Shoppers in Kalba woke up to a new option this week. Lulu Group has opened its latest Lulu Express inside Kalba Waterfront Mall, right by the UAE-Oman border. The company now runs 128 stores across the UAE. Both Gulf News and Reuters confirm the group wants to hit 150 outlets before the year ends. That's a big jump. The push fits with the UAE's economic plans under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Retail growth and better access for shoppers are at the heart of that agenda.
The new store is set up for daily shopping. Residents in Kalba can pick up fresh produce, ready meals, seafood, meat, groceries, home goods, electronics, and mobile accessories. The mall location means easy parking and quick access. That matters. The store's spot near the border also helps cross-border trade. The government keeps investing in Sharjah's eastern region, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM). This store is part of that bigger picture.
Leadership and expansion strategy
Dr Ahmed Saeed Al Mazrouei, Director of Kalba Municipality, cut the ribbon. Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. stood with him. Eagle Hills Group CFO Ammar Al Barzanji and Kalba Economic Department Head Amina Al Zaabi joined, along with other local officials. Yusuff Ali M.A. said Lulu's growth shows its promise to serve communities and offer quality, easy shopping. He made it clear: the group is aiming for 150 stores across the UAE by year's end. That would lock in Lulu's lead in the region. The plan matches the UAE's Vision 2031, which puts sustainable growth and more foreign investment front and center. The National has reported on this shift.
What the new store offers
Walk into the new Lulu Express and you'll find all the basics. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Prepared foods. Seafood and meats. Pantry staples. Non-food items. Homeware. Electronics and mobile devices. The store's spot inside Kalba Waterfront Mall means shoppers get wide parking and easy entry. It's a practical choice for locals. The Express format is not new. Lulu has rolled it out in dozens of UAE locations. It's built for fast-growing communities. The goal is simple. Make daily life easier. The government wants to boost quality of life in every region. This store fits that plan.
Implications for UAE retail
Lulu's move to open another Express store at a border location is no accident. The group wants to reach more people and cover daily needs with a bigger network. Multi-format expansion is the strategy. It lets Lulu serve both old and new neighborhoods. For shoppers, this means more choice and better access to essentials. The retail scene is getting more competitive. Lulu's fast growth is changing what people expect from daily shopping. The Dubai Media Office has tracked these retail trends. The spread of neighborhood stores also shows the UAE's support for private sector innovation and retail upgrades. Recent Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) policy statements back this up.
