Apple shares photos, video from Dubai store opening

Apple opened its latest flagship store in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, and the company is celebrating by sharing a gallery of photos and a short video of the retail debut in Dubai Mall.

The additional photos arrived on Thursday as an update to Apple's original Dubai store press release earlier this week. At the time, the company said it views the new two-story retail outlet, with its views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, as a community gathering space.

Indeed, seen in photos of Thursday's grand opening, Apple Dubai Mall features more than enough space for thousands of customers. The store boasts a split-level design and "Apple store 2.0" aesthetic complete with tree planters, custom wood furniture, iconic wood display tables and more.

Like other recently opened flagship locations, the Dubai Mall outlet sports a "Genius Grove," Forum for classroom sessions and performances, Avenues for accessories and Boardroom for business sales. Unique to the Dubai space are large carbon fiber "solar wings" that open onto a balcony overlooking the Dubai Fountain. The wings automatically respond to weather conditions in the United Arab Emirates, shielding visitors on sunny days and opening in the evening.

Thursday's opening marked the first Today at Apple program to take place in the Middle East. Announced earlier this week, Today at Apple consists of more than 60 different sessions designed to inform and entertain. For example, customers can take part in hands-on photography classes and attend basic coding lessons, while "pro series" events focus on advanced use of Apple's pro level software like Final Cut Pro X and Logic Pro X.

Today at Apple also covers music performances featuring local musicians. The Dubai Mall outlet featured one such performance today.