SourcingFeb 27, 2026
South African Diamond Mine Closes Amid Search for Missing WorkersPolicies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East Stores
Kering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
A look inside the Dubai Mall. Several retailers, including luxury titans Kering and Apple, have temporarily closed stores across in the Middle East following recent U.S.-Israeli air strikes against Iran.
New York—High-end stores in luxury shopping hubs in the Middle East are temporarily closing following the U.S.-Israeli air strikes against Iran over the weekend, which have ignited a major conflict in the region.
Hundreds of deaths have been reported throughout the Middle East, with nearly 800 deaths in Iran, including more than 175 children and staff at a girl’s school. There were 10 deaths reported in Israel.
Six U.S. service members have been killed.
The United States has temporarily closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Beirut due to drone attacks, urging Americans in the region—including Americans in Israel and the United Arab Emirates—to leave, though thousands of flights have been cancelled.
On Tuesday, the State Department issued a travel warning update that elevated the UAE to Level 3 (reconsider travel to). Israel also is at Level 3, while Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen are Level 5 (do not travel to).
Inevitably, the violence has impacted the economy, with several retailers choosing to temporarily suspend operations in the Middle East, a wealthy region that has attracted a growing number of luxury brands as well as auction houses in recent years.
Kering has temporarily closed its stores in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, and has suspended travel to the Middle East, as per Reuters.
Its brand portfolio includes jewelry brands Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin, as well as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta.
Kering’s “Rest of the World” segment, which includes the Middle East region, accounted for 9 percent of its revenue in 2025, as per its recent financial report.
Dubai-based retail operator Chalhoub Group, which runs around 900 stores for brands like Versace, Sephora, and Jimmy Choo, temporarily closed its stores in Bahrain, according to Reuters.
Its stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan remained open as of press time.
Richemont, owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, and LVMH, which owns Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, among others, did not respond to a request for comment regarding their operations in the Middle East, though both have a presence in the region.
For Richemont, the Middle East & Africa region accounts for 10 percent of its total revenue, with sales up 20 percent in its recent third quarter.
The growth was led by the UAE, said Richemont, as well as strong demand from locals and tourists.
Richemont-owned Cartier recently unveiled its new “En Équilibre” high jewelry exhibition in Dubai’s Keturah Park.
For LVMH, its “Other Markets” segment, which includes the Middle East, accounted for 14 percent of its revenue in 2025.
The Middle East is an important hub for the luxury market, with Bain & Co. highlighting the region as “luxury’s brightest performer” in its November 2025 luxury report.
The region’s luxury market was expected to see 4 to 6 percent growth last year, bolstered by tourism in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and steady demand in Saudi Arabia.
Notably, the conflict comes at an especially inopportune time as millions observe Ramadan, an important holiday both for the religious community and the region’s retailers as consumers look to celebrate the season.
For U.S. consumers, the rising price of oil amid already existing inflation could stretch discretionary budgets even more thin.
Related stories will be right here …
Hundreds of deaths have been reported throughout the Middle East, with nearly 800 deaths in Iran, including more than 175 children and staff at a girl’s school. There were 10 deaths reported in Israel.
Six U.S. service members have been killed.
The United States has temporarily closed its embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Beirut due to drone attacks, urging Americans in the region—including Americans in Israel and the United Arab Emirates—to leave, though thousands of flights have been cancelled.
On Tuesday, the State Department issued a travel warning update that elevated the UAE to Level 3 (reconsider travel to). Israel also is at Level 3, while Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen are Level 5 (do not travel to).
Inevitably, the violence has impacted the economy, with several retailers choosing to temporarily suspend operations in the Middle East, a wealthy region that has attracted a growing number of luxury brands as well as auction houses in recent years.
Kering has temporarily closed its stores in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, and has suspended travel to the Middle East, as per Reuters.
Its brand portfolio includes jewelry brands Boucheron, Pomellato, and Qeelin, as well as Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta.
Kering’s “Rest of the World” segment, which includes the Middle East region, accounted for 9 percent of its revenue in 2025, as per its recent financial report.
