Apple's Retail Expansion in Saudi Arabia
Apple is set to launch its online store in Saudi Arabia by the summer of 2025, with plans to open physical stores starting in 2026. This marks a significant milestone as the US tech giant expands its footprint in the Gulf region. Previously, the Saudi market was served solely through Apple’s local partners.
Diriyah: A Highlight of Apple’s Saudi Venture
One of the planned physical stores will be located in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic location underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating with the Kingdom’s cultural and economic developments.
Enhanced Customer Experience
The online store will provide Saudi customers with access to Apple’s full product range and offer Arabic-language support for the first time. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the Saudi community.
Apple’s Initiatives in Saudi Arabia
Apple has been actively contributing to Saudi Arabia's technological development:
- Establishing a Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021 in collaboration with the Saudi Government.
- Launching Saudi Arabia's first co-ed Apple Foundation Program, focusing on coding and app development, with plans for further expansion in 2025.
Economic Impact
Apple’s expansion is expected to generate significant job opportunities and economic benefits. Over the past five years, Apple has invested more than SR10 billion in Saudi Arabia, supporting local businesses and industries.
Apple Pay Revolutionizes Riyadh Metro
Riyadh recently joined over 250 cities globally that support Apple Pay for transit payments. The introduction of Express Mode allows seamless and secure metro and bus payments, making it the first Middle Eastern city to offer this feature.
