Apple has announced plans to open its first flagship retail stores in Saudi Arabia by 2026, with an online Apple Store set to launch in the Kingdom as early as summer 2025. This marks a significant expansion for the tech giant in the Middle East, providing Saudi customers access to Apple’s full range of products and services in Arabic for the first time.
In a statement, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering deeper connections with Saudi customers, supporting their ambitions, and enriching their experiences. “We are excited to bring Apple’s innovative services and personalized support to Saudi Arabia,” Cook said.
The new retail locations will offer customers opportunities to shop, compare products, and explore financing and payment options. The stores will also provide personalized device setup and expert support from Apple’s trained team members. Among the planned locations is a flagship store at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, signaling Apple’s intent to integrate its brand within Saudi Arabia’s cultural landmarks.
Apple’s retail expansion builds on its existing investments in the Kingdom. The company operates the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which opened in 2021 at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The academy focuses on empowering women through training in coding, app design, and entrepreneurship. Graduates from the program have successfully launched apps catering to both local and international markets, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning app economy.
Additionally, Apple has spent over 10 billion Saudi riyals (SAR) with local businesses over the past five years and continues to support public transit innovations such as Apple Pay, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision for technological and economic growth.
Apple’s entry into the Saudi retail market comes amid a broader push by the Kingdom to attract global companies as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify its economy and promote technological innovation.
The opening of Apple’s flagship stores is expected to create significant local job opportunities while providing Saudi consumers with direct access to Apple’s renowned products and services. With this move, Apple joins a growing list of global companies expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the region’s increasing importance in the global tech landscape.
By bringing its physical stores to the Kingdom, Apple is set to deepen its relationship with Saudi customers, offering them a blend of cutting-edge technology and premium service tailored to local needs.
