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Spinneys
View on WikipediaSpinneys is a supermarket chain active in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Lebanon and Oman, It began as a railway provision merchant company, and expanded to a grocery firm importing British Empire goods to Mandate Palestine.[1] The largest shareholder and manager of the brand is the Dubai based Al Bwardy Investment, founded by Ali Albwardy.
Key Information
History
[edit]

The supermarket was founded by Arthur Rawdon Spinney (CBE), who served in the Staffordshire Yeomanry.[2] and later on the staff of General Allenby,[3] In 1924, he organized a provision department for Palestine Railways in the suburbs of Alexandria.[4][5] By 1929, he was already the President of the Economic Counsel of Haifa.[6] His next move was establishing an import and shipping headquarters in Haifa. He sold imported English goods from a store on Jaffa Road through his two companies Spinney's Ltd., and Full-worth Ltd.[4]
His commercial endeavors and connections to the Palestine Commissioner led to his appointment as trustee for Haifa during World War II.[7] Spinney also served as the Hungarian Consul General in Palestine.[8] He went on to open two branches in Jerusalem, in the Greek Colony and Mamilla, which operated until 1949.[9]
Initially Spinneys branches were located in the major regional cities frequented by British subjects via the railway line: Alexandria, Cairo, Haifa, Acre where it operated the Kabri Mineral Factory[10][11] and Damascus. Since mid-1920s Haifa branch, where Spinney married Cecil Joan Glegg in 1928, and was later the President of The Haifa Rotary Club,[12] also served as agents for P&O.[13] Due to interruption to railway services,[14] on which Spinneys depended, with the start of the 1936–1939 Arab revolt in Palestine it moved its Haifa branch, from Palestine to Baghdad.
Mr Spinney joined the UK establishment when his daughter Elisabeth married John Slim, 2nd Viscount Slim in 1958 in London.
In the 1960s Rawdon Spinney retired from active participation in the managing of the stores, and died in August 1973 in Littlehampton, Sussex, where he was buried in the Crematorium.[15]
After the 14 July Revolution, its Baghdad store was relocated in 1961 to Dubai, Trucial States (now the United Arab Emirates) where it had operated since 1942 in Al Nasr Square, Deira. In later years other stores were opened across Arab states of the Persian Gulf region.[16] In 1948 the first Spinneys store in Beirut Souks was open. Also stores were opened in every IPC pumping stations on the Kirkuk, Haifa and Tripoli pipelines.
Present
[edit]As of 2011, Spinneys Dubai LLC is a premium supermarket retailer in the Middle East owned by Emirati businessman Mr. Ali Albwardy and operates fifty-six Spinneys stores in the United Arab Emirates, some stores in Oman and plans to expand into Saudi Arabia.[17]
Spinneys will enter the Philippines as a joint-venture with Ayala Corporation, this was right after their announcement of Makro's re entrance from the same group.[18][19]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Dubai FAQs information guide - Spinneys
- ^ Bertram, Colin (1987). Antarctica, Cambridge, conservation and population: a biologist's story. Cambridge: Colin Bertram. p. 28. ISBN 978-0-9512519-0-4.
- ^ Meir Shalev, Barbara Harshav, Esau: a novel, Harper Collins Publishers, 1994, p.19 ISBN 006019040X, 9780060190408
- ^ a b The Near and Middle East who's who, Near and Middle East Who's Who Publ. Co., 1947, p.256
- ^ John Murchison Munro, The Nairn way: desert bus to Baghdad, Caravan Books, 1980, p.88
- ^ "Le Guide Sam : pour l'expansion économique française dans le Levant". Gallica. 1929. p. 17. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
- ^ Great Britain and the East: Volume 55, 1940, p297
- ^ List of accessions to repositories, H.M. Stationery Off., 1972, p.90
- ^ Gillian Grant, ed., Historical Photographs of the Middle East From the Middle East Centre, St. Antony’s College, Oxford, Catalogue, BRILL, 1985, p.33
- ^ The Jewish review, Volume 3, Jewish Teachers' Seminary and People's University, New York, 1945, p.252
- ^ High quality mineral water used to make soda water; Ruth Gruber, Israel without tears, 1950, p.48
- ^ Watson, J.L.A., ed., Rotary Report from Haifa, Israel: Jewish, Arab, and British members still meet despite machine guns, grenades, and the cross fire of snipers, The Rotarian, Vol. 74, No. 3, March 1949, Rotary International, p.7
- ^ Orbis, encyclopaedia of extra-European countries: a survey and directory of political, industrial, financial, cultural and scientific organisations in the countries of Africa, America, Asia and Australasia, Europa publications limited, 1938, p.41
- ^ Deborah Bernstein, Constructing boundaries: Jewish and Arab workers in mandatory Palestine, SUNY Press, 2000, p.168
- ^ Gleggs from Todstack Farm Stonehaven
- ^ Spinneys - History
- ^ "Non-Muslim food". spinneys. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ Mercurio, Richmond. "Ayala bringing UAE's Spinneys to Philippines". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
- ^ Enerva, Kaycee (2025-10-02). "Spinneys to launch in the Philippines with Ayala". Inside Retail Asia. Retrieved 2025-10-04.
