Some tourists plan to fly into the UAE to buy the new Apple devices. The launch of the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air has led many buyers to book trips to the UAE. The iPhone UAE market there is highly competitive due to lower prices, early availability, and easy access to Apple stores.
Price comparison: iPhone in the UAE and other world
Rahib Mohammed said that, based on his calculations, it would be cheaper for him to fly to Dubai and buy a device than to purchase it in India.
“Iphone price in UAE, an iPhone 17 Pro with 2 TB of storage costs Dh8,499,” he said. “Iphone price in India, the same device costs Rs. 229,900 (about Dh9,500) because of added taxes. That’s over Dh1,000 difference. A return flight from Kochi to Dubai costs around Dh700 on a budget airline. So, it’s cheaper to fly to the UAE and buy the device.”
The entrepreneur said he plans to travel to the UAE in October to pick up an iPhone 17 Pro during his visit. “I will be traveling to Dubai for work,” he explained. “Also, I expect stores in the UAE to have more stock, so even though I will buy it nearly a month after its release, I’m likely to get it sooner than if I ordered it in India.”
Why iPhones Cost Less in the UAE
Taxes and import duties increase iPhone prices in India. Conversely, the UAE has fewer levies, making gadgets more affordable. This significant price gap makes the UAE an attractive choice for those looking for the best iPhone deal. Each new iPhone launch draws buyers rushing to Dubai to purchase the latest models before they sell out.
Bookings and Demand for the New iPhone 17 Series
Retailers in Dubai confirmed that pre-orders started immediately after Apple announced the new lineup. Stores reported that international buyers, especially from India and CIS countries, placed pre-orders right away. Within minutes of the September 12 pre-order opening, the first batch was sold out.
The iPhone Air starts at AED 4,299, the iPhone 17 at AED 4,699, and the iPhone 17 Pro at AED 5,099. The first deliveries are scheduled for September 19, making the UAE one of the earliest markets to launch the new devices.
Ease of Access and Availability
Besides pricing, the convenience of access makes the UAE a preferred destination. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have multiple Apple stores with large stocks. Tourists find it easy to combine a short vacation with shopping. The travel time from India is only about four hours, making for a quick trip.
Experts confirm that the UAE usually has more stock than countries like India, where demand often outpaces supply. This ensures tourists can buy the new iPhone without long waits.
The Craze for First-Day Buyers
Some buyers are so eager that they pay double the price to get their device on launch day. As a phase 1 market, the UAE attracts customers from phase 2 countries who fly in to get their devices earlier. Retailers, however, emphasize that they only sell to genuine customers to prevent bulk reselling.
Final thoughts
It’s usually worth flying to Dubai for tourists, mainly Indians, wanting to buy the new iPhone 17 Pro Max or other models. The iPhone prices in the UAE are much lower than in India, making it a budget-friendly option even considering travel costs. The UAE continues to be one of the best places to buy an iPhone due to its better availability, faster launches, and easier access.
FAQS
Q1. Why are tourists flying to the UAE to purchase iPhones?
Visitors come to the UAE because iPhone prices are lower than in most countries, including India, with early and easy Apple store access.
Q2. Are iPhones actually cheaper to purchase in the UAE compared to India?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max costs ₹1.5 lakh in India but only ₹1,22,500 in Dubai, letting buyers save even after flight costs.
Q3. What is the most desirable iPhone to purchase in UAE at the moment?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is the top choice for its premium features, while the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air are budget-friendly alternatives.
Q4. How much is an iPhone 17 Pro Max in UAE?
In UAE, the price of iPhone 17 Pro Max is AED 5,099.
Q5. What is the cost of iPhone 17 in India as compared to the UAE?
The iPhone 17 Pro Max in India is almost 1.5 lakh. In the UAE, it is sold at approximately 1,22,500 and this presents a big gap.
Q6. Is it possible to pre-book new iPhone in UAE?
Yes, the pre-bookings take place before the launch. Nevertheless, slots are sold in just few minutes since they are in demand.
