Apple Ramps Up Investment in Saudi Arabia with New Stores and Expanded Education Programs
Tech Giant Signals Strong Commitment to the Region
In a significant move, Apple announced plans to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, promising new retail experiences and broader access to its innovative program for aspiring developers. This expansion underlines Apple’s commitment to connecting with customers and fostering talent within the rapidly growing tech landscape of Saudi Arabia.
Starting in summer 2025, citizens across the country will be able to enjoy a convenient new way to shop Apple’s full product line. An online store will bring exceptional service and support directly from Apple – with all interactions in Arabic for the first time. The expansion continues in 2026 with the opening of several new Apple Store locations, offering customers even more opportunities to interact with Apple’s knowledgeable team members and discover the perfect products and services.
Apple is also planning an iconic retail store at the heart of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“We’re excited to expand here in Saudi Arabia with the launch of the Apple Store online next year, and the first of several flagship Apple Store locations starting in 2026, including an incredible store at the stunning site of Diriyah coming later,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “Our teams are looking forward to deepening our connections with customers, and to bringing the best of Apple to help people across this country explore their passions, build their businesses, and take their ideas to the next level.”
Apple’s commitment to improving access to technology and its benefits extends beyond the retail experience. The tech giant is expanding its partnership with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, home to the region’s first Apple Developer Academy, which opened in 2021 in Riyadh. The academy, established in partnership with the delicate and Tuwaiq Academy, empowers aspiring coders, designers, and entrepreneurs with a world-class education, preparing them for careers in the thriving Saudi Arabian app economy.
Nearly 2,000 students have already completed programming courses through the academy, with graduates now publishing their apps for both domestic and global audiences on the App Store. Apple is further expanding its educational force by fantastic extending the coed Apple Foundation Program, which provides foundational knowledge of coding and app development, with a focus on gaming. The next cohort is planned for spring 2025.
The success of the Apple Developer Academy highlights the growth of the Saudi developer community, a force fueling these graduates are not alone in pursuing careers in the thriving iOS app economy. Apple continues to invest in Saudi Arabia, spurring job creation and bringing new technologies to artists, entrepreneurs, and commuters nationwide. The app economy is booming, with more and more developers embracing the opportunities offered by the App Store and Apple’s multifaceted developer tools.
Since 2019, developer earnings in Saudi Arabia have soared, increasing by over 1,750 percent.
Beyond education, Apple is investing in infrastructure to improve everyday experiences for Saudi residents. Apple Pay continues to expand its reach, becoming available for public transport with the launch of Riyadh’s metro earlier this month, WA ynals
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The expression of Apple services across Saudi Arabia.
Over the past year, Apple has spent more than 10 billion SAR with companies across the country.
Apple is becoming an ever-present part of the Saudi Arabian landscape.
Riyadh became the latest to join the
What are the potential benefits and downsides of Apple’s expansion into Saudi Arabia for both Apple and the Saudi Arabian people?
## Apple Goes All-in on Saudi Arabia: A Conversation with Alex Reed, Tech Analyst
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a major announcement from Apple about their expansion plans in Saudi Arabia. Joining us to shed light on this development is Alex Reed, a leading tech analyst. Alex Reed, thanks for being here.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Apple’s announcement focuses on both retail and education. Can you give us a breakdown of what they’ve unveiled?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Apple is clearly making a significant investment in Saudi Arabia. They’re launching an online store next summer, which is huge because it will be fully in Arabic and provide direct service and support for the first time. Then, in 2026, we’ll see physical Apple Stores popping up across the country, including a flagship store in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This shows a real commitment to creating a premium experience for Saudi Arabian customers. [[1](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241208735061/en/Apple-announces-Apple-Retail-expansion-in-the-Kingdom-of-Saudi-Arabia)]
**Host:** So it’s about more than just selling products.
**Alex Reed:** Exactly. Apple is also investing heavily in education through their partnership with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and the Apple Developer Academy. This academy, launched in 2021, is already empowering young Saudis to become coders, designers, and entrepreneurs. This expansion suggests Apple sees Saudi Arabia as a hub for technological innovation.
**Host:** What does this move signify for Apple, and for Saudi Arabia?
**Alex Reed:** For Apple, it’s a clear push into a rapidly growing market with a young population hungry for technology. For Saudi Arabia, it’s a major endorsement of their economic diversification efforts and their drive to become a tech leader in the region. This partnership could really accelerate the growth of the Saudi Arabian tech sector.
**Host:** Any final thoughts?
**Alex Reed:** It’ll be fascinating to see how this investment unfolds. I think both Apple and Saudi Arabia stand to benefit tremendously from this collaboration. It’s a win-win situation that could have significant ripple effects throughout the region.
**Host:** Alex Reed, thanks for your insights.
