If you live in Dubai and happen to be an Apple fan, you’re in luck — because the world’s largest brick-and-mortar Apple Store is set to open its doors close to you in just a few months.
Apple’s first ever store in the Middle East is set to be located at the Mall of the Emirates, where work is currently underway on the 50,000-square-foot retail outlet. Expect its grand unveiling in August this year.
In keeping with Apple’s recent focus on the fashion world — no doubt aided by the appointment of former Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts — the store will be located in the mall’s Fashion District. A second Apple Store is expected to follow in Abu Dhabi, at the newly-opened Yas Mall.
It has been long rumored that Apple would make the move into Dubai, which marks the first new country Apple Stores have expanded into since Turkey in 2014. Currently brick-and-mortar Apple Stores can be found in 16 countries, while online stores are available in 39 different countries.
Apple’s Online Store UAE first opened in 2011, and Tim Cook visited the country last year, where he was spotted meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum and checking out potential locations. Apple has also advertized for retail jobs including Geniuses, Specialists, Inventory Specialists, and the Apple Store Leader Program.
Despite the lack of stores in the United Arab Emirates, the iPhone currently sells slightly less than Samsung in terms of units, although the two companies share almost equal market share in terms of value, according to power retailers.
Source: Khaleej Times
