(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) BlackBerry served up a twin treat on Thursday, opening its first official branded retail store in the Middle East in The Dubai Mall, simultaneous with the global retail launch of its new Q5 smartphone. The 1,000sqft store is being operated in partnership with Axiom Telecom, BlackBerry's retail and distribution partner. Its opening was led by senior officials from Axiom Telecom - chairman Abdulaziz Al Bannai and chief executive officer Faisal Al Bannai - and BlackBerry -chief operating officer Kristian Tear and regional managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa Robert Bose. The opening of the store is a move that strengthens the Ontario, Canada-based technology giant's commitment to its customers in the region, and that it is "very happy" to have it located in Dubai, according to Chris Corsi, BlackBerry's country director for the UAE, Oman and Pakistan. "Dubai and the UAE is a hub for technology and it has a very big BlackBerry base. And with around 37 million people coming here in The Dubai Mall, we feel this is a strategic location," he told Khaleej Times after the event. When asked if there will be more BlackBerry-branded outlets coming soon, Corsi said that "our focus is on this new store, but we are looking at opportunities." He also said that the store guarantees world-class service, with highly-trained staff on hand to make sure customers get what they require from BlackBerry's products and offerings. New OS10 phone The touch-and-type BlackBerry Q5 has a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, a 3.1-inch display, 5MP main and 2MP front cameras, and its classic keyboard that has been re-engineered and integrated with the so-called "instant action" that allows users to perform certain tasks without going through the apps. The handset is the third device powered by BlackBerry's new OS10 software, following the successful Z10 and Q10 earlier this year. Corsi said that the company will definitely expand the OS10 range this year. He said that the OS10 has enjoyed success thanks the innovations that have been integrated into it, foremost of which is the BlackBerry Hub, which allows users to access all contacts and get in touch with them in a single screen. "Customers have enjoyed and seen the importance [of these innovations]" the OS10 helps them to be always on the move," Corsi said. He added there will be more applications that will be made available on App World, especially for use in the Middle East. Corsi stressed that they are working closely with its over 60 BlackBerry developers in the region to develop apps that "make sense" for the local population. With regards to BlackBerry's PlayBook tablet, Corsi said that the company is evaluating this portfolio and the next steps are already being planned. The BlackBerry Q5 was made available on Thursday at the starting at5:00pm, and it is retailing for Dh1,499.