Apple closes stores in Dubai and across the Gulf amid safety concerns
David Joseppi
Posted On 01/03/2026 
Apple has temporarily closed its retail stores across the United Arab Emirates, with Apple Store locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain currently listed as closed.
The online Apple Store shows that physical retail locations across the UAE are shut until at least Wednesday, while social media posts indicate some stores have placed signage advising customers that they are closed “until further notice”.
Apple has not issued a formal public statement explaining why its Apple Stores in Dubai and the wider Gulf region have closed. However, the closures are understood to be linked to escalating security concerns following Iranian missile strikes across the region.
The strikes were reportedly launched in retaliation for what Iran described as a “massive” and ongoing attack against it by the United States and Israel, prompting heightened security alerts across multiple Gulf states.
Image: Apple
In the early hours of Sunday, the Dubai Media Office confirmed that four people were injured during an “incident” at Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transport hubs. The authority said the airport’s concourse sustained minor damage, though it did not provide further details.
Elsewhere in the region, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait — all of which host US military bases — said they intercepted missiles fired towards their territory, underlining the broader regional impact of the conflict.
Apple closes retail stores in Dubai
An image shared on X, formerly Twitter, by @JavDevETH show signage inside at least one Apple Store in Dubai stating:
“Our store will be temporarily closed until further notice.”
Image: Apple
At the time of writing, Apple Stores across the UAE remain closed, and Apple has not confirmed when normal retail operations will resume. Customers in Dubai and the wider Gulf region are being directed to Apple’s online support channels while stores remain shut.
This is a developing situation, and Apple is expected to update store availability once regional safety conditions stabilise.
