Nothing Phone (3) launches in UAE: Fans flock to Dubai Mall for early access

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

On the eve of the official UAE launch of the Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1), a crowd began to gather hours in advance at Sharaf DG, Dubai Mall. Some came out of pure loyalty. Others came for the exclusive #Drops100 campaign, which promised early access to the brand's newest devices — and even better, a surprise upgrade deal.
The offer is that if you purchase the Nothing Phone (3) priced at Dh3,299, you'll get the Headphone (1) at no additional cost.
Organised by Nothing Tech as part of a global initiative across select cities including Dubai, the #Drops100 campaign is a gesture of gratitude to the brand's fast-growing fanbase.
'The #Drops100 campaign is about rewarding our community,' said Rishi Kishor Gupta, Nothing's Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa. 'We're doing this in a few key markets ahead of the official launch, and Dubai is a major one for us.'
If the early access wasn't enough, Gupta also revealed that on July 18, launch day buyers of the 12GB + 256GB version of the Phone (3) will receive a free automatic upgrade to the 16GB + 512GB model — plus a complimentary pair of Nothing earphones.
During the #Drops100 campaign in Dubai Mall's Sharaf DG, the first one to get his hands on the Nothing Phone (3) was Faisal Obaid, a local Emirati who's been first in line at every Nothing launch for the last two years.
'I came before 4pm today. I had to be here,' he said. 'The design is the best thing they offer. It's detailed, different from any other brand. And every year, the performance just keeps getting better.'
Faisal chose the black variant, praising the Glyph interface and the brand's bold approach to standing out in a market crowded with lookalikes.
From Sri Lanka to Finland
The event also drew an enthusiastic mix of Dubai residents. A group from Sri Lanka raved about Nothing OS, calling the software 'the smoothest we've used.' Malik Shibli, a Dubai-based user of the Nothing Phone (1), said he's been holding out for the right upgrade: 'The new camera system is what I'm most excited for.'
Chantelle, originally from South Africa, came to buy the phone as a birthday gift for her son, who is currently in Finland. 'He's been tracking this release for months and asked me if I can get it today,' she said. "So here I am."
Meanwhile, Abdul, a Palestinian expat using the Nothing Phone (2), shared what draws him to the brand: 'It doesn't feel like just another slab of metal. It's personal. Every detail matters and that's why I'm here.'
The turnout reflected what Nothing is gradually building in the region: a cult following rooted in thoughtful design, playful innovation, and an ecosystem-first approach.
And for many who lined up, the wait was worth it. The Nothing Phone (3) officially launches in UAE on July 18, with with two configurations of the Phone (3): 12GB + 256GB, priced at Dh2,999 and 16GB + 512GB, priced at Dh3,299.