International Buyers Flock to Dubai to Secure Early Stock and Profit from High Demand Back Home
The launch of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the UAE has sparked a new wave of global resellers and tech enthusiasts eager to capitalize on the country’s quick access to the latest gadgets. With limited stock and soaring demand in international markets, resellers are paying a premium of Dh1,500 to Dh2,500 over retail prices to secure devices, eyeing even bigger profits when reselling them in their home countries.
In the early hours of launch day, long queues stretched outside Apple stores, especially at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, as buyers from various nations scrambled to get their hands on the much-coveted device. One such buyer was Ahmet K., who traveled from Uzbekistan to purchase multiple iPhone 16 Pro Max models. “In Tashkent, we cannot buy new iPhone 16 Pro models right now,” he explained. “Even when it’s available in the local market, prices can range from Dh7,500 to Dh9,500, nearly 30 to 40 percent higher.”
For resellers like Ahmet, this marks a profitable period. Having purchased 16 devices with an extra Dh2,000 premium on each iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB), he plans to return to Tashkent before local demand dips. “This time of year is perfect for making money,” he said.
Dilnoz U., another Uzbek traveler, echoed Ahmet’s sentiment. “I paid a Dh1,500 premium for the iPhone 16 Pro, 512GB, but it’s worth it. I can make around Dh1,000 profit per device when I sell it back home,” she stated. Despite the higher upfront costs, resellers like Dilnoz are willing to take the gamble, knowing the potential profits far outweigh the added expense.
This growing trend is not limited to Uzbekistan. Buyers from India, another market with massive iPhone demand, have also joined the rush. Kumar, a visitor from Mumbai, successfully reserved two iPhones on launch day. “It’s nearly impossible to get the iPhone 16 Pro Max in India right now because of massive demand,” he said. Having secured five iPhone 16 Pro Max (512GB) models, including three purchased at a Dh2,000 premium, Kumar is confident that each device will net him at least Dh1,000 in profit.
Local mobile retailers in the UAE are also feeling the pressure. Sharez, a Pakistani expat and owner of a mobile shop in Deira, shared how his store has received a surge of pre-bookings. “Last week alone, we received nearly 60 pre-bookings from loyal clients,” said Sharez. “Our clients are willing to pay Dh2,000 to Dh2,500 extra just to ensure they don’t miss out on the first-day stock.”
For resellers and local retailers alike, the rush to secure as many units as possible on launch day is essential to keep up with growing demand. The UAE, known for its fast access to the latest technology, has become a hotspot for international buyers hoping to resell iPhones at a premium price in markets where the devices are harder to find.
As the global thirst for the iPhone 16 Pro Max continues to grow, Dubai stands as a critical hub for tech resellers, providing a lucrative opportunity for those who can secure stock early and resell it in countries facing shortages.
