Launch of Dubai Apple Store delayed

Dubai - Etisalat and du are the authorised distributors of iPhones in the UAE but a couple of key retailers buy smartphones directly from Apple.

The first Apple Store in the Middle East at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates has been delayed for a month or two, sources told Khaleej Times.
The flagship store was supposed to open on September 28 along with the opening of a new expansion area in the mall.
The Cupertino-based company on Tuesday posted 14 fresh jobs on its official website for retail operations in the UAE.
The new jobs include Apple store leader program, store leader, inventory specialist, business specialist, creative, business manager, market leader, service specialist, genius, senior manager and manager, among others.
Earlier this month, Apple also advertised a few vacancies for sales and customer service experience among others. In March this year, the company advertised several positions in the UAE for sales, marketing and retail with job titles such as "Expert" and "Genius".
Although the size and opening date of Apple's first store in the Middle East is not yet confirmed by mall operator Majid Al Futtaim and the US company, Khaleej Times got the exact location of the store in the mall: shop number 489 on the second floor and it will be located between Italy's fashion brand Fendi and Harvey Nichols.
Earlier this year, Apple opened its regional headquarters in Emaar Square in Dubai. In 2011, the company launched the Apple Online Store UAE that offers a range of products, such as iPhones, iPads, iPods and MacBooks.
Etisalat and du are the authorised distributors of iPhones in the UAE but a couple of key retailers buy smartphones directly from Apple.
Apple products are already being sold by its authorised resellers at around 100 locations across Dubai, including all terminals at Dubai International Airport.
Abu Dhabi's newly-opened Yas Mall is likely to host the second Apple store in the UAE maybe next year, sources said. The space has been taken in the mall, they added.
It's also rumoured that The Dubai Mall will host the second Apple store in Dubai. The company has more than 450 retail stores in 16 countries and online stores are available in 39 countries. The company opened its latest store on September 19 in Brussels, Belgium.
- abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com