Carrefour Name Disappears from Arab Stores, Boycotters Celebrate

The Carrefour name has vanished from stores in several Arab countries amid a growing boycott by pro-Palestinian activists. Majid Al Futtaim, which operates Carrefour in the Middle East, closed stores in Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The supermarkets reopened under the new name HyperMax, focusing on local products. While the company did not link the change to boycotts, many shoppers see it as a victory.

Pro-Palestinian supporters accuse Carrefour of selling products from Israeli settlements and partnering with Israeli firms. The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign has targeted Carrefour for alleged links to illegal settlements. Carrefour’s CEO has denied operating in West Bank settlements or having political ties. Despite this, activists say the boycott pressured the company to respond.

In Bahrain, shoppers boycotted Carrefour after the Gaza war began, causing store traffic to drop sharply. After rebranding to HyperMax, more local customers returned, according to employees. Activists praised the move as a sign that consumer voices in the Gulf matter. Weekly protests and vigils supporting Gaza have also taken place in Bahrain.

Experts suggest Carrefour’s closures are part of broader financial challenges amid regional tensions. Majid Al Futtaim continues to operate Carrefour stores in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Some analysts believe the rebranding reflects concerns about the Carrefour brand linked to political issues. Retail revenue for the group has fallen due to various factors, including geopolitical tensions.

Activists see boycotts as an important tool to express their opposition to the Gaza conflict. They believe the Carrefour changes show that even restricted voices can influence business decisions. For many, the closures symbolize a wider movement to support Palestinian rights in the Gulf. The boycott campaign remains active as the conflict continues to impact the region.