Apple temporarily closes UAE stores amid rising Middle East tensions

Amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, Apple has temporarily shut down its corporate offices and all five of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates. According to a report by MacRumours, all five of the iPhone-maker’s stores will remain closed through at least Tuesday, March 3. The shutdown will impact key Apple Stores locations in UAE, including ones at the Dubai Mall, near the famous Burj Khalifa skyscraper, at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, and at the Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall, and Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. A sign says the store will remain closed "until further notice," the report says.

As mentioned above, the temporary Apple Stores suspension comes amid escalating tensions in the region. The Emirati government has recently recommended companies in the private sector to take measures to avoid the presence of workers in open areas, if and where possible, from Sunday, March 1 until Tuesday, March 3.

Dubai Police warns residents of SIM Scam

In another news, Dubai Police has issued a public warning about the rising wave of SIM swap scams, urging residents to remain vigilant as fraudsters are exploiting the ongoing regional conflict to pose as crisis management officials. Dubai Police shared a post on social platform X (formerly known as Twitter) urging the users to not disclose their personal details or respond to any suspicious calls or messages.

“In light of the current circumstances, Dubai Police have detected attempts by fraudsters to exploit recent developments by impersonating employees purportedly affiliated with the “Dubai Crisis Management” department and falsely claiming links to Dubai Police.

These attempts aim to unlawfully obtain sensitive information, including UAE Pass credentials and Emirates ID details,” the warning reads.

“Dubai Police caution that disclosing such data may enable criminals to carry out SIM swap operations and gain unauthorised access to bank accounts through mobile banking applications.

Dubai Police affirm that they do not request confidential information or verification codes via telephone calls or text messages under any circumstances.

Members of the public are strongly urged not to share personal or banking information with any unverified party and to report any suspected fraudulent activity immediately through official channels by calling 901 or via the eCrime platform dedicated to cybercrime reports,” the warning further says.