{
  "id": 8202672,
  "title": "Hundreds join iPhone 18 frenzy as new models go on sale across UAE",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/hundreds-join-iphone-18-frenzy-as-new-models-go-on-sale-across-uae",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T07:38:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/18/iphone-18-apple-store-sales-dubai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hundreds of eager iPhone customers flocked to Dubai Mall on Friday morning to secure the latest models. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max were set for release that day. The Dubai Mall Apple store opened two hours early to manage the anticipated crowd who had placed orders ahead of time. While some queued up for the new phones, others sought the thrill of being among the first in the region to obtain one, with the burgundy color option adding to the allure. Dubai resident Mohammad Shaka was the first through the door, stating it was his destiny to acquire a new phone on its launch day. He expressed gratitude to his friends and Allah for this opportunity. Indian student Hasti Dolwani joined the queue at 5:30am, two hours before the store's official opening at 7:59am, having previously owned a Samsung foldable phone. He now owns two iPhones, expressing his excitement about the new releases. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at Dh5,099 ($1,388) while the iPhone 18 Pro Max begins at Dh5,499. Those who ordered the new models in advance were given specific collection times, but many arrived early to explore other devices. Pakistani citizen Hamza noted the hype surrounding iPhones, especially the new color, and the desire to follow trends.",
  "summary": "Hundreds of eager iPhone customers queued up at Dubai Mall on Friday morning to await the release of the latest models. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max went on sale on Friday. The Apple store in Dubai Mall opened two hours earlier than usual to accommodate the crowd who placed orders in advance. But for many of those in the queue, it was not simply about buying a new phone. It was also…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Hundreds join iPhone 18 frenzy as new models go on sale across UAE",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/hundreds-join-iphone-18-frenzy-as-new-models-go-on-sale-across-uae-8203627",
        "published": "2026-09-18T07:38:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}