Pittsburgh-based American Eagle Outfitters announced the launch of its first stores outside of North America.

The company, which operates 938 stores in the United States and Canada, opens a 9,400-square-foot flagship store in Dubai on March 16. On March 25, an 8,500-square-foot flagship opens in Kuwait City.

The Middle East retail openings are in collaboration with M.H. Alshaya Co., a retailer in the region that signed a franchise agreement last year to open a series of American Eagle stores. The Middle East flagships will carry a mix of the retailer’s American Eagle, Aerie and AEO brands.

“We are very excited to expand the international presence of the American Eagle Outfitters brand,” said Jim O’Donnell, the company’s chief executive officer, in a statement. “We are confident that our franchise partner, M.H. Alshaya, will bring the authentic AEO brand experience to life given their track record of presenting the world’s most prominent brands in international markets.”—Erin Barajas