Bury-based JD Sports is celebrating opening its first store in the Middle East as part of plans to expand in the region.

The sports and fashion retailer opened a store in Bahrain’s Marassi Galleria Mall on May 7.

The major retailer has also set its sights on opening sites in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt.

The new store is located in one of Bahrain’s most standout retail spaces, with the Marassi Galleria Mall, situated on the beachfront.

The 5,422 sq/ft store will provide customers in the Middle East with access to the latest launches from the biggest and best known global brands.

To commemorate the opening of the brand's first-ever Middle East store, JD held a ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by exciting activities over the long weekend.

Exclusive for the opening, consumers were entertained by DJs in-store playing tunes all weekend long, alongside some special appearances from key influencers and consumers in the region.

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Gifts with purchase and footwear customisation were also available for shoppers.

JD international franchise director Chris Rowan said: “We are very excited to see our first store in the region come to life and look forward to welcoming our new customers.

“This is a further milestone in our international expansion strategy, and we are delighted to be working with GMG, one of the Middle East’s most respected companies, as we continue to bring JD’s distinctive offering to more customers globally.”

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GMG president for sports, Carl Masterman, added: "We at GMG are thrilled to celebrate the historic occasion of welcoming JD in the region.

“We have collectively witnessed the buzz and demand that JD, The King of Trainers has generated, inspiring the emerging generation of globally minded consumers through the universal culture of sport, music and fashion.

“The brand's arrival promises an exhilarating journey ahead; one where quality, innovation and passion for an exemplary shopping experience converge to redefine the athleisure and sports fashion space.”