Apple Expands in Saudi Arabia

Apple revealed plans to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia, starting with the launch of the Apple Store online in summer 2025. The online store will offer Saudi customers access to Apple’s full product range with unmatched service and support, including Arabic language assistance for the first time.

Following the online launch, Apple will open its first flagship retail stores in the Kingdom in 2026, providing even more opportunities for customers to explore Apple products and services in person. Among these, a landmark store is planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Apple CEO Tim Cook expressed excitement about the expansion, saying, “We’re thrilled to bring the Apple Store online next year and the first of several flagship locations in 2026, including an iconic store in Diriyah. We look forward to deepening our connection with customers and helping people across Saudi Arabia achieve their goals, build businesses, and explore their passions.”

This expansion builds on Apple’s significant investments in Saudi Arabia, including the opening of the first Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021. The all-women academy, a partnership with the Government of Saudi Arabia, Tuwaiq Academy, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, has trained nearly 2,000 students, many of whom are now publishing apps on the App Store for global and domestic audiences.

Apple has also introduced the Apple Foundation Program in Saudi Arabia, a coed initiative that teaches coding and app development. Following the program’s successful launch, Apple plans to expand it further in spring 2025.

Since 2019, earnings for developers in Saudi Arabia have surged by more than 1,750%, reflecting the rapid growth of the local app economy. Apple’s tools and platforms have been instrumental in driving this success, empowering Saudi developers and businesses of all sizes.

In addition to supporting app development, Apple continues to transform everyday life in Saudi Arabia with services like Apple Pay, which has become widely adopted since its launch in 2019. Recently, Riyadh became the first city in the Middle East to introduce Express Mode for transit payments, allowing commuters to pay for metro and bus rides seamlessly using their iPhone or Apple Watch.

Over the past five years, Apple has invested more than 10 billion SAR in Saudi Arabia, fostering job creation and innovation. This ongoing commitment highlights Apple’s role in driving economic growth and supporting technological advancements across the Kingdom.

Apple’s expansion marks a significant milestone, bringing innovative products, exceptional services, and new opportunities to Saudi Arabia’s growing tech ecosystem.