Video: Apple begins iPhone 17 deliveries in UAE amid high demand

Apple’s official stores in the UAE, along with major retail chains, began delivering the new iPhone 17 devices on Friday, September 19, to customers who had pre-ordered them. The pre-order window had opened on September 12.

Apple stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi witnessed strong turnout early in the morning, with eager customers lining up to collect their devices in scenes that reflected the familiar excitement surrounding the company’s latest product launches.

Customers who completed their bookings online were given the option to pick up their devices directly from Apple stores, in addition to receiving them through authorized resellers and large electronics chains across the Emirates. 

Residents queue up at Apple store in Dubai Mall.

Deliveries are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with additional batches of the iPhone 17 arriving to meet the strong local demand.

iPhone 17 deliveries begin in the UAE.

Apple says the base model iPhone 17 has a brighter, more scratch-resistant screen, and will also have a better front-facing camera that will make horizontal selfies look better.

Analysts say the iPhone 17 series could give a crucial end-of-year boost to Apple's market share and shipments in China, which have been pressured this year by intensifying competition from Xiaomi and Huawei amid weak consumer demand.

Apple does not disclose pre-order figures.