Apple Inc., the global technology leader known for its innovation and customer-centric products, is undergoing a significant expansion phase in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The tech giant has ramped up hiring in both countries, opening the door for hundreds of job opportunities across various functions. This strategic move underscores Apple’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the region by investing in infrastructure, retail, and human capital.
With Saudi Arabia witnessing a surge in tech adoption and digital transformation, Apple’s decision to increase its workforce in the Kingdom comes at an opportune time. The job postings reflect a diverse range of positions—ranging from technical support and sales to operations, marketing, and legal functions. Similarly, the UAE, already home to four Apple Stores, is preparing to welcome a fifth outlet, with new roles being offered in store management, business operations, and regional leadership for its online retail segment.
Apple to Launch Online Store and New Flagship Stores in Saudi Arabia
A central component of Apple’s hiring spree is its plan to launch an online Apple Store in Saudi Arabia by summer 2025. This marks a milestone as it will be the company’s first direct-to-consumer digital retail platform in the Kingdom. The online store will be followed by the opening of several flagship retail locations in 2026.
This strategy not only caters to Saudi Arabia’s growing appetite for Apple products and services but also enhances the company’s direct engagement with customers. The flagship stores, once operational, are expected to provide a unique shopping experience, incorporating Apple’s signature minimalist aesthetic, personalized customer service, and immersive product demonstrations.
By expanding its physical and digital footprint in Saudi Arabia, Apple is not only tapping into a lucrative market but also reinforcing its long-term vision of local engagement and economic contribution. The company’s presence will also encourage local talent to become part of a global brand, promoting knowledge transfer and career development within the region.
New Store in Al Ain Adds to Apple’s UAE Portfolio
Apple’s retail growth isn’t limited to Saudi Arabia. In the UAE, the company has announced plans for its fifth store, this time in Al Ain. The UAE already boasts a strong Apple retail presence, including stores in iconic locations like the Dubai Mall and Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall. The new outlet in Al Ain is another step in the tech company’s mission to bring its services closer to customers across the Emirates.
Apple CEO Tim Cook had earlier emphasized the importance of the UAE market, describing it as a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship. “The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to keep growing our teams, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our ties with our customers here,” said Cook in a public statement last December.
The establishment of the new store in Al Ain is expected to contribute to local employment, enhance customer accessibility, and further Apple’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction in the region.
Career Prospects with Apple: High Standards, Global Recognition
A career with Apple is widely regarded as prestigious, offering employees a chance to work with a world-class team, gain exposure to cutting-edge technology, and grow professionally within a globally respected brand. The recruitment campaigns in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aimed at hiring highly skilled, motivated individuals who are not only tech-savvy but also passionate about delivering exceptional customer service.
The job opportunities span across various departments—management, business development, legal counsel, sales, and marketing, to name a few. Each role presents unique challenges and growth potential. Apple emphasizes inclusion, creativity, and continuous learning as part of its corporate culture, making it an attractive employer for ambitious professionals in the region.
As the company deepens its roots in the Middle East, Apple’s workforce will play a critical role in bringing its products and ecosystem to life for millions of customers. For young graduates, tech enthusiasts, and experienced professionals alike, this hiring spree could be a gateway to a rewarding global career.
Apple Faces Challenges Amid Global Trade Tensions
Despite its aggressive expansion in the Middle East, Apple is navigating challenging terrain globally. Trade tensions between the United States and China, intensified by the current US administration’s imposition of tariffs, are pressuring tech firms to reconsider their supply chain strategies.
Apple, which relies heavily on Asian manufacturing hubs, faces a steep rise in costs if compelled to bring production back to the United States. According to Dan Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, manufacturing iPhones in the US could result in a dramatic price hike, potentially pushing the cost of a single iPhone to $3,500. This is due to the complexity and cost of replicating the highly optimized Asian production ecosystem.
Shifting even a small portion—just 10%—of production to the US could cost Apple around $30 billion and take up to three years. In the meantime, the company is exploring alternative manufacturing sites, with Chinese supplier Luxshare considering relocating parts of its production to regions outside China, including the United States.
Luxshare Responds to Tariffs, Eyes Global Manufacturing Shifts
Luxshare, a key Apple supplier known for assembling iPhones and AirPods, is already in talks with clients about diversifying its production locations. While the company anticipates only a minimal financial impact from the current tariffs—owing to its relatively small volume of direct US exports—it is taking a cautious approach toward future investments in China.
Wang Laichun, chairwoman of Luxshare, stated that the company may slow down domestic investments and increase funding for facilities abroad if commercial conditions are favorable. Localization of production for specific markets, such as the US, is also under consideration, pending economic viability.
For Apple, diversifying its supplier base and manufacturing locations is becoming an essential strategy not just for cost control but also to mitigate geopolitical risks. The company’s expansion in the Middle East aligns with this broader global outlook, enabling it to build resilience through geographical diversification.
Description
Apple is on a major hiring spree in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various functions including retail, operations, business development, and legal counsel. This move is tied to the launch of Apple’s online store in Saudi Arabia in 2025 and the expansion of its retail footprint, including a fifth UAE store in Al Ain. Despite facing global trade challenges, Apple continues to invest in the region and seeks to strengthen its workforce, build local partnerships, and offer career opportunities with a globally respected brand.
