Apple's online store launch in Saudi Arabia sparks major retail revolution
- Apple will launch its online store in Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, followed by flagship retail stores in 2026.
- The online store will provide full product offerings along with Arabic customer support and services.
- Apple's expansion is part of a broader strategy to invest in Saudi Arabia's economy and promote local talent development.
In December 2024, Apple unveiled its strategic plans to enhance its presence in Saudi Arabia, announcing the launch of its first online store set for summer 2025. This online store will feature a comprehensive range of Apple products alongside dedicated customer service and Arabic language support. Following the online launch, Apple is poised to open flagship retail stores across the Kingdom in 2026, cementing its commitment to improving customer access and fostering a deeper connection with the local market. As part of its ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia, Apple has already made strides by establishing the region's first Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021, through a partnership with the Saudi government and local educational institutions. This initiative is geared towards nurturing local talent by providing training in coding and app development, exemplified by the successful hosting of the country’s inaugural coed Apple Foundation Program. The drive for Apple's expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and create jobs. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, expressed enthusiasm for the company's growth in the Kingdom, highlighting the potential to assist local individuals, artists, and entrepreneurs in taking their ideas to the next level. This partnership reflects a shared objective for economic enhancement that benefits both Saudi Arabia and Apple. To further solidify bilateral relations, recent discussions between high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia and the UK have emphasized the importance of increasing trade. The total trade volume between the two nations reached £17.6 billion ($22.4 billion) in March 2024, with aims to escalate this to £30 billion ($39.6 billion) by 2030. This increasing economic interdependence suggests a promising future for bilateral cooperation, especially in sectors like technology, tourism, and cultural exchanges.