External links
[edit]Spinneys
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and Early Operations
Spinneys was founded in 1924 by Arthur Rawdon Spinney, a British Army officer and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), in the suburbs of Alexandria, Egypt.[8] Initially established with £10,000 in funding from three British businessmen, the company began as a provision merchant primarily serving the Palestine Railways by organizing its provisioning department.[9] Spinney, who had previously served in the Staffordshire Yeomanry and on the staff of General Allenby during World War I, leveraged his military logistics experience to supply essential goods along rail lines in the region.[10] The early business model centered on importing and distributing high-quality British goods, including fresh produce, groceries, and household items, targeted at British expatriates in colonial outposts.[8] Operations quickly expanded to branches in key cities such as Cairo, Haifa, Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus, where Spinneys built a reputation for reliable access to premium imported delicacies and provisions during the 1920s and 1930s.[8] This focus on quality and consistency catered to both expatriate communities and local elites, establishing the brand as a trusted supplier amid the economic and logistical demands of the British Mandate era in the Middle East.[10] The company faced significant challenges in the lead-up to and during World War II, including disruptions from the Arab Revolt of 1936–1939, which hampered railway-dependent imports and led to the relocation of its Haifa branch to Baghdad.[8] Post-war economic shifts in Egypt, coupled with the company's role in supplying Allied forces during the conflict, prompted a gradual transition from wholesale provisioning to direct retail operations in the late 1940s.[11] This evolution laid the groundwork for further growth, including the adoption of a supermarket format in the 1960s.[8]Expansion Across the Middle East
Spinneys' transition from a merchant supplier to a dedicated retail chain commenced with its entry into Lebanon in 1948, when it opened its inaugural store in the historic Beirut Souks. This establishment represented a deliberate pivot toward fixed retail outlets, enabling direct engagement with consumers seeking imported British Empire goods amid post-World War II recovery in the Levant. The Beirut location quickly became a hub for quality provisions, setting the stage for Spinneys' broader retail evolution in the region.[2] The company's expansion gained momentum in the Gulf with the opening of its first supermarket in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 1962 at Al Nasr Square in Deira. This venture introduced the self-service supermarket model to the area, aligning with Dubai's burgeoning urbanization and economic diversification following major oil discoveries in the late 1950s and early 1960s. By providing a convenient one-stop shop for fresh produce, groceries, and household essentials, the store catered to an emerging expatriate and local middle class, establishing Spinneys as a pioneer in modern retail formats. In 2021, Spinneys marked the 60th anniversary of this milestone, reflecting on its foundational role in shaping consumer shopping experiences across the Middle East.[3][12][13] Fueled by the oil boom of the 1970s and 1980s, which elevated living standards and spurred demand for Western-style groceries and premium imports throughout the Gulf and beyond, Spinneys pursued further regional growth in subsequent decades. This era's economic surge transformed consumer habits, prompting Spinneys to enter Qatar in 2010 and Oman in 2005. Later expansions included Saudi Arabia in 2024, solidifying Spinneys' status as a multinational chain attuned to the evolving needs of affluent Middle Eastern markets. These strategic moves capitalized on heightened food import reliance and retail modernization, driven by the long-term effects of oil-driven prosperity.[14][15]Key Milestones and Ownership Changes
Spinneys experienced significant disruptions in its Lebanese operations during the Lebanese Civil War, temporarily closing all stores in 1976 amid escalating violence and instability.[16] The chain remained dormant in the country for over two decades until its revival in 1996 under the ownership of Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon (GMRL), which successfully relaunched the brand.[17] This resurgence marked a pivotal recovery for Spinneys in Lebanon, reestablishing it as a leading supermarket operator in the region.[17] In the United Arab Emirates, Spinneys underwent a major ownership shift in the 2000s when it was acquired by Al Seer Group, a UAE-based consumer holdings company, enabling accelerated regional growth.[18] Under Al Seer Group's stewardship, the retailer expanded its footprint, reaching over 100 stores across the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon by the early 2020s, reflecting robust post-acquisition development.[19] This period also saw Spinneys navigate economic challenges, including the global financial crisis and subsequent market recoveries.[4] The company's 100th anniversary in 2024, commemorating its founding in 1924, highlighted its enduring legacy amid contemporary transformations.[4] Celebrations included commitments to sustainability initiatives, such as enhanced eco-friendly sourcing and waste reduction programs, alongside substantial investments in digital retail platforms to bolster e-commerce capabilities following the COVID-19 pandemic.[20] These efforts underscored Spinneys' adaptation to modern consumer demands and its post-pandemic rebound, with record revenues reported in the fiscal year.[20] In 2025, Spinneys announced joint ventures for expansion into Kuwait (with Alshaya Group, first store planned for 2026) and the Philippines (with Ayala Corporation).[21][22]Operations and Presence
