People from across the globe are expected to arrive in the UAE by September 19 to purchase the latest iPhones. Traders anticipate visitors from India and CIS regions, among others, eager to secure the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air as soon as they launch.
Mohammad Razik from Right Exit Phones Trading at Al Attar Shopping Mall stated, “We foresee customers from various countries, including India and the CIS, traveling to the UAE for their iPhones. We’ve already received three bookings from international customers and anticipate more once the phones are available.”
Apple revealed the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and Air on September 9, marking the most significant update in eight years. The iPhone Air, the company’s thinnest model, features a groundbreaking design and titanium frame with top-tier performance.
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Pre-orders commenced Friday, September 12 at 4pm UAE time, selling out swiftly. In the UAE, the iPhone Air starts at Dh4299, the iPhone 17 Pro at Dh5099, and the iPhone 17 at Dh4699.
Accessibility Benefits
Experts cite several reasons for the UAE’s popularity in purchasing these devices. “One key factor is accessibility,” noted Mohammed Shareef, owner of Extel mobiles. “Additionally, the UAE market offers more availability.”
He mentioned that many Indians prefer buying from the UAE despite availability in India.
“Major Indian cities have Apple stores, but with the UAE a brief four-hour flight away, many opt for a quick trip to purchase their phones,” he explained. “Plus, accessing Apple stores in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi is straightforward.”
Experts informed Khaleej Times that some buyers are willing to pay double to acquire Apple devices on launch day. The first phones will be delivered starting September 19.
For Indian expat Rahib Mohammed, cost drives him to the UAE for his new iPhone. “I’ll visit Dubai in October for work and plan to buy my iPhone there. It’s more cost-effective, and I expect better stock availability, allowing me to purchase sooner than in India.”
Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jackys BrandShop, previously noted that since the UAE is a phase 1 market, he expects visitors from phase 2 countries. However, he emphasized that sales are to genuine customers, not traders.
