Inditex Enters Iraq with Major Retail Launch Amid Regional Tensions
Spanish fashion giant Inditex has officially entered Iraq, marking its 98th physical and 215th online market, even as the Middle East faces heightened instability following military conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The expansion fulfills a strategic objective outlined by CEO Óscar García Maceiras during the company’s 2024 annual results presentation, which designated the 2025 financial year for the Iraqi debut. Originally planned for October 2024, the launch was delayed until the opening of the Iraq Mall in Baghdad, which finally welcomed visitors on February 19, 2026.
Inditex introduced its core brands—Zara, Zara Home, Oysho, Massimo Dutti, Lefties, and Bershka—at the sprawling Iraq Mall in Baghdad’s Al-Dora district on February 27, alongside the simultaneous launch of dedicated e-commerce platforms. Owned by businessman Hassan Al-Lami, the 550,000-square-metre complex houses over 1,000 stores and a 23-storey mixed-use tower, employing about 4,000 people with plans to expand to 50,000 at full capacity. The project positions the mall as one of the region’s largest retail destinations.
The expansion is being managed through Inditex’s regional partner, Lebanon-based Azadea Group, which operates numerous international brands across the Middle East. Iraq Mall already hosts several global labels, including Lacoste, Skechers, Boggi Milano, Mango, and Punt Roma, underscoring Baghdad’s growing appeal as a retail hub. While the launch represents a significant milestone for Inditex ahead of its upcoming annual results presentation, it unfolds under the shadow of escalating geopolitical tensions across the region.
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