New Apple iPhone 5 lands in the UAE, costs a whopping US$1,700
Barely two days after it’s launch in the UK, US, Hong Kong and five other countries – the iPhone 5 has popped up in the UAE (courtesy of our mighty efficient grey market vendors). But while the rest of the world complains about the lackluster iOS 6 update to Apple Maps, most of us in the UAE are concerned with something else – the whopping great price tags.
As with most grey market imports, the Apple iPhone 5 is priced higher than it is elsewhere (let’s call it, early adopter tax). These mobiles have to be flown from one of the eight launch countries (ours are most probably from Hong Kong) before they can be sold, so a higher markup is to be expected. But even the most die-hard Apple fans at Stuff HQ cringed when they heard that one of the first iPhone 5‘s to go on sale yesterday went for an incredible US$1,700 at Jacky’s Dubai.
Since then, the prices have dropped dramatically. A quick check on one of our favorite web stores (JadoPado.com, Souq.com, AIDO.com) show the most basic 16GB iPhone 5 in either white or black going for US$1,250 (or Dhs4,500). That’s almost US$500 (Dhs2,000) cheaper than the price yesterday.
We’ve heard reports that prices are going down steadily, so if you want an iPhone 5 and can bear to wait another week or two, it might be worth holding off until prices stabilize.
About the Author
JadoPado.com, Souq.com, AIDO.com are only 3 out of 15 who are selling it online in UAE. Our stats: 13 kicked-off selling it yesterday, topped by Souq and MarkaVIP. Today 15, still topped by Souq and MarkaVIP. http://meefind.com/index.php?compare-prices-Apple&ct=12008&br=620&ln=80800
The shocking statistic is that even large retailers like Jacky’s are interested in making a quick buck by using the grey market which by definition is not exactly LEGAL. As retailers these companies have a responsibility to ensuring that the goods they provide are completely legal to be sold here but unfortunately once again as always in the UAE there are loopholes and workarounds that can be taken advantage of by these organizations!!!!
Well, that’s why it is called grey market. But the sad story begins with cutting the SIM ^_^
I have a working iPhone 5 in Dubai that I brought from Scotland, if you are considering to buy an iPhone 5 and use it in UAE check this post.
http://marioguarneros.com/2012/09/24/iphone-5-in-dubai-u-a-e/
(Yes a pair of scissors is all you need! LOL)