Apple announces major retail expansion in Saudi Arabia

Apple is set to significantly enhance its presence in Saudi Arabia with the announcement of an online Apple Store launching in the summer of 2025, followed by the opening of flagship Apple Stores in key locations starting in 2026.

The expansion will include an iconic retail location in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The online Apple Store will provide Saudi customers with access to Apple’s full range of products and services, offering an all-new shopping experience in Arabic.

Key milestone for Apple

This marks Apple’s first direct retail service in the kingdom and is a significant milestone in the company’s local operations.

CEO Tim Cook commented on 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.

“Our teams are looking forward to deepening our connections with customers, helping people across the country explore their passions, build their businesses, and take their ideas to the next level.”

Education and developer programme growth

Beyond retail, Apple is continuing its educational investments in Saudi Arabia. The company has already made strides with the all-women Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which opened in 2021 in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

The academy’s mission is to train aspiring developers, designers, and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills to participate in the country’s booming app economy.

Nearly 2,000 students have graduated from the academy, with many now publishing apps on the App Store for both domestic and global audiences.

Apple is also expanding its educational efforts with the launch of the coed Apple Foundation Program, which hosted its first cohort of students this summer.

The one-month course, focused on coding and app development, will be expanded in 2025, continuing to promote skills for Saudi Arabia’s next generation of tech leaders.

Economic impact and Saudi Developer Community

Apple’s continued investments in the kingdom are helping to accelerate job creation and economic growth. The Saudi app economy has seen an explosive growth trajectory, with earnings for developers in the kingdom increasing by more than 1,750 per cent since 2019.

As part of this ecosystem, Apple’s services, including Apple Pay, are now integrated into Riyadh’s new metro system, allowing users to pay seamlessly with Express Mode via iPhone or Apple Watch.

Since 2019, the tech giant has invested over SAR10bn in Saudi businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and commuters across the country.

With the launch of the metro, Riyadh becomes the first Middle Eastern city to offer Express Mode for Apple Pay, further driving the company’s influence in the kingdom.