Apple has unveiled plans for a major expansion in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the company’s growth strategy in the region.
The tech giant will kick off its expansion with the launch of an Arabic-language online store in the summer of 2025, followed by the opening of several flagship Apple Store locations starting in 2026.
Apple also revealed plans for an iconic flagship store at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which will be one of the company’s landmark retail locations in the Kingdom.
Apple expansion details
- Online Store Launch: Apple will introduce its Arabic-language online store in Saudi Arabia in the summer 2025, offering local customers an improved shopping experience, featuring Apple’s full range of products, customer service, and support in Arabic for the first time.
- Flagship Retail Stores: Starting in 2026, Apple plans to open its first physical flagship Apple Stores in Saudi Arabia. These stores will offer customers the chance to explore Apple products with personalized support from trained team members.
- Iconic Diriyah Store: As part of the retail expansion, Apple is also planning a flagship store at Diriyah, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, marking a bold step in the company’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic growth.
“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.”
Supporting Local Developer ecosystem
Apple’s retail expansion builds on its ongoing efforts to support the Kingdom’s growing tech ecosystem. This includes the Apple Developer Academy, which opened in Riyadh in 2021, and the recent launch of the coed Apple Foundation Program in Saudi Arabia this summer. The Academy, in partnership with local institutions like Tuwaiq Academy and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, offers world-class training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs.
The all-women Apple Developer Academy located at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University offers world-class training for aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. Since its opening, nearly 2,000 students have completed programming courses and are now publishing apps on the App Store, contributing to the rapidly growing app economy in Saudi Arabia. Apple also plans to expand its Apple Foundation Program offerings, with the next cohort slated for spring 2025.
Expanding Economic Impact and Local Investment
In addition to retail and educational initiatives, Apple continues to make significant investments in Saudi Arabia. Over the past five years, the company has spent more than 10 billion SAR with local businesses. Apple has also introduced Apple Pay in Riyadh, allowing users to seamlessly tap and pay for transit services with Express Mode, marking Riyadh as the first city in the Middle East to offer this feature for both metro and bus rides.
Apple’s investments contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals, creating jobs and enabling small businesses to thrive using Apple’s suite of products and services. The company’s ecosystem is fueling innovation across sectors, from gaming and app development to retail and transportation.
