WATCH: Fans in frenzy as Apple Stores open in UAE

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WATCH: Fans in frenzy as Apple Stores open in UAE

Dubai - At exactly 4pm, Apple rolled out the red carpet. The first customer - a Chinese national - was reported to have been in queue since Tuesday evening. He declined to give his name.

By Alvin R. Cabral

Published: Fri 30 Oct 2015, 3:18 PM

Last updated: Fri 30 Oct 2015, 7:20 PM

Apple's staff huddled like a sports team and chanted cheers, ready to welcome the throng outside their store.
At exactly 4pm, Apple rolled out the red carpet to its first customers on Thursday as it officially opened one of its first two retail outlets in the region at Dubai's Mall of the Emirates.
GALLERY: Fans throng UAE's first Apple store opening in Dubai
The second Apple Store in the region at Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall, was to open later on Thursday at 7pm - and the same fanfare is expected.
On Wednesday, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group, toured the Apple Store.

Ahmed bin Saeed opens world's biggest Apple store and the first in the Middle East in #Dubai at Mall of the Emirates pic.twitter.com/WrYB2ofTPK
- Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 29, 2015

Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice-president of retail and online stores, graced Thursday's opening. She declined to give interviews, but she and other Apple representatives were visibly overwhelmed by the customer turnout.
On Twitter on Wednesday, Ahrendts said:

Love being back in the UAE, where we will open our first Apple stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/yP8havtxRe
- Angela Ahrendts (@AngelaAhrendts) October 28, 2015

The first customer - a Chinese national - was reported to have been in queue since Tuesday evening. He declined to give his name.
The Dubai Apple Store features 18 tables and several shelves showcasing the full range of Apple products - including Apple Watches. At the centre, amidst trees, is the so-called "Genius Grove", where two of Apple's signature Genius Bars are located.
Behind a large video wall towards the end of the store is a private room where special events and ladies-only sessions could be held.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com