Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) shares were trading higher on Friday after the specialty retailer announced its first store opening in the United Arab Emirates.The cosmetics and skincare giant said it will debut at Mall of the Emirates on Jan. 29, in partnership with Alshaya Group.Ulta Beauty added that the store in the Mall of the Emirates builds on its first Middle East store in Kuwait, which opened in November 2025.The Dubai launch will be followed by stores at Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah later ...

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. has announced its first store opening in the United Arab Emirates, set to debut at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, in partnership with Alshaya Group [1] - The UAE store will follow the opening of Ulta's first Middle East store in Kuwait, which launched in November 2025 [1] - The company plans to expand further in the region with additional stores at Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah later in 2026 [2] Product Offering - The UAE store will feature a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrance, and beauty services [2] - The curated assortment will include products from both prestige and emerging brands, such as Ulta Beauty Collection, Ôrəbella, Morphe, Polite Society, and LolaVie [2] - Global brands like Peter Thomas Roth and RMS will also be available alongside local labels [3] Events and Promotions - Ulta Beauty will host pre-launch and launch-week events featuring live demonstrations and appearances by regional founders [4] - The opening day will feature an appearance by actress Nadine Njeim, founder of Nadine Njeim Beauty [4] - Events from January 30 to February 7 will include product demonstrations and showcases of local entrepreneurs [4] Company Performance - Following the announcement, Ulta Beauty shares increased by 0.79%, trading at $687.16 [5]

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty is expanding its international presence by opening its first store in the Middle East, located at The Avenues in Kuwait, set to open on November 7, 2025 [1][3] - The store will feature a dynamic assortment of over 300 beauty and wellness brands, including both established U.S. brands and emerging local brands [3][4] - Following the Kuwait opening, Ulta Beauty plans to open additional stores in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in early 2026 [4] Company Overview - Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S., with approximately 1,500 stores nationwide and a focus on providing a comprehensive beauty experience [6] - The company has a strategy of expanding internationally through partnerships, including a joint venture in Mexico and a franchise in the Middle East [6][10] - Ulta Beauty's business model emphasizes a wide range of products and services, including cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and salon services, all under one roof [6]