Seven weeks since the launch of Apple’s iPad touchscreen tablet computer, a spot check shows that the iconic gadget has also proved a hit with the local UAE consumers.
This is despite the fact that the device is currently retailing at more than double the US price. The model featuring Wi-Fi wireless connectivity came into the market four weeks ago, with the 3G cellular models expected later, after about two months, according to local electronic retailers.
A random check at electronics retailer Plug-Ins showed that the cheapest iPad is priced at about Dh3,900 ($1,061).
Early adopters in the UAE brushed aside the high cost of the gadget as it made its landing in the country three weeks ago, while still, others were able to obtain them at much lower prices on websites such as Souq.com and eBay.
A visit by Alrroya.com to local electronic outlets including Jacky’s, Sharaf DG, Jumbo, Virgin and iStore, revealed that sales have been steady and are expected to rise in the coming months.
Aggressive promotions push up sales
A spokesperson for Jacky’s at the Mall of the Emirates said the outlet has been running marketing promotions which have significantly helped to push the sales of iPads.
One of its campaigns dubbed: ‘What would you do to win an iPad at Jacky’s?’ was being run in conjunction with social networking website Facebook. Users were asked to submit a comment or video on what they would do if they won the iPad, where the grand prize winner received a brand new 16 GB iPad, while second and third runner-ups got an iPod Touch and an iPod Nano respectively.
“At Jacky’s, we constantly think of innovative ways to personally connect with our gadget savvy customers them. With iPad taking the entire world by storm, we would like to reward our loyal customers with the chance to be amongst the earliest iPad owners in the UAE,” said Ashish Panjabi, Chief Operating Officer, Jacky’s Group of Companies, during the launch of the campaign, early this month.
“Considering the fact that most iPad users probably use Facebook, we are able to directly engage people, get their feedback and update them about the latest products in the market,” he added.
Elsewhere, at Plug-Ins outlet located at Dubai Festival City, all the initial pre-ordered stock of high-end 64-gigabyte were sold on the first day the gadgets were received at the store.
Ahmed Al Subeihi, was one of the first less price-sensitive customers who was itching to get a hold of the pricey device.
“Initially when the iPad was launched in the US, I tried to get one but was informed that customers in the UAE, and of course other countries could not make any pre-orders,” Al Subeihi said.
“Whereas the price is still pretty high, there is also that feeling of being among the first people to own an iPad in the country… don’t you think so,” the 21-year-old bragged.
Facebook penetration in UAE at 29 per cent
According to a survey released last week by ChangeWave Research firm, the Apple’s iPad tablet has had the expected impact in the market.
ChangeWave director of research Paul Carton, while admitting that the iPad has put a dent in laptop purchasing, said the gadget’s sale has also had a potential good effect on other Apple products, including Macs.
Meanwhile, 36 per cent of the UAE’s population is registered on the social networking website Facebook, making the country the leader in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
A recent survey published by an online firm ‘Facebakers’ also ranked Qatar at second position, with 29 per cent penetration. Leading the list globally is Iceland with 61 per cent, followed by Norway with 53 per cent and Canada with 47 per cent.
The survey noted that out of the 1,600,000 users registered across the UAE, 63 per cent are male and 37 per cent are female.
“These statistics highlight a global movement towards social media as a means to disseminate information and communicate with the world. It also portrays Facebook as one of the leader in this segment,” said Jean-Renaud Durbin, general manager at the Content Factory, a Dubai-based integrated marketing communications agency.
“We have witnessed the real strength in using social media platforms to energize our clients’ businesses quickly and cost effectively,” he added.
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