Apple has temporarily closed all five of its stores in the United Arab Emirates. This includes three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai. According to the company's official website, the stores will remain closed until at least Tuesday, March 3.
The measure is being taken in a tense regional environment and is related to a current security situation.
Apple operates its own retail stores worldwide, which serve as central hubs for sales, advice, and service. The stores are also important locations in the United Arab Emirates, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The closure of all branches across an entire country is not an everyday occurrence. It coincides with an official recommendation from the government of the United Arab Emirates to companies in the private sector.
Background to the closures
According to Apple's website, all five stores will remain closed until at least Tuesday, March 3. This deadline aligns with the recommendation of the UAE government. Private sector companies are advised to implement measures from Sunday, March 1, to Tuesday, March 3, to minimize the presence of employees in public areas.
Affected locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
A total of five Apple Stores are affected:
- Three branches in Abu Dhabi
- Two branches in Dubai
One of the closed stores is located in the Dubai Mall, in the immediate vicinity of the Burj Khalifa, the city's most famous skyscraper. A sign on site indicates that the store will remain closed "until further notice".
This means that all physical Apple locations in the United Arab Emirates are currently out of service.
Geopolitical context
The closures come against the backdrop of an escalating conflict in the Middle East. Following recent attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, tensions in the region have intensified. In this environment, companies are taking additional security measures.
Apple is responding to this situation by temporarily closing its stores. It is currently unknown whether the stores will reopen as normal after March 3rd or whether the closure will be extended.
Apple is closing all stores in the United Arab Emirates
Apple has temporarily closed all five of its stores in the United Arab Emirates. The measure will remain in place until at least March 3 and is related to a security situation and an official government recommendation to reduce employee presence in public areas.
Three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai are affected, including the Apple Store in the Dubai Mall near the Burj Khalifa. Further information regarding the duration of the closures is not currently available. (Image: Apple)
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