Tourists from across the region are planning trips to the UAE this month to purchase Apple’s newly launched iPhone 17 series, citing lower prices and quicker availability than in their home countries.
For many, the cost savings are significant enough to cover airfare. Rahib Mohammed, an entrepreneur from Kochi, India, explained how the price difference makes traveling worthwhile.
“In the UAE, an iPhone 17 Pro with 2 TB storage will cost Dh8,499,” he said. “In India, the same device will cost Rs. 229,900 (approximately Dh9,500) because of additional taxes. That is a difference of more than Dh1,000. A return ticket from Kochi to Dubai will cost about Dh700 on a low-cost airline. So, it is actually cheaper to fly to the UAE and buy the device.”
Mohammed, who will be traveling to Dubai in October, plans to purchase the iPhone 17 Pro during his trip. “I will be there for work, but it makes sense to get the phone from Dubai,” he said. “I am also expecting higher availability here compared to India, so I might get it sooner.”
Apple unveiled the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone Air on September 9 in what it described as the biggest design change in eight years. The iPhone Air, touted as the thinnest iPhone ever made, features a titanium frame with pro-level performance.
Retailers in the UAE report growing interest from international buyers. “We already have three bookings from customers abroad,” said Mohammad Razik of Right Exit Phones Trading at Al Attar Shopping Mall. “We are expecting more visitors from India, the CIS region, and elsewhere once the devices launch.”
Pre-orders, which opened on September 12 at 4 p.m. UAE time, sold out within minutes. In the UAE, the iPhone Air starts at Dh4,299, the iPhone 17 at Dh4,699, and the iPhone 17 Pro at Dh5,099.
Industry experts say there are several reasons for the UAE’s appeal. “One thing is ease of access,” explained Mohammed Shareef, owner of Extel Mobiles. “Another is the availability of stock. Many Indians are choosing to come here instead of waiting weeks for delivery at home.”
Shareef noted that the proximity of the UAE is also a factor. “With Dubai just four hours away by plane, people often combine a short holiday with shopping,” he said. “Apple stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi make access even easier.”
The UAE is a phase 1 launch market for Apple, meaning devices are available here earlier than in several other countries. Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s BrandShop, said this makes the UAE a key destination for eager buyers, though retailers remain vigilant to sell only to genuine customers.
With the official release date set for September 19, Dubai’s Apple stores and resellers are preparing for an influx of international visitors eager to get their hands on the latest iPhone.