Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has bought 40% of Selfridges, a famous British department store chain. Previously, this stake was owned by Austria’s Signa Group. In 2021, this group purchased Selfridges with the collaboration of Thailand’s Central Group for £4 billion. However, due to the increasing financial crisis, Signa faced many complexities and became bankrupt. In 2023, Central Group took control of Selfridges. 

Now Saudi Arabia has on its front face and its PIF bought the company’s part. Buying famous international businesses is a smart strategy for Saudi Arabia. They want to improve its image at the global level. This smart business move in Saudi Arabia has become a source of worry for many people. Critics argue that the Saudi nation wants to hide its poor human rights record with this purchase. The real concern is whether the kingdom is focusing more on its international reputation rather than fixing its own internal issues at home.

Thus Selfridges Group has its luxury stores, including its main one on Oxford Street in London. According to Saudi officials, this will help Selfridges ‌grow. But reality is something else. It seems like that nation wants to increase its influence in different regions and improve its image. 

In 1909, Selfridges was founded. It is known for its designer products,  creative displays, and special shopping events. However, Saudi PIF claims that this deal is to increase Saudi business, but opponents believe that this investment of Saudi officials in Selfridges is the only ‌ way to cover up its human rights abuses.  

This strategy makes the country look more modern and progressive, but it hides ‌serious issues within Saudi Arabia, such as its oppressive policies. Owning Selfridges could be seen as a way for Saudi Arabia to shift focus away from its human rights problems.

Involvement of Saudi Arabia in different issues

The head of ‌Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Turqi Al-Nowaiser, recently claimed that this partnership will boost the reputation of the department store. However, many believe that this deal is only a tactic to divert the attention of people. Saudi officials want to distract the world from its domestic issues, such as human rights violations, human trafficking, women’s torture, and an increasing number of executions. 

PIF, a $700 billion fund, utilizes its oil wealth to invest in different games such as football, Formula One, and golf. The organization claims that these investments prove beneficial and help move the economy away from oil. But this is just a cover; the Saudi leader, Mohammad Bin Salman, faced many blames regarding ‌human rights. Opponents believe that this investment in sports has the purpose of improving the nation’s image while ignoring the reality of its oppressive regime. 

But this is just a cover. The Saudi government, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, faces many accusations of human rights abuses. Critics argue that these investments in sports are meant to improve Saudi Arabia’s image while ignoring the reality of its oppressive regime. The term “sportswashing” describes this tactic, using sports to hide the country’s poor human rights record. This deal with Selfridges seems like another step in that direction.

Foreign investors are the owners of the United Kingdom’s three-famous department stores. This ownership raises serious concerns about local control and identity. Harrods is under the leadership of Qatar’s Investment Authority. At the same time, Harvey Nichols is controlled by Hong Kong’s Dickson Concepts.

Selfridges was owned by the Canadian Weston family for nearly 20 years until its sale in 2021, right after the death of W. Galen Weston, who led the purchase in 2003. This trend highlights ‌how main British retailers are being influenced by foreign interests. 

Due to a lack of transparency and ethical concerns, Saudi Arabia’s investment in worldwide companies often faces criticism. The nation has faced many charges, such as violating human rights, and attempts to improve its image through these investments. 

As foreign ownership grows in the UK, it reflects the broader issue of national identity and values in the face of global capitalism, including concerns surrounding Saudi Arabia’s influence.