Apple plans retail locations in Saudi Arabia and increases developer training programmes as part of strategy to strengthen Middle East tech sector.
Saudi Arabia’s technology sector has undergone rapid transformation since the launch of Vision 2030 – the kingdom’s economic diversification programme – in 2016. Aimed at increasing the contribution of the technology sector to Saudi Arabia’s GDP from 1% to 5% by the end of the decade, the initiative has attracted international technology companies seeking to establish operations in the Middle East’s largest economy, drawn by government incentives and a growing digital economy.
As the kingdom continues to report growth in its technology sector – with digital payment adoption increasing and demand for software development skills rising across industries – tech giant Apple has announced a further expansion into the country, combining retail operations, developer training and digital payment infrastructure investments.
The announcement will see Apple launch its first online retail store in Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, as the company aims to strengthen its presence in the Middle East’s technology sector.
“We’re excited to be expanding 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 iconic store at the stunning site of Diriyah coming later,” says Tim Cook, Apple’s Chief Executive Officer.
Apple commits to long-term Saudi investment through developer programmes
The company’s expansion builds on existing investments in the region’s technology education sector, highlighted by the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, established in 2021 through partnerships with the Saudi government, Tuwaiq Academy and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.
KEY FACTS
- Saudi developer earnings have increased by 1,750% since 2019
- Apple has invested 10 billion Saudi Arabian Riyal (US$2.7bn) in Saudi Arabia over the past five years
- Nearly 2,000 students have completed programming courses at the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh
According to Apple, the all-women academy at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University has trained nearly 2,000 students in software development and application design. Graduates from the programme are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s iOS application development sector, which has seen developer earnings increase by 1,750% since 2019.
The expansion also includes the introduction of a coeducational Apple Foundation Program, focusing on coding and game development fundamentals. The month-long course, which commenced in summer 2024, brought together students from across Saudi Arabia. Apple says it plans to expand these coeducational offerings, with the next programme scheduled for spring 2025.
The company’s investment in Saudi Arabia also extends beyond education into digital infrastructure. Apple has invested more than 10 billion Saudi Arabian Riyal (approximately US$2.7 billion) in the country over the past five years, supporting job creation and technology adoption across various sectors.
Apple Pay integration marks digital payment expansion in Saudi transport
Apple has also integrated its Apple Pay system with Riyadh’s public transport network. The integration makes Riyadh the first city in the Middle East where passengers can use Apple’s Express Mode – a feature allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to pay for transport without unlocking their devices.
“We’re excited to be expanding 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.” – Tim Cook, CEO, Apple.
With Vision 2030 aiming to increase epayments in the country to 70% by 2030, the payment system integration builds on Apple Pay’s presence in Saudi Arabia since 2019. The contactless payment technology has seen widespread adoption, with Apple reporting that many Saudi customers are transitioning entirely from traditional payment cards.
Apple’s retail expansion will begin with an online store launch in summer 2025, offering products and technical support in Arabic. Physical retail locations will follow in 2026, including a flagship store in the town of Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The company’s investment strategy aims to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. The growing iOS application development sector has created employment opportunities across Saudi Arabia, from small startups to larger enterprises.
According to Tim Cook: “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.”
