Apple Announces Retail Expansion In Saudi Arabia With Online Store And Flagship Locations
Apple is set to enhance its presence in Saudi Arabia with a significant expansion that includes the introduction of its online store in summer 2025 and the opening of several flagship retail locations starting in 2026. The online portal will mark the first instance of Apple offering its complete product lineup along with outstanding service and support in Arabic directly to Saudi customers.
Following the online launch, the company plans to establish its physical retail footprint in the nation, commencing with flagship stores that aim to provide an extensive array of ways for customers to engage with Apple's offerings and knowledgeable staff. A notable addition will be a landmark retail store at Diriyah, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlighting the blend of Apple's modern retail vision with the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia.
"We're excited to be expanding here in Saudi Arabia with the launch of the Apple Store online next year, and the first of several flagship Apple Store locations starting in 2026, including an iconic store at the stunning site of Diriyah coming later," stated Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.
Apple's retail strategy is designed to offer personalized shopping experiences across its online store, physical stores, and the Apple Store app. Customers have the opportunity to explore and select products, benefit from various financing and payment options, and receive assistance with setting up their new devices, all facilitated by Apple's exceptional team members.
This retail expansion is part of Apple's broader investments in Saudi Arabia. The company previously inaugurated the region's inaugural Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021, in collaboration with the Saudi government, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
The academy, which is situated at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, is dedicated to empowering women by offering top-notch training in coding, design, and entrepreneurship, thereby preparing them for the dynamic app economy within Saudi Arabia. Nearly 2,000 students have graduated from the academy, benefiting from programming courses that have enabled them to publish their apps on the App Store, reaching both domestic and international audiences.
Apple's commitment to fostering educational opportunities continues to grow, as evidenced by the country's first coeducational Apple Foundation Program held this summer. This program, focused on the basics of coding and app development with an emphasis on gaming, represents just one aspect of Apple's efforts to expand its educational initiatives, with more coed Foundation programs planned for the future.
Since 2019, developers in Saudi Arabia have seen their earnings surge by more than 1,750%, underscoring the vibrant potential of the app market. Apple's investments extend beyond education and retail, fostering job creation and introducing advanced technologies to a diverse group of users including artists, entrepreneurs, and commuters.
Over the past five years, Apple's financial contributions have exceeded 10 billion SAR in Saudi Arabia. The company's services, such as Apple Pay, continue to revolutionize how people conduct transactions. With Riyadh recently introducing metro services compatible with Apple Pay, including the Express Mode for effortless payments, the city has become a pioneer in the Middle East for such innovations.
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