrain will likely have ripple effects on retail employees, landlords, and suppliers tied to its many hypermarkets and supermarkets. Yet the company’s message to customers emphasized appreciation and regret for any inconvenience. 

With this development, Carrefour’s Gulf presence shrinks further, and Majid Al Futtaim’s rebranding to HyperMax in neighbouring markets suggests a strategic pivot meant to align more closely with regional consumer sentiment.