Tim Cook CEO of Apple | Apple
Apple has announced plans to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, beginning with the launch of an online Apple Store in the summer of 2025. This new platform will allow customers throughout the country to shop for Apple's full range of products, with support available in Arabic for the first time.
In 2026, Apple will open several flagship retail stores across Saudi Arabia. Among these will be a notable store at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, expressed enthusiasm about this development: “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.”
The expansion is part of Apple's ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia. The company previously opened the region's first Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh in 2021. This all-women academy offers training for aspiring coders and entrepreneurs and has seen nearly 2,000 students complete programming courses.
Apple also hosted its first coed Apple Foundation Program this summer, focusing on coding and app development. Plans are underway to expand this program further with a new cohort set for spring 2025.
The growth of the app economy is significant in Saudi Arabia, with developer earnings increasing by over 1,750 percent since 2019. Apple's investments have also contributed to job creation and technological advancements across various sectors.
Additionally, Riyadh has become the first city in the Middle East where users can use Express Mode on public transit systems via Apple Pay. This feature allows commuters to pay seamlessly without unlocking their devices.
