Apple has opened its first store in Al Ain, UAE, marking its
fifth retail location in the country, with a strong commitment to the UAE’s
sustainability goals. The new store operates entirely on renewable energy and
integrates environmentally friendly materials while offering the full range of
Apple products and services.
Apple officially launched its newest retail store in Al
Ain's Al Jimi Mall on Thursday, September 25, 2025, marking a significant
milestone as its first presence in the city and its fifth in the UAE. This
expansion is coupled with a pledge to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda
by implementing eco-friendly practices and renewable energy usage in the
store’s design and operation.
As reported by Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice
president for retail and people, in an interview with The National, the
new Apple Al Jimi Mall store is fully powered by 100% sustainable energy. She
emphasised, “The UAE continues to be an incredibly important market for Apple
and our investments here reflect that. Beyond retail, we’re committed to
supporting the country’s growth in areas like education, accessibility,
sustainability and technology”.
Store Features Highlighting Sustainability
The Al Ain store incorporates multiple eco-conscious design
elements. One key feature is the biopolymer terrazzo floor, made from natural
polymers produced by living organisms, described as "nature’s version of
plastic." This innovative flooring is an example of Apple’s focus on
utilizing environmentally responsible materials in construction.
In addition, the store operates entirely on renewable
energy, aligning with Apple’s global target of carbon neutrality in corporate
operations and supply chains. This local implementation underscores Apple's
commitment to reducing its environmental footprint in line with the UAE’s
sustainability objectives.
Accessibility and Customer Experience
Apple has designed the Al Jimi Mall outlet to be accessible
to all customers by including wider pathways, varied table and seating heights,
enhanced visual and acoustic clarity, as well as expanded assisted-listening
systems. These features ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for
visitors.
The store offers personalised customer services, including
shopping support, trade-in programmes, and monthly financing plans. Customers
can explore the latest Apple products like the iPhone 17 series, MacBook Pro
with M4 chips, iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Watch Series 11, and the
new AirPods Pro 3.
Education and Community Engagement
The Al Ain store also hosts Today at Apple sessions,
free educational workshops focusing on skills such as photography, video,
music, coding, and creativity enhancement. These workshops are designed to
inspire local youth and support lifelong learning, with sessions specifically
targeted at students and developers across the Emirates.
Deirdre O’Brien noted that expanding the Today at Apple
programme in Al Ain will help “spark creativity among students and young people
in Al Ain and across the Emirates,” reinforcing the company’s role in community
development alongside retail expansion.
Apple's Growing Investment in the UAE
Apple’s investments in the UAE have reached over AED 6
billion ($1.6 billion) in the previous five years, supporting more than 38,000
jobs and enabling developers to earn nearly AED 5 billion from apps on the App
Store. The UAE remains a priority market, often receiving Apple’s newest
devices ahead of other countries.
The company’s network now spans 533 retail locations
globally, with the UAE stores among the busiest, reflecting the country’s high
consumer demand and vibrant market. Besides Al Ain, existing stores are located
in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall and Al Maryah Island, and Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates
and Dubai Mall—each contributing uniquely to Apple's regional footprint.
Market and Industry Perspective
The UAE is the Arab world’s second-largest economy and has
become a key market for Apple’s latest innovations. On the opening day,
thousands queued to purchase the latest releases, including the iPhone 17
series and new slim iPhone Air, highlighting the strong demand for Apple
products.
The Al Ain store’s launch, focused on sustainable
infrastructure and inclusive design, represents a broader trend in the tech
industry where corporate responsibility is integral to retail strategy. The UAE
government’s 2050 net-zero target is mirrored in Apple's operations, which
could influence further developments in environmentally friendly retail
practices.
Store Details and Operation
The Apple Al Jimi Mall store opens daily from 10 a.m. to 10
p.m., with extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays to
accommodate weekend visitors. The store provides a dedicated pickup area for
online order collections and offers a comprehensive Genius Bar for customer
support, ensuring a full-service experience.
This new location solidifies Apple’s commitment to deepening connections with local communities, providing not only access to technology but also serving as a hub for education, creativity, and sustainability in Al Ain and the broader Garden City region.