Earlier, interest-free loans were announced for Emiratis whose businesses were affected by the rains, with a grace period of 6 to 12 months
uae5 hours ago
Never mind where they came from or how long they had to wait; in the end it was all about getting their satisfying bite.
Take a look: iPhone 7 hits UAE shelves today
Apple on Saturday began sales of its new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus smartphones in the UAE, with customers already in queue even before the Apple Store in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates even closed its operating hours on Friday evening.
Etisalat to offer iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus in UAE on 17 September
Third time's a charm
Beating everyone to the draw was Jose, an Indian who lives in Dubai. He had pre-ordered his iPhone and was first to get it for himself.
Third time's a charm for the self-confessed "diehard Apple fan"; he started lining up on launch day since the iPhone 6, and finally he got to be No.1.
Don't miss: 10 things you need to know about iPhone 7 rollout in UAE
"It's a great moment to be part of," he added.
Jose says he has had every single iteration of the iPhone since 2008's iPhone 3G - and he just looks forward to it year after year.
Fabulous offer: Du to offer iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus in UAE from September 17
"I've been getting crazier since the [iPhone] 6 [when I first started] lining up here," he told Khaleej Times.
And with supplies apparently in shortage, he has a request to Apple.
"I think Apple should get more phones [available] looking at the demand that's out there," he said.
And will he continue to do this every year?
"Every model," he quipped.
The queue leader
Ahmad, from Saudi Arabia, flew into Dubai on Friday and made sure he would be first in line; he began his patient wait at 10pm.
"Just for the iPhone!", an obviously ecstatic Ahmad told Khaleej Times. He added that he was alone on the trip and did not even have friends in Dubai that could join him.
Ali and Dawood, both from Iraq, made sure their first attempt at lining up for the iPhone was worth it as they were not that far away from Ahmad.
"Amazing, very amazing," Ali told Khaleej Times, who along with Dawood arrived at the scene a bit "late" at around 3am.
The first few customers were given the traditional Apple Store "honour guard" welcome, with everyone led by the outlet's staff leading the cheers to those about to get their new iPhones.
The iPhone 7, as with the 6 and 6s, comes in 4.7- and 5.5-inch models. Though the design hasn't practically changed, they come with refreshed specs, including the new A10 chip, more powerful cameras and the iOS 10.
The storage options have been doubled at 32GB, 128GB and 256GB, while the new jet black and black colours have been added, with space grey gone.
The iPhone 7 is priced at Dh2,599, Dh2,999 and Dh3,399, respectively, while the 7 Plus will go for Dh3,099, Dh3,499 and Dh3,899. Compared to the iPhone 6s a year ago, the iPhone 7 has the same price points.
Also making its debut on Saturday was the new Apple Watch Series 2, which features upgraded specs and watchOS 3. Prices start at Dh1,499.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com
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