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UAE Apple Fans Queue Before Sunrise for iPhone 17 Launch

Dubai Mall sees lines forming as early as 4am as the iPhone 17 drops, but this year Apple’s playing it different—no walk-ins allowed.

  • Publish date: Friday، 19 September 2025 Reading time: 1 min read
UAE Apple Fans Queue Before Sunrise for iPhone 17 Launch

The iPhone 17 officially landed in the UAE today, and some fans literally beat the sunrise to be first in line. At Dubai Mall, Muhammad (aka Shaka) from Pakistan was grinning ear to ear after queueing since 4am. He already secured his iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max the moment pre-orders went live. “I love iPhones,” he said—like we couldn’t already tell.

No Pre-Order, No Entry

Here’s the twist: unlike past launches, Apple is not allowing any walk-ins this year. Both Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates only opened their doors to customers with pre-bookings. So if you were planning to casually swing by and snag a 17—sorry, not happening.

Read More: iPhone 17 in UAE: Expected Prices + All Official Apple Stores

KT Photo: Neeraj Murali

Queues Wrapped Around the Mall

The hype was real. By 5am, lines snaked all around Dubai Mall—even stretching near the fountain, two floors below the Apple Store. Over at Mall of the Emirates, security kept things tight, only letting in those with appointments.

KT Photo: Rahul Gajjar

Apple staff guiding booking holders through Dubai Mall to the showroom. KT Photo: Rahul Gajjar

How It’s Different This Year

Last year, Apple let fans reserve and then pay in-store at their pick-up time. This year? Nope. You need to pre-order online first, then collect in-store. That goes for all the shiny new models: iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and the big one—17 Pro Max.

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