It was an unforgettable day on Thursday, as we welcomed more than 16,500 customers to our newest store, Apple Dubai Mall. Set in one of the world’s most-visited retail destinations, the 186-foot storefront has amazing views of the world's tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, and overlooks the stunning Dubai Fountain. The store has already become a meeting point for creative-minded people, a place of learning and inspiration that combines East and West. It’s a space defined by superlatives, but more than that, it’s a place that has community at its core.
The unique artwork, created by artist Dina Sami for the barricade and Video Wall, features figures from the creative community in Dubai, bringing it a truly local feel—from start-ups, independent art galleries, and local app developers to boutiques, cafes, and food trucks.
The glass construction of Apple Dubai Mall blurs the barriers between inside and out, erasing the boundaries between the store and the community. The design embodies the vision of the store as a space for people to gather, learn, and be entertained.
The 37.5-foot “Solar Wings” respond to the ever-changing conditions in Dubai. At its hottest they cool the store, and in the evenings they open to welcome everyone to the terrace. Each one is locally fabricated from 340 carbon fiber reinforced polymer rods, and at 180 feet wide, they make up one of the world’s largest kinetic art installations.
Angela was in Dubai this week announcing the launch of Today at Apple, which begins globally next month. At Dubai Mall we saw performances from local musicians, live art mirrored to the Video Wall, and customers finding their own inspiration—bringing the community together to learn from Apple, from world-class creatives, and from each other.
All of the store’s 148 employees are ready to welcome customers from around the world, speaking a collective 45 languages, with Creative Pros guiding customers through Today at Apple sessions and offering individual advice and training.