Apple launches its first online store in Saudi Arabia: Here's what it means for shoppers in the Kingdom
TL;DR
Apple
has launched its official online store and app in Saudi Arabia, now fully available in Arabic.
Customers can now buy directly from Apple, including engraving options in Arabic and English.
Physical Apple Stores are planned to open in the Kingdom starting in 2026, with the first flagship location set for Diriyah.
Apple has officially entered the Saudi market, not through a reseller or a regional partner, but with its own online store and app, both now available in Arabic for the first time.
This marks a major shift for how people in the Kingdom can access Apple's products and services.
Until now, customers in Saudi Arabia had to rely on third-party retailers. With this launch, Apple is offering direct sales, Arabic-language support, and a more personal experience through its app.
'We are thrilled to bring the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app to Saudi Arabia, offering customers a new way to explore and shop Apple's extraordinary lineup of products and services.
Our customers in Saudi Arabia are passionate about the things they can do with technology, and our teams can't wait to connect with customers and help them discover how Apple innovations can meaningfully enrich their daily lives,' said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and People, in the company's newsroom announcement.
The update isn't just about convenience. It brings Apple closer to its customers in Saudi Arabia, offering features like localized support and customization options that weren't available before.
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And with the rollout of the Apple Store app, users now have access to a more personalized shopping experience, right from their phone.
What's New for Apple Customers in Saudi Arabia?
Direct Access for the First Time:
People in Saudi Arabia can now buy directly from Apple through its online store or the Apple Store app. Both platforms offer the full product range, from iPhones and iPads to accessories and Macs without needing to go through resellers.
Support in Arabic:
For the first time, Apple is providing support in Arabic. This applies across its online store, app, and customer service. It's a step that brings the brand closer to its Saudi audience in a more personal and accessible way.
Free Arabic Engraving:
Apple is also offering free engraving in Arabic and English on selected products. That includes AirPods, Apple Pencil, and AirTag. Users can add text, numbers, or even emojis when placing an order all at no extra cost.
Personalized Shopping Experience:
The Apple Store app adapts to users' needs, offering suggestions based on devices they already own. You can compare models, save favorites, and track your orders, all in Arabic.
Apple's Broader Plan for the Kingdom
This isn't just about an online store. Apple is laying the foundation for a deeper presence in the region:
Physical Stores by 2026:
Apple plans to open its first flagship store in Saudi Arabia by 2026, with more to follow. The Diriyah location will be a key part of this effort.
Developer Support:
Apple already supports local talent through the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which launched in 2021. It works in partnership with local institutions and the Saudi government to train developers and support women in tech.
Part of a Bigger Trend:
Big Tech has been investing heavily in Saudi Arabia, and Apple's entry aligns with that. The Kingdom has been actively positioning itself as a hub for tech and innovation.
FAQ
1. Can I now buy Apple products directly from Apple in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. You can shop from Apple's full product range through the Apple Store online or the Apple Store app in Arabic.
2. Is support available in Arabic?
Yes. Apple now provides Arabic-language support, including shopping help, customer service, and engraving.
3. When will physical Apple Stores open in Saudi Arabia?
The first Apple Store is expected to open in 2026, with the flagship planned for Diriyah. More stores are likely to follow.
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