Latest news with #DeirdreOBrien
Economy ME
22-07-2025
- Business
- Economy ME
Apple introduces localized shopping experience in Saudi Arabia with new online store, app
Apple has broadened its retail footprint in Saudi Arabia by launching the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app, which now provide support in Arabic for the first time. Customers can explore Apple's complete range of products while enjoying exceptional service from dedicated team members, according to a statement . Free engraving in both Arabic and English is offered for items such as AirPods and the Apple Pencil. To facilitate flexible shopping, the Apple Store online will introduce an affordability option through Tamara. With the Buy Now Pay Later feature, customers can shop their preferred lineups and pay in four-month installments at 0 percent interest. Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and People, expressed, 'We are excited to bring the Apple Store online and app to Saudi Arabia, providing customers with a new way to explore our products and services.' Last month, Apple revealed its intention to open its first official Apple Store in Egypt, marking a significant milestone in the company's broader ambitions to expand throughout Africa and the Middle East. Talks between Apple and Egypt's government have emphasized Cairo's strategic significance as a hub for digital innovation. The new store is set to provide direct access to Apple's products and services, invigorate the local tech ecosystem, and create high-quality local job opportunities. This initiative builds upon Apple's existing regional support centers and training facilities already established in Egypt. Apple plans to launch several flagship stores in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, including a remarkable location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This expansion complements Apple's ongoing initiatives in the region, such as the first Apple Developer Academy, which opened in Riyadh in 2021. (Photo Credit: Apple) Read more: Apple tops iPhone market in China with 15 percent global sales growth, strongest since COVID Apple expands in UAE and Egypt Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to the Gulf region by inaugurating additional flagship retail stores in the UAE, with a fifth store launched recently. The UAE remains a crucial market, providing customized customer experiences and complete access to Apple's lineup of products and services in both English and Arabic. The expansion within the UAE coincided with high-profile visits from Apple leadership, including Tim Cook, highlighting the strategic importance of the region to the company's global growth objectives. In India, Apple has made swift advancements by launching two official Apple Stores in 2023 and announcing plans for four more locations in major metro areas, with anticipated openings in Bengaluru, Pune, and an expanded presence in Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. These stores are integral to Apple's broader retail strategy in emerging growth markets, which emphasizes localized services, multi-language support, and unique retail experiences. Key Features Mirroring Saudi Expansion: Localized language support is increasingly featured in regional online stores and apps, enhancing accessibility and service. The personalized retail experience is part of Apple's global retail rollout model, which includes tailored recommendations, integrated payment and financing support, and local customer care. Investment in education is evidenced by initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy and Foundation Program, which offer learning opportunities that often accompany Apple's retail entry into new countries. Flagship store locations are strategically launched—such as plans for an iconic store at a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia and key flagship sites in the UAE and India—underscoring Apple's commitment to creating local destination retail experiences.
The National
22-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Apple starts Saudi retail operations with opening of web and app stores
Apple has initiated its retail presence in Saudi Arabia with a website and mobile application as it plans a major expansion in the kingdom. The website and iPhone app are now live, and give consumers in the Arab world's biggest economy the full range of Apple products, the California-based company said on Tuesday. It is also the first time Apple has offered direct service and support in Arabic. Apple's array of services in Saudi Arabia will include dedicated support teams, flexible payment options, a trade-in programme, free engraving and special pricing for customers in the education sector. Retail channels will offer customers "a new way to explore and shop", said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of retail and people. The company's physical presence remains vital to its overall retail strategy, despite the popularity of online shopping channels. From its first shops that opened in the US states of Virginia and California in 2001, Apple now has a network of 535 outlets across 27 countries and territories, according to the company's website. Apple first revealed plans to expand in Saudi Arabia in December, planning several stores including an "iconic" outlet in the historic city of Diriyah, as it increases its regional presence. Tuesday's statement said Apple is in the "initial stages" of planning to open the store in Diriyah, a Unesco World Heritage Site. In 2021, it opened the region's first Apple Developer Academy in the kingdom. Two students from the programme emerged as global winners in 2024. The company also launched its latest hearing aid and hearing test services in March, offering residents in the kingdom free access to the technology. The company first entered the Gulf in 2011 when it opened its online store in the UAE. It has since opened four Apple Stores in the Emirates, two each in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A fifth outlet is scheduled to open in Al Ain this year as part of Apple's wider investments in the UAE that have totalled Dh6 billion ($1.6 billion) in the past five years, the company says.
