If you’ve been wondering what that enormous walled-off section of Dubai Mall was hiding over the past few months, then wonder no more, as tomorrow tech goliath Apple opens up a new 186ft store in the world’s biggest mall.
Flush with that minimalist aesthetic that Apple popularised more than a decade ago, new store has a balcony area with spectacular views over the Dubai Fountains, and the US company explains how it wants its new curved store to be a “space for a community to gather, learn and be entertained”.
While we still wait patiently for news on the new iPhone, Apple did issue another important release, announcing the launch of its “Today at Apple” initiative.
Launching simultaneously across all 495 global stores next month, Today at Apple will see the hosting of sessions across photo and video, music, coding, art and design, and more, led by highly-trained team members. Apple Dubai Mall will also host high-profile events including live music, intimate conversations with film-makers and photographers, and live workshops with some of the world’s top talent.
Events on opening day include Live Art with local acts Myneandyours, and Artist Duos with musician Hamdan Al Abri and artist Sultan Al Ramahi.
From a design perspective (and we know how important that is to Apple), the Dubai Mall store’s showpiece are the 37.5-ft-high “Solar Wings” covering the windows, which respond to the environmental conditions, opening and closing depending on the heat of the day.
Apple’s first two stores in the United Arab Emirates have welcomed more than 4 million visitors since opening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 18 months ago. Apple will reach even more visitors from around the world at Dubai Mall, Emaar’s flagship mega-project and the world’s most-visited retail and lifestyle destination, welcoming over 80 million visitors for the past three consecutive years. Apple’s location overlooking the lake will stay open as late as midnight to everyone exploring the area.
