Store closures have become commonplace around the world due to economic uncertainty and slowing consumer spending, making another wave of closures commonplace. However, these recent closures are unlike others.
Several well-known retail brands are following safety protocols and closing stores amid rising geopolitical tensions, creating chaos reminiscent of the pandemic era with no clear end date.
Now, a leading American multinational technology company has announced the closure of an entire region.
Apple (AAPL) has closed all of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates since February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel began launching attacks on Iran. The closure comes as local governments and businesses adopt enhanced safety protocols.
As of March 3, Apple’s official store locator shows that all five stores in the UAE are scheduled to reopen on March 5. TheStreet independently verified through Apple Store Finder that the opening date was previously listed as March 4, but has since been extended.
As of the date of publication, no other public statements detailing the closure have been released outside of updated store hours.
Although the UAE represents only a small portion of Apple’s global physical footprint, the region as a whole remains strategically important.
According to the latest financial report, Apple’s net sales in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 were US$143.8 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16%.
The company does not break out UAE-specific revenue but instead includes it in its European reportable geographic segment.
Europe is Apple’s second largest market, with net sales reaching US$38.15 billion in the quarter, an increase of 12.7%. As the company noted on its recent earnings call, revenue in the Middle East is at an all-time high, and the iPhone remains the primary driver of growth.
In contrast, the Americas is Apple’s largest regional market, growing 11.2% over the same period to reach $58.5 billion.
In 2024, Apple revealed that it has been accelerating its growth in the UAE, investing AED 6 billion ($1.63 billion) across the UAE over the past five years, according to a company press release.
“The UAE is home to an incredible community of creators, innovators, developers and entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to continue growing our team, supporting local businesses and strengthening our connections with our customers,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a press release.
Apple shares have fallen 3.1% in the past five days to March 3 as rising tensions in the Middle East and investors wary of geopolitical risks triggered broader market volatility.
Apple is not the only company to suspend operations in the UAE. In line with government advice, several businesses across a range of industries have temporarily closed or reduced activity.
According to a post on the official UAE government account The consultation was initially set to end on March 3.
On the same day it is expected to end, the UAE Ministry of Education and the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research have extended the period of remote learning for all students, teachers and administrators in public and private schools and universities until March 6, according to news posted on the official UAE government account X.
According to multiple news media reports, the UAE has also suffered multiple air strikes from drones and missiles from Iran, causing damage to many areas and civilian casualties.
Several large companies and institutions have also suspended or restricted operations across the UAE.
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Kering Group: According to Fashion Network, some locations are temporarily closed or operating with limited staff.
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Amazon: has closed its fulfillment center in Abu Dhabi and suspended operations, Business Insider reported.
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airline: Several airlines have canceled flights to the UAE, while others have suspended services entirely, CNBC reported.
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Nasdaq Dubai: The International Financial Exchange at the Dubai International Financial Center has temporarily ceased operations, according to a press release.
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Main tourist attractions: According to Time Out Dubai, several tourist attractions across the UAE have been closed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether remote working hours will be further extended or factories closed. Businesses continue to monitor official government guidance and regional developments.
According to IMARC Group, the UAE retail market reached US$145.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to US$227.1 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%.
The market is driven in part by demand for luxury goods, which will grow to $4 billion by 2023. Analysts attribute this to the region’s strong GDP per capita and high disposable income for a significant portion of the population.
“Governments, as they seek to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil, are investing heavily in the retail sector, especially luxury retail,” IMARC Group analysts said. “Tourism and business promotion initiatives are stimulating demand for quality retail products.”
More store closures:
Flight cancellations and service suspensions have severely disrupted the UAE’s tourism industry. Analysts say prolonged instability could hamper international travel in the near future, potentially affecting retail and hotel revenue.
“If you assume this is a $5 billion to $6 billion (travel retail) market and you assume it’s going to be closed for a month, we’re certainly talking about hundreds of millions of dollars at risk,” Victor Dijon, senior consumer and retail adviser at Kearney, told Reuters.
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This article was originally published by TheStreet on March 4, 2026, and first appeared in the Retail section. Click here to add TheStreet as your preferred source.