Apple Reportedly Building 'World's Largest' Apple Store in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Last week, Apple posted retail job listings for a future retail store to be located in the United Arab Emirates, hinting that the company will soon open its first store in the Middle East. Now, Middle East website EDGARDaily.com reports that the store will be located at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates, and will be Apple's biggest retail location to date.

mall of the emirates

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates

Our undisclosed source said that the store – which will be the biggest Apple has ever built – was originally planned to replace the current cinema complex. The timing of the recent job adverts suggest the store could have a planned opening for the first quarter of 2015.

Dubai's Mall of the Emirates originally opened in September 2005 and boasts more than 700 stores and services over 2.4 million square feet, making it a desirable location for Apple to open a store. In February, Apple CEO Tim Cook was spotted visiting the country, posing for photos at Apple resellers and meeting with UAE Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. While the purpose of his visit was unknown, it is likely that Cook may have been meeting with officials to discuss growth opportunities for Apple in the region.

MacRumors did receive a tip last year claiming that Apple was planning to open its biggest retail store in the world, however that source claimed that it would be located at The Galleria in Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi. Based on hiring schedules, it is possible that the Apple Store at the Mall of the Emirates could open in February 2015.

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Top Rated Comments

szw-mapple fan Avatar
134 months ago
Apple should make an apple shaped artificial island on the coast and build it there. ;)
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kebabselector Avatar
134 months ago
https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge (https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge/)/

I assume they don't have a genius bar, just a genius chair
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0098386 Avatar
134 months ago
Meanwhile the one closest to my house at a mall is supposedly the worlds smallest Apple store. With 8-12 employees in it there is barely any room or a few customers. I don't even like to go in it.

The photo doesn't show the large table in the center.

https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge (https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge/)/

That's so sweet, bless its little heart!
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacVista Avatar
134 months ago
All the green Apple has done to this day will go right out the glass ceiling in the middle of the desert. :eek:
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mazz0 Avatar
134 months ago
Meanwhile the one closest to my house at a mall is supposedly the worlds smallest Apple store. With 8-12 employees in it there is barely any room or a few customers. I don't even like to go in it.

The photo doesn't show the large table in the center.

https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge (https://www.apple.com/retail/oakridge/)/

Aww, cute! :)
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OllyW Avatar
134 months ago
Moderator Note:

Posts on controversial political, religious, and social issues are to be limited to the Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum, and made only by those eligible for that forum.
Please stay on topic and lets keep this thread out of the PRSI forum (https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/politics-religion-social-issues.47/).
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)