Apple today announced that Apple Dubai Mall, its second store in Dubai and third in the United Arab Emirates will be opened on April 27th. Apple said that its first two stores in the United Arab Emirates have welcomed more than 4 million visitors since opening in Dubai and Abu Dhabi 18 months ago.
It has 186-foot curved storefront and balcony overlooking Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. It also has eighteen 37.5-foot-high motorized ‘Solar Wings’ designed by Foster + Parters that respond to the ever-changing environmental conditions. When the sun is at its hottest they cool the store, and in the evenings they open to welcome everyone to the public terrace.
Inspired by the the traditional Arabic Mashrabiya, each “Solar Wing” is locally fabricated from 340 carbon fiber reinforced polymer rods, and at 180 feet wide, the 18 panels make up one of the world’s largest kinetic art installations.
Apple also said that it will be expanding its ‘Today at Apple’ educational sessions ranging in topics from photo and video to music, coding, art, design and more to all of its 495 retail stores around the world in May. It offers programs with more than 60 different sessions in creative skills. “This will be led by highly-trained team members, and in select cities world-class artists, photographers and musicians, teaching sessions from basics and how-to lessons to professional-level programs,” said Apple.
Regarding the Dubai Mall, Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s senior vice president, Retail, said:
We view our stores as a modern-day town square, where visitors come to shop, be inspired, learn or connect with others in their community. And what better place to come together than overlooking Dubai’s epicenter, where the Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall meet. We are so honored to have a home at one of the world’s most incredible and dynamic intersections.
Regarding the expansion of ‘Today at Apple’ she said:
At the heart of every Apple Store is the desire to educate and inspire the communities we serve. ‘Today at Apple’ is one of the ways we’re evolving our experience to better serve local customers and entrepreneurs. We’re creating a modern-day town square, where everyone is welcome in a space where the best of Apple comes together to connect with one another, discover a new passion, or take their skill to the next level. We think it will be a fun and enlightening experience for everyone who joins.