iPhone Duo launch: Buyers fly to Dubai from Russia, Uzbekistan to take foldables home

Apple’s first foldable phone, the Apple Duo, has attracted buyers from across the region, with visitors travelling to Dubai from Uzbekistan, Russia and Kazakhstan to secure the device on launch day.

At Dubai Mall on October 23, international buyers queued to collect their phones, with some planning to resell the devices in their home countries and others purchasing them for family members. For many, travelling to Dubai offered an opportunity to get the new phone before it became available in their local markets.

Uzbek Businessman Travels to Dubai to Buy Seven Phones

Muhammad Ismailov, a businessman from Uzbekistan, travelled to Dubai with his brothers to purchase seven Apple Duo devices for his mobile phone shop.

He arrived on Wednesday, October 21, and planned to return home within three or four days. Ismailov estimated that flights, accommodation and other travel expenses would cost around Dh8,000.

He said interest in the device was already strong in Uzbekistan, prompting him to travel specifically to secure stock for his shop.

The businessman was among several international visitors who arrived in Dubai hoping to purchase the foldable phone as soon as it launched.

Russian Buyers Plan to Take Four Phones Home

Saimon travelled from Russia with his mother, arriving in Dubai a day before the launch. The pair planned to purchase four Apple Duo devices before returning home within a few days.

They were waiting for their collection slot at Dubai Mall when they spoke about their plans.

Saimon said the main reason for the trip was to obtain the device early rather than wait for its release in Russia.

He was particularly excited about getting Apple's first foldable phone and hoped to be among the earliest users of the device in his country.

Kazakhstani Buyer Expects Strong Demand at Home

For Shaukath Rahimov from Kazakhstan, the trip was a business opportunity. He had booked four Apple Duo phones on the first day and was still trying to secure additional devices.

Rahimov estimated that his flight and accommodation expenses would total around Dh3,500.

He said demand for the phone in Kazakhstan was strong and expected the opportunity to generate a substantial profit compared with his travel expenses.

His experience reflected the interest among international traders looking to secure limited launch-day stock and meet demand in their home markets.

Some Buyers Purchase Apple Duo for Family Members

Not everyone travelling to Dubai intended to resell the new phones. Abdullah, another visitor from Uzbekistan, purchased three Apple Duo devices for his family.

While at the mall, he used a video call to show the phones to his brother and cousin, who were eager to see Apple's latest foldable device.

Abdullah had arrived in Dubai the previous day and planned to return to Uzbekistan within two days.

For him, the trip was about fulfilling his family's excitement and allowing them to see the new phone as soon as possible.

Dubai Becomes a Launch Destination for International Buyers

The Apple Duo launch at Dubai Mall attracted visitors with different goals, from mobile phone retailers seeking stock to individuals buying devices for relatives.

Buyers from Uzbekistan, Russia and Kazakhstan were willing to spend on flights, accommodation and other expenses to secure the phone early.

Their visits highlight Dubai's role as a shopping destination for new technology launches, particularly when demand is high and availability in other markets remains limited.

For these buyers, the appeal of Apple Duo went beyond owning a new device. It also offered an early purchasing opportunity, a potential business advantage or a chance to share Apple's latest technology with family back home.