iPhone 17 and Air pre-order sale in UAE: Tight security, short queues at Dubai Mall
September 19, 2025 Dubai
UAE Buyers Flock to iPhone 17 Launch at Dubai Mall
The iPhone 17 and Air launch in Dubai Mall saw tight security, short queues, and a rush for the cosmic orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, with some customers buying multiple devices to share with family and employees.
The iPhone 17 series officially landed in the UAE with its highly anticipated pre-order pickup at Dubai Mall on September 19, 2025. Apple fans began queuing as early as dawn to secure their new devices, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange proving to be the most coveted model. The launch event was marked by tight security, short queues, and high excitement, giving Dubai yet another memorable Apple launch morning.
A Controlled and Secure Launch
This year’s launch stood out for its calmer atmosphere compared to previous iPhone releases. Dubai Mall enforced strict security protocols around the Apple Store, with several entrances blocked to manage crowd flow. Customers were only allowed inside in controlled groups, ensuring that queues remained shorter and more manageable. The Fountain Area became the main hub for waiting buyers, where the energy was electric but orderly.
The First in Line
Among the earliest to arrive was Mohammed Shaka, a Pakistani resident of the UAE, who reached the Apple Store at 6 a.m. He was officially the first customer in line and proudly chose the iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange.
“I wasn’t expecting to be the number one person,” Shaka shared. “The Pro Max is my choice because I’m familiar with the size, and the new battery life looks excellent.”
For Shaka and many others, the launch was not just about owning a new device but also about being part of a tradition and experiencing the excitement firsthand.
Businessman Rewards Employees with 12 iPhones
The highlight of the morning came when UAE businessman Mohammad Danish made headlines by purchasing 12 iPhones, a mix of both Air and Pro Max models. His intention went beyond personal use—he planned to gift them to his employees as a special company reward.
“I was able to secure more devices by using different pickup contacts,” Danish explained. “It’s a way to celebrate this launch while giving back to my team.”
His generous move added an extra layer of buzz to an already exciting morning, proving that Apple launches in the UAE are not just about individuals but also about shared celebrations.
Cosmic Orange: The Star of the Show
While Apple released multiple versions of the iPhone 17, including the Pro, Air, and standard models, the Pro Max in cosmic orange was undeniably the fan favorite. Customers described it as a bold, never-before-seen color that instantly set the device apart.
Early buyer Abdul Duala expressed his enthusiasm:
“The main thing for me was the colour. We’ve never seen an iPhone in orange before, and the redesigned camera instantly stood out. I’m obsessed with iOS 26 and the new liquid glass design—it feels futuristic. The camera is on another level.”
Another buyer, Muhammad Adil, who proudly walked out with his orange Pro Max, summed up his excitement:
“The first thing I’m going to do is test out the camera. That’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
Families Join the Frenzy
It wasn’t just individual buyers rushing for the new models. Several customers purchased multiple devices for their families. One early shopper revealed he had bought two iPhone 17 Pro Max units and one iPhone Air in silver, titanium, and orange—making sure his household could enjoy the new technology together.
Other Apple Products Launched
While the spotlight remained on the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple also rolled out its latest AirPods Pro 3 and an updated Apple Watch lineup featuring enhanced health-tracking tools. The iPhone Air, marketed as the thinnest iPhone ever, generated curiosity but did not attract as much attention as the Pro Max. Many buyers admitted that while the Air was sleek, the performance and battery of the Pro Max made it the ultimate choice.
A Global Event, Local Excitement
As with every Apple launch, the Dubai Mall Apple Store transformed into a hub of excitement, complete with staff applauding the first buyers and customers posing with their new devices. Social media was flooded with photos of shoppers unboxing their iPhones, particularly the cosmic orange edition, making it one of the most talked-about launches in the region.
Conclusion
The launch of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air at Dubai Mall combined tight security, disciplined queues, and uncontainable excitement. From Mohammed Shaka’s early arrival to Mohammad Danish’s bulk purchase for his employees, the event highlighted both personal passion and community spirit.
While Apple’s iPhone Air brought innovation as the thinnest iPhone ever, the iPhone 17 Pro Max in cosmic orange stole the spotlight. For UAE buyers, this wasn’t just another product release—it was an experience, a celebration, and a chance to be part of Apple’s global legacy of innovation.
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