(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Apple Al Maryah Island will have strong health and safety measures in place, and visits on opening day will be by appointment only. Customers can choose from available times at apple.com/ae/almaryahisland. by Sandhya D'Mello
Published: Thu 24 Feb 2022, 12:32 PM
Last updated: Thu 24 Feb 2022, 12:35 PM
US technology giant Apple is expanding in the region and has pledged to enhance consumer experience as it gears up to open its fourth new Apple store in Al Maryah Island on Friday at 5pm local time, told Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's senior vice-president of Retail + People in an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times.
“Connecting customers with the best of Apple is something we're really passionate about. Since we opened our first stores in the UAE in 2015, we've been thrilled to see the overwhelmingly positive response from millions of visitors, and with Apple Al Maryah Island, we are giving our customers even more choice for their shopping and service needs. With Apple Al Maryah Island, our customers in Abu Dhabi have more opportunities than ever before to explore our products, get help with one of their devices, or bring their best ideas to life through one of our Today at Apple sessions,” she said.
Apple opened its first store in the UAE in 2015, and has so far welcomed more than 30 million visitors. Apple Al Maryah Island will have strong health and safety measures in place, and visits on opening day will be by appointment only. Customers can choose from available times at apple.com/ae/almaryahisland.
The global brand, recently opened Apple Yas Mall, which includes 100 highly trained team members and collectively speak 33 languages, representing 32 nationalities.
“We are proud to continue to be an engine of opportunity and growth in the UAE, and look forward to expanding our team with the opening of Apple Al Maryah. And our economic impact expands beyond the four walls of our stores. We have teams dedicated to supporting local app developers, entrepreneurs, and business customers, who benefit from the expertise of our teams and the personalised sessions hosted in store. Our new store also includes a boardroom, where our business customers can get personal advice and guidance to help them serve their customers.”
O'Brien has spent over three decades with Apple and attributes her growth to commitment to excellence.“A deep focus on innovation and care for teams and customers at the heart of everything we do makes Apple a stronger brand. I felt that passion and energy from my very first days at Apple, and I still feel it today. Leading our Retail and People teams has been the honour of a lifetime, and I'm so fortunate to get to work alongside so many passionate, talented people.”
O'Brien is trying to bring in innovation in building a team that can reach out to consumers with diversity at its core.“Apple Al Maryah Island is a really special place. The design of the store is one-of-a- kind, with breathtaking views of the Abu Dhabi skyline just across the waterfront. What makes this store truly exceptional is our team. Together speaking more than 30 languages, this multi-talented group reflects the creativity and diversity of the community they serve. At the heart of our stores are our people, and we can't wait for our customers to meet them,” she added.
The global brand is tapping into local talent to celebrate grand opening. Today at Apple sessions hosted in the Forum at Apple Al Maryah Island will also invite local musicians, artists, developers, entrepreneurs, and educators to share their talents and ideas with members of the community.
For nearly 10 years, Apple has been building relationships with customers and communities in the UAE.“With every investment we make, our focus is on deepening those relationships — by providing the best localised experience across our products and software, and the best customer experience in our stores and online,” said O'Brien.
“Our focus is on connecting our amazing teams with customers wherever they are — in stores and online. There's no better place to check out our products and learn more about our services than an Apple Store. And there's no virtual destination that brings together the best of Apple like the Apple Online Store. No matter where our customers are, they're going to have the same great experience, because they're connecting with the same great team.”
Experience innovation in 'Customer Care'
Apple Al Maryah Island will debut three unique Today at Apple sessions that draw inspiration from the beautiful surroundings and creative culture of Abu Dhabi:
Photo Walk: Fluidity and Motion with iPhone 13 Pro, co-created with local photographer, Mohamed Somji
Music Walk: Liquid Soundscapes with GarageBand
Art Walk: Drawing Creativity Within Session Guide
On March 6, photographer Mohamed Somji will lead a co-created Photo Walk, sharing his personal techniques. Future Today at Apple sessions hosted in the Forum at Apple Al Maryah Island will invite local musicians, artists, developers, entrepreneurs, and educators that reflect the innovative community of Abu Dhabi. Participants can register for all sessions at: apple.co/creativity-within. Apple will also offer ongoing personal advice and guidance for local businesses in the dedicated Boardroom. To further celebrate the grand opening, visitors can also access an exclusive and specially curated Apple Music playlist, featuring local UAE artists.
The new store's multicultural team of more than 80 members represent 28 nationalities and collectively speak over 30 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Tagalog, and more. Throughout the expansive space, customers can get shopping assistance from highly knowledgeable Specialists as they explore the latest products, learn more about Apple services such as the Trade In program, or receive expert advice and support at the Genius Grove.
Apple Al Maryah Island introduces several new design elements reflective of its surroundings. From the promenade, two ramps paved with Absolute Black granite stone — the first use of this material at any Apple Store — cut through water and continue seamlessly inside the store, blurring the barrier between inside and out. The store also features a golden carbon fiber roof locally sourced in the UAE. Visitors entering from The Galleria Al Maryah Island will walk through a mirrored stainless steel portal, enveloped by the sights and sounds of water jets cascading over exterior glass walls. A 72-foot-long mirrored foil ceiling creates a kaleidoscopic effect, with water falling down the walls, and reflections seen above.
Once inside, guests are greeted with panoramic views of Abu Dhabi's extraordinary skyline. When looking up, customers will also find a unique ceiling made of stretched gold fabric. The glass walls bring in the natural light, with ficus trees adding greenery to the interior. An innovative radiant floor system combined with displacement ventilation helps cool the building. —
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