Apple celebrates grand opening of Apple Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi

Apple has officially opened the doors to its new Apple Al Maryah Island retail store in Abu Dhabi, with the iPhone maker celebrating the grand opening with images of customers as they step inside the magnificent new location that boasts shoreline views of the city’s prestigious financial district.

Elevated above steps of cascading water, Apple Al Maryah Island is arguably one of Apple’s most beautiful stores to date.

In a press release shared ahead of the store’s opening on Friday, Apple says “Once inside, guests are greeted with panoramic views of Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary skyline. When looking up, customers will also find a unique ceiling made of stretched gold fabric. The glass walls bring in the natural light, with ficus trees adding greenery to the interior. An innovative radiant floor system combined with displacement ventilation helps cool the building.”

Image: Apple

Apple touts that Apple Al Maryah Island introduces several new design elements reflective of its surroundings. From the promenade, two ramps paved with Absolute Black granite stone  — the first use of this material at any Apple Store — cut through water and continue seamlessly inside the store.

The store also features a golden carbon fiber roof locally sourced in the UAE. Visitors entering from The Galleria Al Maryah Island Mall will walk through a mirrored stainless steel portal, enveloped by the sights and sounds of water jets cascading over exterior glass walls. Apple says a 72-foot-long mirrored foil ceiling “creates a kaleidoscopic effect,” with water falling down the walls.

Image: Apple

The new store’s team of more than 80 members represent 28 nationalities and collectively speak over 30 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Tagalog, and more.

Image: Apple