Though not official, iPad3 reaches UAE

The iPad3 has unofficially made its way to the country as dozens of local electronic retailers confirmed the availability of the latest device. Launch prices were slightly higher than in other countries as retailers made the most of early sales before the official launch in the UAE. Prices for the iPad3 began at Dh4,700 as stocks became available in the local market soon after the official launch in the US. Speaking with Khaleej Times, Javed, a wholesale dealer at the Naif Market, said: “I have already sold more than 10 units and we have another 50 units in stock.” The latest iPad3 64GB (4G + Wi-Fi) model was later selling at Dh3,450 as the 16GB Wi-Fi model sold for Dh2,050. Online classified sites like dubizzle.com and souq.com were filled with listings of the iPad3. An advertisement on one of the websites read, “Brand new iPad3 16GB with Wi-Fi selling for Dh1,995 with official AppStore bag.” While the exact date of the official launch of the iPad3 in the UAE is not yet known, tech freaks can get their hands on the tablet at competitive prices in the local market. Sales of the latest iPad began on March 16 at 8am US time in the USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and the UK. Official prices in the US for the new iPad Wi-Fi models retailed at $499 for the 16GB model, $599 for the 32GB model, and $699 for the 64GB model. The iPad Wi-Fi + 4G is priced at $629 for the 16GB model, $729 for the 32GB model and $829 for the 64GB model. The devices are being sold in the US through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores, and select Apple authorised resellers.