UAE Prepares for Influx of International Buyers for New iPhone Launch
The United Arab Emirates is anticipating a significant surge of international shoppers ahead of the September 19th sales launch of Apple’s newest iPhone models. Retailers are preparing for an influx of tech enthusiasts from India, CIS countries, and other regions, all eager to be among the first to purchase the newly unveiled iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the highly anticipated iPhone Air.
Apple introduced its latest lineup on September 9th, with the ultra-slim iPhone Air generating the most buzz for its innovative design, titanium frame, and Pro-level performance. Pre-orders for the new devices opened at 4:00 PM UAE time on Friday, September 12th, with available slots selling out within minutes. In the Emirates, pricing starts at AED 4,299 for the iPhone Air, AED 4,699 for the iPhone 17, and AED 5,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro.
Industry experts point to several factors driving this international demand for UAE-purchased iPhones, including excellent flight connectivity, a price advantage, and the high concentration of official Apple stores. For many, the price difference is a key motivator. For instance, a 2TB iPhone 17 Pro costs approximately AED 9,500 in India but is available for AED 8,499 in the UAE. Some dedicated fans are even willing to pay double the price to secure a device on the very first day of availability.
This trend mirrors last year’s unprecedented frenzy for the iPhone 16 launch, which saw long queues and disappointed shoppers who were unable to enter stores. Learning from that experience, strict crowd control measures have been implemented for the 2024 launch. Walk-in purchases without a prior online reservation are not permitted, with those who pre-ordered online assigned specific time slots for collection.
Furthermore, Apple has enforced a purchase limit of two phones per Apple ID, effectively preventing individuals from buying large quantities at once. Despite this restriction, some creative buyers have attempted to circumvent the rule by using multiple IDs to acquire several devices. The combination of new products, competitive pricing, and streamlined logistics continues to cement the UAE’s status as a premier global destination for the latest technology releases.
Source: Khaleej Times
