Apple retail stores and corporate offices in UAE temporarily closed

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple has temporarily closed its corporate offices and five Apple Store locations in the United Arab Emirates following a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict over the weekend.

Apple Store locations in the region first closed on Saturday, February 28, at 3 pm.

MacRumors notes that the temporary move adheres to new guidance from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation asking that “private sector establishments in the country take the necessary measures to avoid the presence of workers in open areas, with the exception of vital and essential roles that require physical attendance, and to implement remote working arrangements wherever possible.”
Guidance tweet

Here’s how the temporary store hours appear on the affected store pages:

The five affected stores include:

• Abu Dhabi: Apple Al Maryah Island and Apple Yas Mall
• Dubai: Apple Dubai Mall and Apple Mall of the Emirates
• Al Ain: Apple Al Jimi Mall

This safety measure is recommended for a period of three days, from Sunday, March 1, through Tuesday, March 3. It remains subject to change given the volatility of the situation.