The recent announcement by Diriyah Co. regarding the signing of a lease agreement with global tech giant Apple for a flagship store in Diriyah Square marks a pivotal moment that transcends typical commercial expansion. This Saudi first flagship Apple store, is the culmination of a long-term strategy aimed at cementing the Kingdom’s position as a leading hub for technology and innovation in the region. This development aligns perfectly with the broader objectives of the Kingdom to diversify its economy. For those keen on following more news and developments regarding these transformative changes, we encourage you to discover Saudi Arabia.
The selection of Diriyah Square, a burgeoning destination that beautifully integrates culture and history near the UNESCO-recognized Turaif district, underscores Apple’s commitment to blending its cutting-edge design and innovation with the authentic Saudi heritage of the area. Scheduled to open in 2026, the physical store will complement the company’s well-established digital presence in the Kingdom.
🌐 From Digital Launch to Physical Presence: Apple’s Measured Strategy
The move to open a physical store was not sudden but rather the logical next phase in a calculated plan by Apple to establish a direct and robust presence in the Saudi market. Back in 2024, the globally renowned tech company confirmed its intentions to launch several physical retail locations in the Kingdom, beginning in 2026.
The groundwork for this expansion was meticulously laid earlier in July 2025, when Apple officially launched its Saudi-specific online store and an Arabic-first language Apple Store app, accessible via apple.com/sa. This digital debut was a critical step, providing customers nationwide with direct access to the entire range of Apple products—from iPhone and iPad to Mac—alongside localized after-sales support, flexible payment options, and next-day delivery powered by a dedicated distribution centre.
The success of the online store, which delivered a seamless, Arabic-centric experience, provided the solid foundation necessary for Apple to transition to direct, in-person customer engagement. The upcoming 2026 physical stores are positioned not just as retail outlets, but as experience centers that fully complement the successful digital footprint already established.
🏛️ Diriyah Square: A Global Retail and Cultural Magnet
The selection of Diriyah, known as “The City of Earth,” reflects not only the site’s historical significance but also the strategic role of Diriyah Square as a premier global lifestyle and retail destination. In a statement, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Co., highlighted the partnership’s importance: “Having this iconic flagship store in the heart of Diriyah Square is an incredible milestone for Diriyah… and for Apple as one of our most esteemed retail partners.”
Diriyah Square is positioning itself as a luxury destination that merges high-end global retail, with over 400 planned retail units, with the preservation of authentic Najdi architecture. The arrival of a brand of Apple’s stature confirms several key points:
- Attractiveness of Mega-Destinations: Diriyah Square proves its capability to attract the largest global brands, which typically select their locations with extreme care and foresight.
- Integration of Heritage and Technology: The new flagship store will likely merge Apple’s signature modern, minimalist design with the rich historical and cultural backdrop of Diriyah, promising a unique customer experience.
🚀 The Kingdom’s Bet on Technology and Vision 2030
The proactive approach by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attract global technology companies like Apple to open flagship stores and key offices is a fundamental pillar of the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The Kingdom places significant importance on attracting international companies specializing in technology and innovation to achieve several strategic goals. This reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to attracting global corporations and maintaining technological advancement.
Key Objectives Driving This Partnership:
- Localizing Knowledge and Job Creation: Such partnerships are vital for developing and educating local talent by creating new job opportunities for young Saudis in tech retail and advanced service sectors. This initiative follows the successful establishment of the “Apple Developer Academy” in Riyadh, which focuses on training women in programming, design, and entrepreneurship.
- Economic Diversification: Moving the economy away from its reliance on oil towards a knowledge-based and service-oriented model, where technology plays a central role in economic growth. Projects like Diriyah are anticipated to contribute significantly (around 70 billion Saudi Riyals) to the Kingdom’s GDP.
- Digital Transformation and Infrastructure: Apple’s expansion relies heavily on the Kingdom’s robust investments in digital infrastructure, such as the advanced integration of “Apple Pay” into Riyadh’s public transport network, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to being technologically advanced across all services.
The partnership between Apple and Diriyah is a clear demonstration that the Kingdom is not content with being a mere consumer market; it aspires to be a regional and global hub for innovation, seamlessly blending its rich historical legacy with a bright technological future.
Conclusion
The agreement for Apple’s flagship store in Diriyah Square confirms the Kingdom’s entry into a new era of technology retail. This highly anticipated store, scheduled for 2026, is more than just a sales point; it symbolizes Apple’s deepened commitment to the Saudi market and serves as a tangible example of Vision 2030’s success in attracting major technological investments. This success boosts innovation, generates crucial employment opportunities, and accelerates the non-oil economy. The project perfectly embodies the Kingdom’s vision to be a world-class destination that embraces both heritage and technological leadership.
