Apple introduces localized shopping experience in Saudi Arabia with new online store, app
statement
.
Free engraving in both Arabic and English is offered for items such as AirPods and the Apple Pencil.
To facilitate flexible shopping, the Apple Store online will introduce an affordability option through Tamara. With the Buy Now Pay Later feature, customers can shop their preferred lineups and pay in four-month installments at 0 percent interest.
Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and People, expressed, 'We are excited to bring the Apple Store online and app to Saudi Arabia, providing customers with a new way to explore our products and services.'
Last month, Apple revealed its intention to open its first official Apple Store in Egypt, marking a significant milestone in the company's broader ambitions to expand throughout Africa and the Middle East. Talks between Apple and Egypt's government have emphasized Cairo's strategic significance as a hub for digital innovation. The new store is set to provide direct access to Apple's products and services, invigorate the local tech ecosystem, and create high-quality local job opportunities. This initiative builds upon Apple's existing regional support centers and training facilities already established in Egypt.
Apple plans to launch several flagship stores in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, including a remarkable location in Diriyah, a
UNESCO World Heritage
site. This expansion complements Apple's ongoing initiatives in the region, such as the first Apple Developer Academy, which opened in Riyadh in 2021.
(Photo Credit: Apple)
Read more: Apple tops iPhone market in China with 15 percent global sales growth, strongest since COVID
Apple expands in UAE and Egypt
Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to the Gulf region by inaugurating additional flagship retail stores in the UAE, with a fifth store launched recently. The UAE remains a crucial market, providing customized customer experiences and complete access to Apple's lineup of products and services in both English and Arabic.
The expansion within the UAE coincided with high-profile visits from Apple leadership, including Tim Cook, highlighting the strategic importance of the region to the company's global growth objectives.
In India, Apple has made swift advancements by launching two official Apple Stores in 2023 and announcing plans for four more locations in major metro areas, with anticipated openings in Bengaluru, Pune, and an expanded presence in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. These stores are integral to Apple's broader retail strategy in emerging growth markets, which emphasizes localized services, multi-language support, and unique retail experiences.
Key Features Mirroring Saudi Expansion: Localized language support is increasingly featured in regional online stores and apps, enhancing accessibility and service. The personalized retail experience is part of Apple's global retail rollout model, which includes tailored recommendations, integrated payment and financing support, and local customer care. Investment in education is evidenced by initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy and Foundation Program, which offer learning opportunities that often accompany Apple's retail entry into new countries. Flagship store locations are strategically launched—such as plans for an iconic store at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia and key flagship sites in the UAE and India—underscoring Apple's commitment to creating local destination retail experiences.
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