Apple plans to expand retail presence in Saudi Arabia.

Apple’s Expansion in Saudi Arabia: A New Era of Retail and Education

In a significant development, Apple has announced its plans to expand its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This expansion will commence with the launch of the Apple Store online in the summer of 2025, followed by the opening of several flagship Apple Store locations in 2026. This move marks a pivotal moment for Apple, as it seeks to offer its comprehensive range of products and services to a broader audience in the region. The online store will provide customers across Saudi Arabia with unparalleled access to Apple’s offerings, backed by exceptional service and support in Arabic for the first time.

Launch of Apple Store Online

The introduction of the Apple Store online will serve as a precursor to the physical retail expansion, allowing customers in Saudi Arabia to explore and purchase Apple’s products with ease. This online platform will provide a seamless shopping experience, enabling customers to compare products, choose from various financing and payment options, and receive assistance from Apple’s knowledgeable team. This approach ensures that even before the flagship stores open, customers can enjoy a personalized and comprehensive shopping experience.

Flagship Stores and Iconic Locations

Starting in 2026, Apple plans to open its first flagship stores in Saudi Arabia, with a notable location planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This strategic choice underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating modern retail experiences with the cultural and historical significance of the region. By situating a flagship store in such a prestigious location, Apple aims to create a unique shopping environment that resonates with both locals and tourists, offering an opportunity to explore the latest in Apple technology against a backdrop of rich heritage.

Enhancing Educational Opportunities

Beyond retail expansion, Apple is also focusing on educational initiatives within Saudi Arabia. The company, in collaboration with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, established the region’s first Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021. This all-women academy offers world-class training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in the app economy. To date, nearly 2,000 students have completed rigorous programming courses and have gone on to publish their apps on the App Store, reaching both local and global audiences.

Apple continues to bolster its educational offerings through the Apple Foundation Program. This program, which recently became coeducational, provides students from across the country with a month of intensive training in coding and app development, with a special focus on gaming. This initiative not only broadens the horizons for Saudi students but also prepares them for meaningful careers in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The next cohort of this program is scheduled for spring 2025, promising to open doors for even more young minds.

Economic Impact and Developer Growth

The expansion of Apple’s retail and educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia is poised to contribute significantly to the local economy. The Saudi developer community is already a formidable force, driving economic growth and supporting jobs across various sectors. Since 2019, earnings for developers in Saudi Arabia have surged by over 1,750 percent, reflecting the growing importance of the app economy in the region. With more coders, entrepreneurs, and creators entering the market via the App Store and utilizing Apple’s developer tools, the potential for economic development is immense.

Technological Advancements and Job Creation

Moreover, Apple’s continued investments in Saudi Arabia are fostering job creation and bringing cutting-edge technologies to various sectors. Over the past five years, Apple has invested more than 10 billion SAR with companies across the country, furthering its commitment to the region’s growth. Apple’s services, such as Apple Pay, are also playing a crucial role in modernizing payment systems and enhancing convenience for consumers. Riyadh, for instance, has joined over 250 cities worldwide where users can utilize Apple Pay for public transit. As the first city in the Middle East to implement Express Mode, Riyadh offers a seamless and secure payment method for commuters, allowing them to tap and pay for transit with their iPhone or Apple Watch without needing to wake or unlock their devices.

Apple’s Legacy and Ongoing Mission

Apple’s journey in Saudi Arabia is part of its broader mission to revolutionize personal technology and empower individuals and businesses worldwide. Since the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984, Apple has been at the forefront of innovation, developing products like the iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch, along with platforms such as iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. These innovations offer seamless experiences across devices and provide access to services like the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+.

With a workforce of over 150,000 employees, Apple remains dedicated to creating the best products on earth and contributing positively to the world. Its expansion in Saudi Arabia reflects this commitment, as the company endeavors to build stronger connections with customers, support economic growth, and foster a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs and developers.

For further information on Apple’s initiatives and updates, you can visit their official newsroom at Apple Newsroom.

Through these strategic expansions and educational investments, Apple is not only enhancing its market presence but also playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. This move is expected to bring about significant changes, offering new opportunities for students, developers, and consumers alike, and marking a new era of innovation and collaboration in the region.

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