Tourists Flying Into UAE to Buy iPhone 17 Series as Prices Remain Cheaper Than India

The launch of Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup has sparked a wave of international buyers flying into the UAE due as many tourists stated significant price savings compared to their home countries. 

Apple introduced the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the ultra-thin iPhone Air on the 9th of September 2025 with the biggest updates in eight years. However, pre-booking in the UAE, which opened on September 12, sold out within minutes due to the high demand. 

Why Tourists Prefer the UAE for iPhone 17 Purchases?

Khaleej Times reported that Indian buyers are leading the influx. For instance, Kochi-based entrepreneur Rahib Mohammed calculated that purchasing an iPhone 17 Pro with 2TB storage in Dubai (Dh8,499) would save him more than Dh1,000 compared to India (Rs. 229,900, approx. Dh9,500). Moreover, he concluded it would be cheaper to fly to Dubai, buy the device, and return home because round-trip airfares are as low as Dh700 from Kochi.

Similarly, price comparison highlights the disparity. So, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced at Rs 1,49,900 (approx. Dh9,100) in Delhi. On the other hand, the same model costs AED 5,099 (approx. Rs 1,22,500) in Dubai. Hence, buyers can save nearly Rs. 5000 after adding the return fares from Dubai to Delhi (~Rs 22,600). 

Strong Retail Demand in the UAE

Retailers confirm that the international bookings are increasing. Moreover, Mohammad Razik of Right Exit Phones Trading at Al Attar Shopping Mall confirmed that many orders had already come from abroad. In addition, buyers are expected from India, CIS, and beyond. 

Mohammed Shareef, owner of Extel Mobiles, said, “Ease of access and wider availability are two main reasons why international customers come here”. Furthermore, he said that tourists often combine their shopping with a short vacation due to the direct Apple stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

The UAE Advantage

Industry experts revealed that the UAE benefits from being a phase-one launch market for Apple. Hence, this ensures a large stock availability and early deliveries compared to countries where deliveries may wait weeks. The following is the list of prices for the new iPhone series:

• iPhone Air starts at AED 4,299
• iPhone 17 at AED 4,699,
• iPhone 17 Pro from AED 5,099. 

It is important to note that deliveries will begin on September 19. However, it is cementing the status of the UAE as a global hub for tech shoppers. 

Read more:

All you need to know about the iPhone 17 lineup

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