{
  "id": 8203627,
  "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",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-18T07:38:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/18/iphone-18-apple-store-sales-dubai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hundreds of excited iPhone customers gathered at Dubai Mall on Friday morning to eagerly await the launch of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models. The Apple store in the mall opened two hours early to accommodate the anticipated crowd who had placed their orders in advance. For many in the queue, however, the primary reason for standing in line was not just to purchase a new phone, but also to secure bragging rights as one of the first in the region to obtain one of the latest models, which were available in a striking burgundy color.\n\nDubai resident Mohammad Shaka was the first person to enter the Apple store, having arrived well before its official opening time of 7:59am. Shaka expressed his belief that it was his destiny to acquire a new phone on the day of the launch, crediting his friends and Allah for his good fortune. He reiterated his love for iPhones, stating that he typically purchases the latest models as soon as they become available. He also expressed excitement about the upcoming release of Apple's new Duo folding mobile, which he anticipates will be an exceptional device.\n\nIndian student Hasti Dolwani joined the eager queue at 5:30am, arriving more than two hours before the store officially opened. Dolwani, who had previously owned a Samsung foldable phone, switched to Apple and ended up purchasing two iPhones on the day of the release. He emphasized his renewed enthusiasm for the iPhone, stating, \"The iPhone is back again.\" The iPhone 18 Pro starts at a price of Dh5,099 ($1,388), while the iPhone 18 Pro Max is priced at Dh5,499.\n\nThose who had pre-ordered their devices were given specific appointment times to collect their iPhones on Friday. However, many eager buyers opted to arrive even earlier, driven by the buzz surrounding the release of the burgundy-colored phones. Pakistani citizen Hamza explained that he had come early because he understood the hype surrounding iPhones, particularly when they are released in new colors. He added, \"Why not follow the trend?\"",
  "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 Business",
        "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",
        "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."
}