The Children's Place, a North American children's specialty apparel retailer, has entered into a franchise agreement with Apparel Group for the Middle East market. By the terms of the 10 year deal, Dubai-based Apparel Group will establish the brand’s stores across Gulf, in countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The first The Children's Place retail stores are expected to open their doors in Dubai and Sharjah by September this year. The brand plans to open several stores in the emirates in 2012. The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., designs, contracts to manufacture and retails trendy, quality and affordable merchandise, mainly under the ownership of ‘The Children's Place’ brand name.