Gulf Business
22-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi customers alert: Apple Retail arrives in the country
Image credit: Apple Newsroom/Website Apple announced on July 21 the expansion of its retail operations into the Saudi Arabia, unveiling the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app — both now available in Arabic for the first time. This milestone ushers in a new era for Saudi customers, who can now access Apple's full range of products and services directly from Apple with dedicated local support. Read- '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,' said Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice president of Retail and People. '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.' Personalised and seamless shopping experience The Apple Store online is the ideal platform for customers in Saudi Arabia to discover, explore, and purchase Apple's complete product lineup. Through the Apple Store app, users benefit from a personalized shopping journey, with tailored product recommendations based on devices they already own. The app also enables customers to compare different models, save favorite items, and track orders conveniently, Particularly spotlighted is the new iPhone 16 lineup, which Apple highlights as 'built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence.' This latest generation unlocks advanced capabilities to enhance user experience, while also taking a significant step forward in user privacy and data protection. For Mac users, Apple offers customisable, configure-to-order options allowing shoppers to select specifications such as chip, memory, and storage to suit their unique needs. Apple Watch buyers can also personalize their devices by mixing and matching cases and bands for a distinct look. In a first for Apple's Arabic-speaking customers, free engraving is now available in both Arabic and English on select products including AirPods, Apple Pencil, and AirTag. Customers can add text, emojis, and numbers in dual languages at no additional cost via Enhanced retail services tailored for Saudi customers Apple's retail services in Saudi Arabia are designed to provide a seamless and comprehensive shopping experience. Customers can connect with Apple experts through chat or phone for personalized product guidance, ensuring they find the device that best fits their lifestyle and needs. After purchase, Apple offers online assistance with Personal Setup, which includes help migrating data safely when switching to iOS, and support for cellular activation. In addition to flexible shopping options, Apple has partnered with Tamara to offer 'Buy Now, Pay Later' installments at zero percent interest, allowing customers to pay over four months. This affordability program makes it easier for shoppers to access Apple's latest technology without upfront financial strain. Apple's Trade In program is also available to Saudi customers, offering credit towards new devices when trading in eligible older devices. Devices that don't qualify for credit can still be recycled for free, supporting Apple's environmental commitment by reducing electronic waste and conserving resources. Customers can also opt for AppleCare+, which provides two years of priority service and expert technical support for iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch devices. The plan offers peace of mind through coverage options and priority access to Apple support teams. Additionally, Apple's Education Store offers exclusive discounts on Macs and iPads for higher education students, parents, and educators across all levels. Until September 30, eligible customers can also benefit from a special back-to-school promotion that includes free AirPods or accessories with the purchase of qualifying devices. Looking ahead: Apple's future physical stores in Saudi Arabia Building on the momentum of its digital launch, Apple announced plans to open several flagship Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia, beginning in 2026. Among these is a highly anticipated retail store in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which Apple describes as an iconic addition to the country's cultural landscape. This retail expansion complements Apple's ongoing investments in the region, including the first Apple Developer Academy in the Middle East, which opened in Riyadh in 2021. The academy is a partnership with the Saudi government, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, aimed at nurturing local talent in app development and technology innovation. With the launch of the Apple Store online, app, and the upcoming physical stores, Apple is set to deepen its connection with Saudi Arabia's tech-savvy consumers while supporting the country's growing digital economy.
