Apple has announced the expansion of its retail presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with plans for an online store opening in 2025 and physical stores debuting in 2026. This initiative will provide Apple’s full range of products and dedicated Arabic support for customers, marking a significant investment in the region.
Apple plans retail expansion in Saudi Arabia by 2026
The online store will launch in summer 2025, followed by several flagship physical locations, starting in 2026, with an iconic store planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, expressed excitement about the expansion.
“We’re excited to be expanding here in Saudi Arabia with the launch of the Apple Store online next year, and the first of several flagship Apple Store locations starting in 2026, including an iconic store at the stunning site of Diriyah coming later,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Our teams are looking forward to deepening our connections with customers, and to bringing the best of Apple to help people across this country explore their passions, build their businesses, and take their ideas to the next level.”
Apple’s investment strategy also includes enhancing its educational programs within the country. The Apple Developer Academy, which opened in Riyadh in 2021, has already trained nearly 2,000 students. This facility offers world-class training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs, equipping them for careers in Saudi Arabia’s growing app economy.
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Expanding educational initiatives in Saudi Arabia
In addition to retail growth, Apple is expanding the coed Apple Foundation Program, designed to increase learning opportunities for more students. A recent monthlong course focused on coding fundamentals and app development attracted students nationwide, with the next cohort expected in spring 2025.
The success of these educational programs is evident in the burgeoning developer community in Saudi Arabia, with App Store earnings rising over 1,750% since 2019. Apple’s investments have totaled more than 10 billion SAR in the last five years, contributing to significant job creation and technological advancements.
Apple’s support also extends to practical technology usage; millions of transactions have taken place using Apple Pay in various configurations across Saudi Arabia’s expanding public transport system, which now includes the Riyadh metro. Riyadh is the first city in the Middle East to offer seamless transit services via Express Mode, allowing commuters to tap and pay using their Apple devices without needing to unlock them.
Apple is sending a clear message: the Middle East is becoming a key player in the global tech economy. Apple’s focus on education, like the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, shows a commitment to building local talent. Training 2,000 students in coding and entrepreneurship is setting the foundation for a thriving app economy. With App Store earnings in Saudi Arabia up 1,750% since 2019, Apple is creating developers and businesses that will shape the region’s tech future.
Featured image credit: Apple
