Zuhair Al-Hamali & Sons Company was founded in 1958 as a trading company specializing in fuels and petroleum products. In the 1970s, it expanded into the textile industry by investing in ready-made clothing companies. In 1986, the company launched its first industrial project, KHS, in partnership with the German company WEBER & OTT, to manufacture clothing for European companies. It also launched the DE BACKERS brand, specializing in shirts, for the French and Belgian markets.

In 1992, Al-Yaman Company was established to market men’s clothing in Syria and other Arab markets. Then, in 2000, the Zaha Group was officially launched as the franchise holder for manufacturing and marketing the French brand AZZARO in Syria. This led to the establishment of a network of upscale stores in various Syrian cities, becoming the family’s unified economic umbrella.

In 2005, the group adopted the “Value for Money” concept and in 2007 launched the Senior Club customer loyalty program. In 2009, it expanded by launching the Dubeekers chain of youth-oriented stores, in addition to the Gabbiano brand, which sells to multi-brand stores in the region.

With the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011, the group began its international investments by establishing a ready-made garment factory in Egypt. In 2013, it acquired a major stake in Damsi Company in 6th of October City, followed by regional expansion with the opening of stores in Lebanon. In 2014, it established the Five Company in Egypt for manufacturing and marketing, alongside industrial acquisitions and the development of a new chain of stores.

Between 2015 and 2020, the group expanded in the Egyptian market through Dubeekers stores and launched an e-commerce platform to support online sales. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it intensified its export presence, particularly in the American and Turkish markets.

In 2024, the group strengthened its production capabilities by expanding its industrial complex in Egypt, adding new production lines including a cut and sew line and a line specializing in men’s trousers, in addition to launching the DE BACKER’S WOMAN line in the Egyptian market.

At the beginning of 2025, with the return of stability to Syria, the group began rehabilitating its factories and facilities there according to modern standards, aiming to regain its market share and export activity.

Today, at the end of 2025, Zaha Group has investments and factories in Syria and Egypt, and operates 25 specialty stores with plans to open 10 more within the next two years, in addition to two e-commerce platforms in both Syria and Egypt. It also enjoys a strong presence in regional, Arab, and American markets, with ongoing plans for export expansion.