Apple Temporarily Closes All Stores in UAE Amid Middle East Tensions

Apple has temporarily closed all of its Apple Store locations in the United Arab Emirates, including the corporate office in the country, following heightened tensions in the Middle East resulting from military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The five retail outlets that have been closed include three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai, as documented on the company’s official website and notices posted at store locations.

According to the official Apple Store website, there have been changes to store operating hours for the coming week during the period 1-7 March 2026. The five stores will remain closed for at least three days, from 1-3 March.

One of the closed Apple Store locations is situated in The Dubai Mall, positioned near the world-famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper, a popular tourist destination. The store displays a notice indicating temporary closure “until further notice”.

The four other stores are located at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall, and Al Maryah in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE government issued guidance to private sector organisations in the country, requesting they “take the necessary measures to reduce employee presence in open areas”. The announcement, posted on social media on Sunday, 1 April 2026 local time, stated: “Except for vital roles and those requiring physical presence, and we recommend implementing remote work arrangements where possible.”

To ensure security, the UAE ministry has also asked all private sector organisations to obtain and follow the latest information regarding developments in the ongoing issue, both at federal and local levels.

According to internal sources at Apple, the decision to close several Apple Store locations in the UAE was made in response to security concerns. The store closures are a result of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, compounded by the recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.