iOpen to the public from 5pm on Friday, February 25…

Apple has a reputation for pristine aesthetics, but, opening tomorrow (Friday, February 25, from 5pm) — their next project in Abu Dhabi is a stunner even by their own standards.

The location really is quite special. Sat on the apex of a step pyramid fountain, between The Galleria Al Maryah and the island’s postcard waterfront – this is a store that looks every bit as ‘take my money’ as their products.

The interiors are also slicker than you’re average shop — Scandanavian almost, with all four walls constructed entirely from glass, a giant metallic entrance portal and pastel colours throughout that mimic the individual shades of a pearl’s iridescent sheen. And that’s no accident, there are several subtle nods to Abu Dhabi’s fabled, millennia-old heritage as a centre for pearl diving.

Found in the luxury section of The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, opposite the waterfront and nestled amongst some truly outstanding restaurants (Zuma, LPM and Coya to name a few), the store blends seamlessly with its cinematic surroundings.

What’s in store?

You can expect all the latest, uniquely covetous Apple hardware — including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, AirPods, Apple Watches, those curious little device finder things and a whole load of other stuff that you didn’t realise you wanted but now can’t imagine how you can go on without.

That rich vein of variety is also present in the staffing component too. The 80 team members are made up of 28 individual nationalities, who together speak over 30 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, and Tagalog.

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Today at Apple

Confirmed: The tech brand’s famous free community-focused ‘Today at Apple’ sessions will be taking place at this new location, with unique twists on the content made possible by the sultry vistas available adjacent. These are expert-led creativity seminars, that help Apple users get the best out of their gadgets. Here, you’ll be able to take part in free courses on:

  • Photo Walk: Fluidity and Motion with iPhone 13 Pro, co-created with local photographer, Mohamed Somji
  • Music Walk: Liquid Soundscapes with GarageBand
  • Art Walk: Drawing Creativity Within Session Guide
Talking about the launch, Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to open the stunning Apple Al Maryah Island this Friday.”
“Our talented team is ready to welcome and delight customers from this vibrant community to our newest location in the Emirates.”

And another one

Last month we announced that the i-Oh-yes update of the Yas Mall store would be complete for a reopening date of February 2.

You’ll find it next to The Cheesecake Factory on the first floor between Town Square and Pearl Court.

Appy days

In addition to all the latest Apple phones, computers, laptops, gadgets, gizmos, accessories and other covetous contraptions — Apple Stores are known for their Genius Bar. It’s a fancy name for what is basically tech support, but if you’ve ever had any experiences with the ladies and gentlemen that work there, you’ll fully appreciate just how apt that name actually is.

Images: Provided