Business

Isabelle Grippa Leads Belgium’s Economic Mission to Kuwait

Published

5 months ago

April 27, 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, April 27: As Belgium looks to renew its economic ties with Kuwait, one person is quietly but confidently leading the way: Isabelle Grippa, CEO of hub.brussels. With a calm energy and a clear sense of purpose, she’s heading a delegation of 44 Belgian companies across a wide range of sectors, all eager to open new doors in Kuwait.

Grippa’s career has always been about connecting people and possibilities. After earning her degree in International Relations from ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) and completing her Master’s at the Institute for European Studies, she moved into public service, working on initiatives that bridged business and society. From advising senior leadership in Brussels to coordinating employment programs, her focus has consistently been on creating opportunities that last.

Since taking the reins at hub.brussels in 2018, she’s helped countless startups and SMEs think beyond local borders, encouraging them to dream bigger and compete globally. That same spirit is woven into this economic mission, organized in collaboration with Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT), Wallonia Export & Investment Agency (AWEX), and the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce (ABLCC).

For Grippa, this mission isn’t just about business deals. It’s about making introductions that could grow into real, long-term partnerships — and showing a side of Belgium that goes far beyond the well-known chocolate and waffles. Belgian companies across sectors like healthcare, engineering, sustainability, education, and technology are here to show how innovation and creativity run deep

Over two full days of forums, B2B meetings, and networking events, the delegation hopes to plant seeds for collaborations that will grow in the years to come. And at the heart of it all, Grippa’s steady leadership ensures that this visit feels personal, meaningful, and forward-looking. Belgium’s renewed outreach to Kuwait carries the promise of new beginnings and with Isabelle Grippa at the helm, it feels like the start of a very genuine journey

By: Nasser Al-Hajeri

Related Topics:Belgiums economic Grippa Isabelle Kuwait Leads mission

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Majid Al Futtaim launches HyperMax in Kuwait

Published

1 hour ago

September 16, 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, Sept 16: Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, today announced the launch of its independently-owned grocery retail brand, HyperMax, in Kuwait. Following its successful debut in Jordan, Oman, and Bahrain, HyperMax is now bringing its deep local insights, international best practices and omnichannel concept to Kuwait, setting a new benchmark for modern grocery retail in the market.

Charbel Azouri, Head of Operations at Majid Al Futtaim Retail – HyperMax Kuwait, commented: “With the launch of HyperMax in Kuwait, we are delivering a modern omnichannel shopping experience that blends world-class standards with local relevance, rooted in regional insights. By working closely with Kuwaiti farmers, suppliers, and SMEs, HyperMax is strengthening national supply chains, promoting economic self-reliance, and contributing directly to the ambitions of Kuwait Vision 2035 – all while ensuring our customers enjoy greater variety, quality, and everyday value.”

In support of Kuwait Vision 2035, HyperMax is collaborating with over 150 local farmers, producers, suppliers, and SMEs to strengthen national supply chains, reinforce food security, and create meaningful opportunities for the private sector to grow alongside the country’s development agenda. With a workforce of over 1,500 team members, Majid Al Futtaim reaffirms its long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and advancing Kuwait’s socio-economic prosperity.

– Five stores and a fully integrated e-commerce platform set to redefine grocery shopping in Kuwait with greater choice, value, and convenience

– With over 1,500 employees, Majid Al Futtaim reaffirms its commitment to nurturing competitive talent while supporting Kuwait Vision 2035

– Strategic partnerships with over 150 Kuwaiti farmers, suppliers, and SMEs to strengthen food security, drive competitiveness, and foster sustainable economic growth

Business

Carrefour Exits Kuwait; HyperMax To Take Its Place

Published

2 hours ago

September 16, 2025

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KUWAIT CITY, Sep 16: As of September 16, 2025, Carrefour has officially announced that it will cease all operations in Kuwait. In a message to customers, the management expressed “sincere gratitude” for decades of support and patronage. Carrefour was introduced to the Middle East region in 1995 by Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), which secured exclusive franchise rights and has since operated Carrefour stores in multiple countries, including Kuwait.

In Kuwait, before this closure notice, Carrefour had been expanding. In February 2022, Carrefour (owned by MAF) opened its ninth supermarket in the country in the Khairan area, offering about 15,000 local and imported items.

In Oman, Carrefour ceased operations effective January 7, 2025, as announced by Majid Al Futtaim. The closure was followed by the launch of a new chain called HyperMax to replace Carrefour stores there. Similarly, in Bahrain, Carrefour operations ended as of September 14, 2025, and again, Majid Al Futtaim replaced them with its HyperMax brand. The change also involved local partners, suppliers, and about 1,600 employees.