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)

The UAE is joining forces with tech giant Google to open the first-ever Global Cyber Security Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. This big move shows how serious the country is about staying ahead in technology, fighting cybercrime, and becoming a world leader in digital safety.

The UAE Cabinet has officially approved the launch of the centre, which will be led by Google Cloud in partnership with the UAE Cyber Security Council. It’s all part of the country’s bigger plan to build a strong, safe digital future and to train the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

What Will the Centre Do?

• Protect against cyber threats: The centre will help shield government systems, businesses, and people from online attacks.
• Train local talent: Cybersecurity experts from Google Cloud’s Mandiant team will run special training programmes, including hands-on cyber-attack simulations and real-life response exercises.
• Support startups: Google Cloud will run an accelerator programme for 25 promising startups and offer up to $300,000 in cloud credits to top performers in Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 startup hub.

Why It Matters

Cybercrime is a global issue, and the UAE wants to stay ahead of the curve. Experts say that this new centre could help the UAE avoid nearly $7 billion in cybercrime losses by 2030, create over 20,000 specialised jobs, and attract more than $1.4 billion in foreign investment.

Dr. Mohamed Alkuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said the partnership is key to building a secure digital future and training the next generation of cyber defenders.

Google Cloud’s Cristina Pitarch added that the UAE’s clear vision for cybersecurity is what makes this collaboration so important. She said the centre will be a place for both innovation and education, helping people and companies deal with digital threats using smart, AI-driven tools.

Big Picture

This project follows the recent visit of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the US, where he met with top tech leaders to build new partnerships focused on AI and digital growth.

The new centre will also work closely with universities, researchers, and global experts to share knowledge, drive innovation, and build a safer digital world.

(Source: DMO)

Imagine downloading movies in seconds, streaming 8K videos without buffering, and using virtual reality or gaming apps with zero lag. Thanks to the powerful 6 ghz band, these things will soon become a reality. 

Telecom company e& UAE has just completed a major test using new 6 ghz and 600 mhz spectrum bands, laying the groundwork for the next big leap in mobile technology: 6G. In tests, e& achieved blazing-fast wireless speeds of up to 10 gbps, that’s twice as much faster than your current 5G.

So, what does this mean for regular users?

Speed isn’t everything when it comes to networking. Coverage matters too, especially in areas where signal strength can drop. That’s where the 600 mhz band comes in. It can push 5G signals over 6km, even in hard-to-reach or remote areas. This means more reliable mobile service whether you’re in the city, at home, on the road, or out in the desert.

These advancements are also good news for people who don’t have fibre broadband at home. Using commercial-grade equipment (similar to what’s already on the market), e& is making it possible to deliver fibre-like internet over wireless – fast, stable, and with wide coverage.

For mobile users, this means:

• Faster downloads and uploads
• Smoother video streaming, even in ultra-high definition
• Better gaming and VR experiences with no lag
• Stronger signal in crowded areas and rural zones
• More reliable video calls and remote work access

e& UAE says this is more than just a tech milestone; it’s a step toward 5G-Advanced and eventually 6G, which will make our devices smarter and more connected than ever.

These upgrades also support the country’s vision for smart cities and high-tech industries, helping businesses stay agile while ensuring people stay connected.

So, while you might not see 6G on your phone just yet, what e& is doing now will soon transform how you use the wifi on the go.

(Source: Wam)