Apple has launched an aggressive hiring drive across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, signalling a major expansion of its retail and business operations in the region.
According to the company’s official job portal, a wide range of vacancies are now open across both countries. In Saudi Arabia, Apple is recruiting for roles in management, sales, technical support, operations, marketing, and legal. Meanwhile, opportunities in the UAE span business and operations roles, specialist positions, technical support, store management at Dubai Mall, and leadership roles for Apple’s Middle East online business.
The hiring wave comes on the heels of Apple’s announcement to launch its first online store in Saudi Arabia by summer 2025, with physical flagship stores to follow in 2026. This marks the company’s first direct-to-consumer retail push in the Kingdom.
In the UAE, Apple continues to strengthen its presence, having recently announced a fifth retail location in Al Ain. “The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in December.
“We’re excited to keep growing our teams, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our ties with our customers here.”
Apple’s growing footprint in the region is part of a broader strategy to invest in emerging markets. In Saudi Arabia alone, the company has spent over SAR 10 billion with local firms over the past five years.
Trade tensions cloud global operations
However, Apple’s global operations are facing headwinds from the ongoing US-China trade tensions. Tariffs introduced under the current US administration are forcing American companies, including Apple, to rethink their reliance on overseas manufacturing.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives warned that manufacturing iPhones in the US could raise costs significantly, potentially pricing the device at over $3,500. Shifting even 10% of Apple’s supply chain out of Asia would take at least three years and cost upwards of $30 billion, he said.
In response, Apple supplier Luxshare is reportedly exploring options to relocate more production outside China, including to the US. While Luxshare doesn’t expect the current tariffs to heavily impact its financials, the company is considering scaling back some of its investments in China and expanding internationally, if commercially viable.
(Source: GN)
