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The Apple Store at Dubai Mall opened two hours earlier than usual on September 18, 2026, to handle crowds of customers who had pre-ordered the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. Mohammad Shaka, a Pakistani national working as an accountant in Dubai, secured the first purchase of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, maintaining his record as the initial buyer in consecutive years. According to Emirates 24|7, retailers confirmed that pre-orders for the premium variants sold out quickly, with the burgundy finish emerging as a leading choice among enthusiasts.
Shaka told Emirates 24|7 that he was delighted to receive the phone, adding that he had been eagerly anticipating the moment because he is an iPhone enthusiast who purchases each new version. He began buying iPhones with the release of the iPhone 4 and has continued with every subsequent model, the publication reported. Shaka also maintains a collection of vintage iPhones displayed on shelves at his home, choosing the latest Pro Max to expand it this year.
In an interview with The National, Shaka described securing the launch-day device as his destiny and said he wanted to thank his friends and Allah. “I buy all the iPhones,” Shaka said. He added that next month they launch the new Duo folding mobile and it is going to be the best.
Gulf News reported that Shaka bought three iPhone 18 Pro Max devices for his family in colours including Glacier and Burgundy after pre-ordering promptly when announced. He revealed that friends help him secure the first position but declined to share additional details of his method. The publication noted that he had similarly been the first buyer of the iPhone 17 in Dubai the previous year.
Prices for the iPhone 18 Pro start at Dh5,099 while the Pro Max begins at Dh5,499 in the UAE market, with options extending to 2TB storage, Gulf News figures show. Khaleej Times reported that initial allocations sold out in minutes online, continuing a pattern of premium model preference seen in earlier launches where some units resold at premiums. Queues began forming as early as 3am, with several customers waiting overnight in the Dubai Mall parking area.
Apple opened its first UAE stores simultaneously at Mall of the Emirates and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi in 2015, with the Dubai Mall outlet following in 2017, according to a report from The National. Gulf News archives document that launch-day rushes have drawn overnight lines since at least the iPhone 5s and 5c release in 2013, turning each event into a regional spectacle. The 2026 models include upgrades such as an advanced A20 Pro chip and enhanced battery performance that contributed to the observed demand.
