Saudi coffee chain Half Million plans Baghdad expansion
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Half Million, one of Saudi Arabia's fastest-growing coffee chains, is set to open its first location in Iraq as part of a broader regional expansion strategy.
The Riyadh-born brand, launched in 2018 and now boasting over 60 stores across the Kingdom, will make its debut at the highly anticipated Iraq Mall in Baghdad's Al-Dora district.
Founded by Meshal Khalid Alshehri and Abdullah Mohammed Al-Rajhi of the affluent Al-Rajhi family, Half Million is aiming to tap into Iraq's rising demand for premium coffee experiences. The move reflects increased investor confidence in Iraq's consumer sector, particularly in major cities such as Baghdad, as security and stability improve across the country.
Scheduled to open in late 2025, Iraq Mall spans an impressive 550,000 square meters and is poised to become a major shopping and leisure destination. Alongside Half Million, the mall will feature a lineup of international retail giants such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, HUGO BOSS, Levi's, PUMA, Under Armour, Lacoste, and Bershka.
The arrival of Half Million follows in the footsteps of fellow Saudi brand Kyan Café, which entered the Iraqi market with its first branch in Basra in early 2025. With Iraqi consumers embracing global and regional lifestyle brands, Baghdad is fast emerging as a new frontier for Gulf-based retail and food service chains.
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