Brief
International buyers fly to Dubai to secure Apple iPhone Duo on launch day
Travelers from three countries spent up to Dh8,000 on flights and accommodation to buy the new foldable phone before it reaches their home markets.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On October 23, 2026, the Apple iPhone Duo launch at Dubai Mall attracted buyers from Uzbekistan, Russia and Kazakhstan, many of whom flew in specifically to obtain the device before it became available in their home countries, Khaleej Times reported.
What happened
Uzbek businessman Muhammad Ismailov arrived on October 21, collected seven iPhone Duo units and planned to return to Uzbekistan within three to four days, estimating travel and lodging costs at about Dh8,000. A Russian visitor, Saimon, travelled with his mother a day before the launch, waiting for a collection slot to purchase four phones before heading back to Russia. From Kazakhstan, Rahim Shaukath booked four devices on launch day and continued searching for more, citing a projected profit of up to ten times his travel expense of Dh3,500.
What the reports add
The article notes that not all purchasers were resellers. Abdullah, another Uzbek buyer, collected three phones to give to family members, showing the devices on a video call to relatives in Uzbekistan. The report highlights a mix of commercial and personal motivations among the international crowd.
What was said
Ismailov said, “I have a phone shop in Uzbekistan, so I will take the seven devices back and sell them there.” Saimon added, “My mother and I came from Russia to Dubai mainly to buy Apple Duo… I am excited to be among the first people from Russia to use it.” Rahimov explained, “I expect to make a profit that could be around 10 times what I spent on travel and staying here.” Abdullah said, “They are very excited, so I wanted to show them the phones straight away.”
How it came about
The surge of foreign buyers follows Apple’s decision to launch the iPhone Duo on October 23, 2026, with high demand pushing many local customers to wait for later delivery dates, as detailed in Felo’s earlier coverage of the launch and subsequent delivery delays.
Key facts
- Apple iPhone Duo launched on October 23, 2026 at Dubai Mall. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Muhammad Ismailov from Uzbekistan bought seven phones and spent about Dh8,000 on travel. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Russian buyer Saimon and his mother planned to purchase four phones before returning home. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Kazakh buyer Rahimov booked four phones and expected a profit up to ten times his travel cost. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Uzbek buyer Abdullah collected three phones for family members and showed them via video call. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “iPhone Duo launch: Buyers fly to Dubai from Russia, Uzbekistan to take foldables home”