Dubai-based retail operator Chalhoub Group, which runs around 900 stores for brands like Versace, Sephora, and Jimmy Choo, temporarily closed its stores in Bahrain, according to Reuters.
Its stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan remained open as of press time.
Richemont, owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, and LVMH, which owns Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, among others, did not respond to a request for comment regarding their operations in the Middle East, though both have a presence in the region.
For Richemont, the Middle East & Africa region accounts for 10 percent of its total revenue, with sales up 20 percent in its recent third quarter.
The growth was led by the UAE, said Richemont, as well as strong demand from locals and tourists.
Richemont-owned Cartier recently unveiled its new “En Équilibre” high jewelry exhibition in Dubai’s Keturah Park.
For LVMH, its “Other Markets” segment, which includes the Middle East, accounted for 14 percent of its revenue in 2025.
The Middle East is an important hub for the luxury market, with Bain & Co. highlighting the region as “luxury’s brightest performer” in its November 2025 luxury report.
The region’s luxury market was expected to see 4 to 6 percent growth last year, bolstered by tourism in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and steady demand in Saudi Arabia.
Notably, the conflict comes at an especially inopportune time as millions observe Ramadan, an important holiday both for the religious community and the region’s retailers as consumers look to celebrate the season.
For U.S. consumers, the rising price of oil amid already existing inflation could stretch discretionary budgets even more thin.
As for other retailers, Amazon has closed its fulfillment center operations in Abu Dhabi, suspending deliveries across the region, as per a Business Insider report. Its employees in Saudi Arabia and Jordan were advised to remain indoors.
Three of its data centers in UAE were damaged as a result of a drone strike, reported Business Insider.
Apple has temporarily closed its stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as per a 9to5Mac report.
Notably, many of Dubai’s major shopping malls are still open.
Dubai-based real estate company Emaar Malls Management, the owner of several Dubai malls and other properties, sent a memo to tenants this past weekend, as reported by WWD.
The memo reportedly warned them not to close or reduce hours without official direction from the government or Emaar, or risk breaching their lease agreements.
Luxury stocks also took a hit, with LVMH and Kering seeing share prices dip.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
IndependentsAug 11, 2026
Polly’s Fine Jewelry Co-Owner Richard Moore Dies at 69Moore, Polly’s husband, is remembered as a family man with an easygoing spirit and a love for sports and the outdoors.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Weekly QuizAug 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Retail Veteran Pam Cloud Appointed President of Blue NileCloud, who will officially join Blue Nile on Monday, spent 26 years at Tiffany & Co. and founded jewelry brand Roseate.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Pandora Appoints Paulo Garcia as New CFO Garcia will take over from the company’s current CFO, Anders Boyer, who is retiring at the end of November.
MajorsAug 07, 2026
Etsy to Lay Off 12% of WorkforceEtsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal explained why the company is letting go more than 200 employees as its performance improves.
TrendsAug 07, 2026
Look Ahead with Syna’s Binoculars PendantThe “Star Gazer” pendant, our Piece of the Week, is Syna’s tribute to curiosity and the discovery of something new.
CrimeAug 06, 2026
Lalique Museum to Remain Closed Following $5M HeistMuseum officials are looking to the public to help cover the “exceptional” costs involved in recovering from the July 5 smash-and-grab.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
Claire’s Revamps Piercing Services for Second Time in Three Years The overhaul includes enhanced employee safety training and trendy earring styles, including lab-grown diamond studs.
FinancialsAug 06, 2026
Brilliant Earth’s Q2 Sales Up 6%, Driven by High-Income ShoppersThe retailer said it had its biggest Mother’s Day ever, with strong demand for higher-priced jewelry.
TrendsAug 06, 2026
New Book on Handcrafted American Objects Highlights Jewelry“Handwork: Handcrafted Objects that Made America” features historic and contemporary works, including a Diné squash blossom necklace.
MajorsAug 06, 2026
AJA East Coast Names Ani Khachian as First Female President-ElectThe Armenian Jewelers Association’s East Coast chapter has also elected its 2026–2027 board of directors.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
