A recent announcement has been made by Majid Al Futtaim — the regional operator of Carrefour that Carrefour is closing operations in Bahrain. The supermarket was introduced to the Middle East in 1995 — and it has ceased its operations in Bahrain after more than 20 years of a strong presence in the region. The last day of Carrefour operation was 14th September, 2025. But, the question may arise: why is Carrefour closing?
Why Is Carrefour Closing In Bahrain?
Carrefour has closed its operations in Bahrain due to a widespread boycott campaign linked to its support for Israel. A campaign led by the BDS movement, cited the partnership of the franchise with the Israeli companies in the occupied Palestinian territories. The movement called for pro-Palestinian supporters across the world to stop purchasing products from the franchise until it ends the contracts with Israeli companies.
Carrefour’s franchise has an active agreement with Israel’s Electra Consumer Products and its subsidiary Yenot Bitan. This partnership has been the primary reason behind the boycott assertion by the BDS movement.
BDS is essentially a Palestinian-led movement for freedom, justice, and equality through Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS). The BDS movement upholds the principle that Palestinians should get the same rights as the rest of humanity.
This boycott movement was fueled due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza which displaced millions, killing and decapitating thousands. Protestors across the GCC countries accuse Carrefour of being complicit in the settlement, and in extension, a genocide.
What further escalated the boycott movement across the city was the support for Israel’s military displayed by the Carrefour following the reports of branches providing free packages to the soldiers. This move further consolidated their support and added weight to the BDS claims of supporting the genocide.
The Consequences Of the Carrefour Boycott
Boycott campaigns against the franchise have resulted in significant financial losses. Which have forced the franchise owners to cease operations in the GCC region.
Financial Losses
Their profits have fallen by almost half in 2024 which is the direct consequence of the boycott.
Damaged Brand Image And Loyalty
The negative impact on the company’s reputation also soured the customers’ hearts and made them choose the alternatives available.
Impact On The Parent Company
Majid Al Futtaim, who is the owner of Carrefour Bahrain and an official partner of the franchise in the Arab world faced severe losses this year in 2024. It forced them to end the business with the French retailer across the region due to immense pressure.
Recent Exits From Middle Eastern Countries
Carrefour has been replaced by Majid Al Futtaim, launching their own brand, Hypermax, in Bahrain. The news that Carrefour closes stores in Bahrain, marks the end of a decade-long presence for the French retailer in the country.
It would be fair to say that the news of Carrefour closing is not unprecedented as the franchise was already under scrutiny due to its perceived support for Israel. In the past few months, Carrefour has closed its stores in at least two countries, including Oman, and Jordan. The news of Carrefour closing its stores in Kuwait has also been circulating, right after shutting its operations down in Bahrain. This makes Carrefour’s second closure within one month in the Middle Eastern region.
Conclusion
The role of the BDS movement has been instrumental in the recent shutdowns of Carrefour across the GCC region. People expect more closures and rebrandings to a more local “Hypermax” brand. The latest news suggests that Carrefour ceased operations in Kuwait in September, 2025; Bahrain on September 14th, 2025; Oman in January, 2025; and Jordan in November 2024.