Geographic Footprint
Spinneys maintains a significant presence in the United Arab Emirates, where it operates approximately 75 stores as of September 2025, concentrated primarily in urban centers such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi to serve expatriate communities and affluent locals.[23] The chain's operations in the UAE include dedicated online delivery hubs that support rapid fulfillment in high-density areas like Dubai, enhancing accessibility for premium grocery services.[24] In Lebanon, Spinneys has 17 branches spanning from the south to the north of the country, with a strong foothold in Beirut's urban districts tailored to diverse demographics including expatriates.[2] This presence traces back to the company's entry into Lebanon in 1948, though current operations focus on modern retail formats in key cities.[2] The company has a growing footprint in Saudi Arabia, with several stores opened post-2020, including locations in Riyadh and Jeddah as of November 2025, targeting affluent urban consumers in these major cities.[25] Spinneys also maintains operations in Oman with five stores in urban areas, alongside a limited presence in Qatar, and has revived its activities in Egypt, where a separate entity runs over 30 branches concentrated in cities like Cairo and Alexandria.[26] Overall, Spinneys' geographic strategy emphasizes premium retail in Middle Eastern urban hubs, with 87 stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman combined as of September 2025.[27] Recent expansions include entry into Iraq with two stores in November 2025, a joint venture for Kuwait with the first store planned for 2026, and a partnership for the Philippines.[28][5][29]Store Formats and Retail Strategy
Spinneys operates a variety of store formats designed to meet diverse customer needs, from convenience shopping to bulk purchases, across its primary markets in the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. These include market stores under 10,750 square feet, typically integrated into high-rise residential buildings to serve urban communities; medium supermarkets spanning 10,750 to 21,500 square feet, focused on everyday grocery needs in neighborhood settings; and large supermarkets exceeding 21,500 square feet, which serve as hypermarkets providing expansive spaces for comprehensive bulk shopping and a wide product assortment. Express stores offer quick, convenience-oriented access for on-the-go purchases, while specialized formats like The Kitchen by Spinneys function as standalone foodhalls emphasizing fresh, prepared meals in high-traffic locations such as malls. In total, these formats support approximately 87 stores regionally as of September 2025.[27] In Lebanon, where operations are managed separately, Spinneys utilizes a broader portfolio of formats to address varied market segments, including premium Signature by Spinneys stores for upscale shopping experiences, discount-focused Happy outlets for value-driven customers, Grab'n Go convenience stores for rapid transactions, and franchised Monoprix locations offering French-inspired retail. This multi-format approach allows Spinneys to capture different consumer behaviors in a competitive landscape.[30] The company's retail strategy centers on a premium positioning for fresh foods, which account for over 65% of sales as of 2024, balanced by competitive pricing on staples through cost absorption in the supply chain and private label offerings priced at least 10% below branded equivalents. Loyalty initiatives, such as the Spinneys Plus program, provide personalized rewards and points accumulation to foster customer retention and repeat visits. E-commerce integration, active since the 2010s via mobile apps and online platforms, has evolved into a robust omni-channel system, highlighted by the 2024 launch of Spinneys Swift for hyperlocal delivery within 60 minutes, representing 21% of own-platform sales and covering 66% of target areas as of 2024, with continued growth in online sales reported in 2025.[14][31] Adaptations to local preferences underscore Spinneys' market responsiveness, with all Gulf stores maintaining halal certifications for meats and relevant products to align with regional Islamic standards, and dedicated organic sections integrated across every location to promote wellness and sustainability under the "Eat Well, Live Well" initiative. These elements, influenced by ownership under the Al Seer Group, enable tailored experiences for affluent expatriates and local residents alike.[14]Subsidiaries
| Subsidiary | Place | Activity | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spinneys Dubai LLC | Dubai | Supermarket & General Trading | 100% |
| Spinneys Fresh Food Industries LLC | Dubai | Meat & Poultry Products Manufacturing | 100% |
| Spinneys Factories For Bakery Products LLC | Dubai | Bakery Products Manufacturing | 100% |
| Spinneys Shj. LTD. CO. LLC.SP | Sharjah | Supermarket & General Trading | 100% |
| Spinneys Shopping Center LLC | Dubai | Shopping Center (Mall) | 100% |
| Fine Fare Food Market LLC | Dubai | Supermarket & General Trading | 100% |
| Waitrose Shopping Center LLC | Dubai | Shopping Center (Mall) | 100% |
| Spinneys IP Limited | Abu Dhabi Global Market | Special purpose vehicle | 100% |
| Al-Ma’kulat Al-Fakhirah for Food Products | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | Supermarkets | 50% |
| Al Fair SPC | Sultanate of Oman | Supermarkets | 100% |
| Centurio Holdings LTD | British Virgin Islands | Investment Holding Company | 100% |
| Finefair Food Market Services Limited | British Virgin Islands | Investment Holding Company | 100% |
| Spinneys Sourcing PTY LTD | Australia | wholesale of foodstuff and consumer products | 100% |
| Spinneys Sourcing Limited | United Kingdom | export of foodstuffs & non-food products | 100% |
| Spinneys Sourcing Limited | United States of America | purchase of goods for export and all related activities | 100% |
