Apple Inc launches online store for UAE fans

Apple Inc, the US-based technology giant, has launched an online store in the UAE as the company moves to ramp up sales in fast-growing emerging markets. The online store prices iPad 2s from AED2,099 and iPhones from AED1,899, undercutting sale prices at local retailers such as Sharaf DG and Jumbo Electronics. Alongside iPhones, iPads and MacBooks, the Apple store will offer customised services including free engraving on products. Users can also build customised Macs, choosing their own specifications for memory and drives.UAE electronics retailers said earlier this month they had seen a surge in revenues on the back of strong sales of Apple’s iPad. Jacky’s Electronics said sales of the tablet had accounted for about 14 percent of all technology sales in the year-to-date, a figure expected to rise to over 15 percent by the year-end. Retailer Plug-Ins said the iPad was dominating tablet sales. “This year, due to the breadth of the line up in tablet, we are seeing strong sales across the board. The iPad overwhelming has the majority share,” said general manager Omar Abushaban.Electronic sales in the Gulf state are expected to surpass $3bn this year, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said in August.Apple, which has conquered the high end of the phone market with its iPhone, saw its market capitalisation soar to $340bn in August on the back of its innovative technology products.