PADUA, Italy and DUBAI—Safilo Group announced an exclusive distribution agreement with Dr. Mazen Fakeeh C. Healthcare Company for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, beginning mid-June 2017.

At the same time, Safilo will renew its partnership with Optitalia Gulf for the independent retail distribution across Safilo’s other GCC countries, building on its partnership of over 25 years, the company said.

A premium eyewear experience will be offered to local retailers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the two new Jeddah and Riyadh showrooms where Safilo’s portfolio of brands spanning across five consumer segments will be showcased.

Safilo’s collections include the luxury atelier brand Elie Saab; fashion luxury Dior, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Givenchy and Celine; premium brands BOSS and Max Mara as well as lifestyle brands Carrera, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Juicy Couture, Fossil, Pierre Cardin, Bobbi Brown and the fast-growing mass cool brands Polaroid and havaianas.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. Mazen Fakeeh C. Healthcare Company to our Global Partner Network, representing us exclusively in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Their experience in local health care and eyewear, and a newly-established local network, offer Safilo brands a unique local infrastructure, resources and branding know how,” said Luisa Delgado, CEO of Safilo Group. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a significant market for Safilo in our IMEA region with a population of over 30 million people.”

She continued, “We are very happy to continue our partnership with Optitalia for the independent retailer distribution across our other GCC markets. Optitalia has represented us for many years with professionalism and commitment, effectively building our brands' strong local presence. We are now taking a further step together as we strengthen the focus on Carrera, Polaroid and Safilo, and expand the optical category across all our brand portfolio.”

In 2016, the Group saw exceptionally strong growth across its IMEA region, with double-digit growth for the second consecutive year, the company said, noting that the dedicated focus to the region served to build awareness and distribution of Safilo’s brand portfolio across the GCC countries and channels.