Apple Announces Arabic Online Store for Saudi Arabia in 2025, Landmark Diriyah Flagship Store to Follow in 2026
Apple is launching its first Arabic online store in Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, followed by an iconic flagship retail outlet in Diriyah in 2026. The expansion supports Vision 2030 through innovation, education, and digital growth.
In a move celebrated as a strong vote of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s digital future, Apple Inc. has officially announced plans to launch its first Arabic-language online store in the Kingdom by summer 2025, along with a new wave of flagship retail outlets — including a stunning new store in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The announcement underscores Apple’s growing presence in the region and its alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategic plan for economic diversification and innovation leadership.
A Seamless Shopping Experience, Now in Arabic
The upcoming online store will offer Apple’s full suite of products and services — from iPhones and iPads to MacBooks and accessories — through an interface tailored entirely for Arabic-speaking customers. Shoppers in the Kingdom can look forward to localized support, financing options, and personalized service in their native language.
This is the first time Apple’s global e-commerce platform has been fully customized for the Saudi market — a major step toward inclusive and localized digital access.
A Cultural Milestone: Apple’s Diriyah Store
Set to open in 2026, Apple’s flagship store in Diriyah is already being hailed as an “iconic” retail destination. Nestled in one of Saudi Arabia’s most historic areas, the store will be architecturally inspired by traditional Najdi design, celebrating the Kingdom’s heritage while embodying Apple’s futuristic retail approach.
Diriyah is currently undergoing a world-class redevelopment as part of Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism initiatives, and Apple’s presence will add a symbol of innovation to the heart of heritage.
Empowering Saudi Talent: Apple Developer Academy
Apple’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is not limited to commerce. In 2021, the company partnered with local institutions to establish the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh — the first of its kind in the region. With nearly 2,000 graduates, the Academy has empowered young Saudi women and men to launch apps, start businesses, and pursue careers in tech.
In 2024, Apple launched the Apple Foundation Program, the Kingdom’s first coeducational initiative in coding and game development. The program will return in spring 2025, reaffirming Apple’s commitment to nurturing local talent and building digital capabilities.
Boosting the Cashless Economy: Apple Pay's Continued Success
Since the launch of Apple Pay in 2019, the Kingdom has witnessed a sharp rise in digital payments. Riyadh became the first Middle Eastern city to implement Express Mode for Apple Pay on its metro and bus systems, enabling effortless, card-free commuting.
Apple also revealed that developer earnings in Saudi Arabia have grown by more than 1,750% over the past five years, with the company spending over SAR 10 billion (≈ USD 2.67 billion) with local vendors — an impact that directly supports Saudi jobs, innovation, and business growth.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Apple’s growing footprint in Saudi Arabia reinforces its alignment with Vision 2030, a national strategy aimed at positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in technology, education, and entrepreneurship.
By investing in digital retail, cultural engagement, financial innovation, and youth empowerment, Apple is not only expanding its brand — it’s becoming a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey.
For more updates on Saudi Arabia’s innovation landscape, follow Vision Gazette
