Apple has launched its latest iPhone and loyal customers have begun to figure out how to get their hands on their new devices, with the new series going on sale to the general public on Friday.
The iPhone 15 line-up was announced on September 14 at the company's Wonderlust event, with the biggest shift being the transition to using USB-C ports.
Here is a handy guide on the iPhone 15's availability for Apple users in the UAE – and even for those who may want to make the switch.
Which iPhone models were launched?
As expected, four new devices have been introduced by Apple – the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. They are in line with last year's iPhone 14 line-up, which did away with the Mini version from the previous two generations.
They also inherit the same screen sizes – 6.1 inches for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, and 6.7 inches for the iPhone 15 Plus and Pro Max.
How much do the new iPhones cost?
Apple has decided to keep the their prices in line with those of predecessors.
The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in 128 gigabyte, 256GB and 512GB versions that cost Dh3,399, Dh3,799 and Dh4,649 ($925, $1,035 and $1,265), respectively, for the former and Dh3,799, Dh4,199 and Dh5,049, respectively, for the latter.
Meanwhile, iPhone 15 Pro prices are Dh4,299 for the 128GB model, Dh4,699 for the 256GB model, Dh5,549 for the 512GB model and Dh6,399 for the one-terabyte model.
Things change with the iPhone 15 Pro Max – it no longer has a 128GB variant, so it now starts at Dh5,099 for 256GB, with the 512GB and 1TB models priced at Dh5,949 and Dh6,799, respectively.
The iPhone accounts for about 50 per cent of Apple’s sales, and the company is counting on the new model to help reverse a recent sales slide.
What are the colours to choose from?
For the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, you can choose from black, blue, green, pink and yellow. For the Pro models, the options available are black titanium, blue titanium, natural titanium and white titanium.
The Pro models have a sleek metallic finish. To recap, Apple replaced the stainless steel chassis on the Pros with titanium, which is lighter but sturdier.
Which iPhones are on sale?
Tradition has held up – the new iPhones went on sale to the general public on Friday, September 22. Orders started on September 15.
If you intend to head to an Apple Store on the first day of sales, you have to plan early as iPhone launches are known to have queues of customers who can wait a full day before sales start.
Otherwise, you can go to any other major retailer. If you are not in real rush to buy a new iPhone, waiting for a few days to let the excitement simmer down is not a bad idea, either.
And as always, you can opt for an online purchase, whether through Apple's official Store app or any other major retailer.
Are there payment options?
Apart from purchasing your iPhone at full price, Apple has a couple of options for buyers.
The first is through zero per cent instalments, which can be made in co-ordination with your bank. Apple's partner banks in the UAE include First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Mashreq and Citi, according to its website.
Now, if you have Apple products stowed away, you can trade them in and get cash credits, which can amount up to Dh2,385. This is a popular option for several Apple users, one which helps the company to recycle its products responsibly.
Is the iPhone 14 still available?
Yes, and now at lower prices. The iPhone 14 now starts at Dh2,999 and the iPhone 14 Plus at Dh3,399. However, the Pro models are no longer available – at least on Apple's website. Other retailers still have them on sale, also at discounted prices.
As in recent years, Apple has usually discontinued its top-end iPhones once the new models have been announced. However, it has kept entry-level devices on sale, which is a actually good move as it gives consumers more options for cheaper iPhones.
Apart from the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, Apple is still selling the iPhone 13 (from Dh2,599) and the third-generation iPhone SE (from Dh1,849).
What about the new Watches and AirPods Pro?
Orders have opened and the devices are also available now, as well.
Apple's Watch Series 9 comes in two sizes, 41mm and 45mm, and two finishes – aluminium and stainless steel.
For the aluminium 41mm version, prices are at Dh1,599 for the GPS model and Dh1,999 for cellular; for the 45mm model, prices are at Dh1,719 and Dh2,119, respectively.
Meanwhile, the stainless steel version only has the cellular variant and is priced at Dh2,799 for the 41mm model and Dh2,999 for the 45mm model. Bear in mind that these prices will go up if you opt for a pricier band or loop.
The Watch Ultra 2 only comes in one version – 49mm, priced at Dh3,199.
The second-generation AirPods Pro 2 is priced at Dh949. It also comes with a USB-C port and is now compatible with MagSafe wireless charging.
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The five pillars of Islam
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
LIVERPOOL%20TOP%20SCORERS
%3Cp%3E(Premier%20League%20only)%3Cbr%3EMohamed%20Salah%20129%3Cbr%3ERobbie%20Fowler%20128%3Cbr%3ESteven%20Gerrard%20120%3Cbr%3EMichael%20Owen%20118%3Cbr%3ESadio%20Mane%2090%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Founders: Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, Turki Bin Zarah and Abdulmohsen Albabtain.
Based: Riyadh
Offices: UAE, Vietnam and Germany
Founded: September, 2020
Number of employees: 70
Sector: FinTech, online payment solutions
Funding to date: $116m in two funding rounds
Investors: Checkout.com, Impact46, Vision Ventures, Wealth Well, Seedra, Khwarizmi, Hala Ventures, Nama Ventures and family offices
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
