Store closures have become all too common worldwide due to economic uncertainty and a slowdown in consumer spending, making another wave of shutdowns feel routine. However, these most recent closures are unlike any others.
Geopolitical tensions have been escalating, and several prominent retail names are following safety protocols by shutting locations, creating disruptions reminiscent of the pandemic era with no definite end date.
Now, a leading American multinational technology company has revealed closures across an entire region.
Apple closes all UAE stores
Apple Inc. (AAPL) has closed all of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates following the strikes on Iran by the U.S. and Israel that began on February 28, 2026. The closures come as regional governments and businesses adopt heightened safety protocols.
As of March 3, Apple’s official store locator indicates that all five UAE locations are scheduled to reopen on March 5. The opening date was previously listed as March 4 but has since been extended, as independently verified by TheStreet via Apple’s store finder.
Apple UAE locations affected
- Dubai Mall: Dubai
- Mall of the Emirates: Dubai
- Yas Mall: Abu Dhabi
- The Galleria Al Maryah Island: Abu Dhabi
- Al Jimi Mall: Abu Dhabi
No additional public statement detailing the closures has been issued beyond the updated store hours as of the date of publication.
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Apple’s financial exposure and regional performance
While the UAE accounts for only a small portion of Apple’s global physical footprint, the region as a whole remains strategically important.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Apple reported net sales of $143.8 billion, up 16% year over year, according to its latest earnings release.
The company does not break out UAE-specific revenue and instead includes it within its Europe reportable geographical segment.
Europe is Apple’s second-largest market, generating $38.15 billion in net sales for the quarter, a 12.7% increase. The Middle East contributed to record regional revenues, with the iPhone remaining a major driver of growth, as the company noted during its most recent earnings call.
By comparison, the Americas is Apple’s largest regional market, growing 11.2% to $58.5 billion during the same period.
In 2024, Apple revealed it had been accelerating its growth in the UAE, investing 6 billion AED ($1.63 billion) across the Emirates over the past five years, according to a company press release.
“The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers, and entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to keep growing our teams, supporting local businesses, and strengthening our ties with our customers here,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook in the press release.
Apple’s stock has fallen 3.1% over the past five days as of March 3, amid broader market volatility tied to escalating Middle East tensions and investor caution surrounding geopolitical risk.
Why Apple shut down all its UAE locations
Apple is not the only company suspending operations in the UAE. Multiple businesses across sectors have temporarily closed or reduced activity following government advisories.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued guidance on March 1 encouraging remote work to limit public exposure, while excluding essential roles that require physical attendance, according to a post on X by the UAE government’s official account. The advisory was initially set to run through March 3.
On the same day the advisory was expected to conclude, the UAE Ministry of Education and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research extended distance learning for all students, faculty, and administrative staff across public and private schools and universities until March 6, according to a post on X by the UAE government’s official account.
The UAE has also been subject to multiple aerial attacks involving drones and missiles originating from Iran, resulting in damage to several areas and civilian casualties, according to multiple news outlets.
Additional UAE closures
Several major companies and institutions have also suspended or limited operations across the UAE.
Shutdowns across sectors
- Kering: Select locations temporarily closed or operating with limited staff, Fashion Network reported.
- Amazon: Closed its fulfillment centers and suspended operations in Abu Dhabi, Business Insider reported.
- Airlines: Multiple carriers have canceled flights to the UAE, while others have suspended service entirely, CNBC reported.
- Nasdaq Dubai: The international financial exchange based in the Dubai International Financial Centre has temporarily halted operations, according to a press release.
- Major tourist attractions: Several tourist attractions across the Emirates have closed, Time Out Dubai reported.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether additional extensions to remote work or closures will be implemented. Businesses continue to monitor official government guidance and regional developments.
How closures affect global retail
The UAE retail market reached $145.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $227.1 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 5.1%, according to IMARC Group.
The market is partly driven by demand for luxury products, which rose to $4 billion in 2023. Analysts attribute this to the region’s strong GDP per capita and high disposable income among a sizable portion of the population.
“The efforts to diversify the economy away from oil by governing agencies are resulting in considerable investments in the retail sector, notably luxury retail,” said IMARC Group analysts. “Tourism and business promotion initiatives are catalyzing the demand for premium retail products.”
More Store Closures:
- 153-year-old bookstore chain confirms more closures in 2026
- Aritzia brings back iconic fashion brand after shutdown
- 159-year-old retail giant announces more store closures
Flight cancellations and suspended services have significantly disrupted tourism in the UAE. Analysts suggest that prolonged instability could discourage international travel in the near future, potentially affecting retail and hospitality revenues.
“If you assume that it’s a $5 billion to $6 billion (travel retail) market and let’s say it’s going to be shut down for a month, we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars that are definitely at risk,” said Kearney Senior Consumer and Retail Consultant Victor Dijon to Reuters.
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