EXCLUSIVE: Etisalat sees surge in iPhone sales after price cut

Sales of the iPhone were “modest” in the UAE compared with Saudi Arabia after the February launch, but demand will rise following recent price cuts, Etisalat’s chairman told Arabian Business on Friday.

In an interview at the World economic Forum in Jordan, Mohammed Omran also revealed that disagreement with its local partner may have cost Etisalat Iran’s third mobile licence.

On May 5 the company slashed the price of its iPhone 3G packages in the UAE, which it says will save customers up to 22 percent from their initial asking prices.

The decision came after the company asked the UAE Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA) to authorize a price cut.

“We introduced the iPhone in Saudi Arabia cheaper than in the UAE and we have seen good market growth there, while in the UAE it was modest,” Omran said.

“When we equate the UAE with Saudi Arabia in terms of offering, we will be able to add more customers.”

Etisalat owns a 26.25 percent stake in Saudi operator Mobily.

Etisalat has signaled its interest to enter the Moroccan [click here ], Syrian and Lebanese markets.

Its Indian operations will “probably” launch in October, Omran said.

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