The news we’ve been waiting for, Apple's fourth store in the UAE and second in Abu Dhabi, opens on February 25th at 5pm. Located on Al Maryah Island above steps of cascading water, the new store has entrances from The Galleria Al Maryah Island and from the promenade.
As they celebrate their grand opening, you'll be able access an exclusive and specially curated Apple Music playlist, featuring local United Arab Emirates artists.
The new store has a truly multicultural team of more than 80 members, who represent 28 nationalities and collectively speak over 30 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, and Tagalog.
Throughout the space, you can get shopping assistance from the highly knowledgeable Specialists as you explore the latest products, learn more about Apple services such as the Trade In program, or receive expert advice and support at the Genius Grove.
The store itself has several new design elements reflective of its surroundings. From the promenade, two ramps paved with Absolute Black granite stone — the first use of this material at any Apple Store — cut through water and continue seamlessly inside the store, blurring the barrier between inside and out. The store also features a golden carbon fiber roof locally sourced in the UAE.
If you enter from The Galleria Al Maryah Island, you'll walk through a mirrored stainless steel portal, enveloped by the sights and sounds of water jets cascading over exterior glass walls. A 72-foot-long mirrored foil ceiling creates a kaleidoscopic effect, with water falling down the walls, and reflections seen above.
Once inside, you be greeted with panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. And don't forget to look up, as you'll see a unique ceiling made of stretched gold fabric. The glass walls bring in the natural light, with ficus trees adding greenery to the interior. An innovative radiant floor system combined with displacement ventilation helps cool the building.
Apple Al Maryah Island will debut three unique Today at Apple sessions that draw inspiration from the surroundings and creative culture of Abu Dhabi:
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
On March 6th, photographer Mohamed Somji will lead a co-created Photo Walk, where he will share his personal techniques.
Going forward, Today at Apple sessions which are hosted in the Forum at Apple Al Maryah Island, will invite local musicians, artists, developers, entrepreneurs, and educators that reflect the innovative community of Abu Dhabi.
You can register for all sessions at: apple.co/creativity-within.
The store will welcome its first visitors on Friday, February 25 at 5 p.m. local time. With the health and well-being of customers and team members as Apple’s top priority, the store will implement comprehensive health measures, and visits to Apple Al Maryah Island on opening day will be by appointment only. Customers can choose from available times at apple.com/ae/almaryahisland.