Technology giant Apple is preparing to open its much anticipated store in the Dubai Mall, it announced on Tuesday.

The two-storey shop will be Apple’s second in Dubai – its flagship store opened in Mall of the Emirates in 2015 – and its third in the UAE, as it also has a store in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall.

Apple did not give a specific date for the opening, but said a special “barricade” surrounding the two-level storefront in Dubai Mall had been unveiled on Tuesday morning featuring a design concept entitled, ‘Creativity. Connected.’ On its website, Apple says the store is located on both the ground floor near Pucci and Jimmy Choo, and the first floor near Paule Ka.

The barricade showcases 35 local enterprises on a mural wall that “tells the story of the creative community from start-ups, independent art galleries and local app developers, to boutiques, cafes and food trucks we all know and love”, Apple said.

The store was originally touted to open in March. Apple said the new retail store would be positioned at a central location within the Dubai Mall and become a “meeting point for creative minded people”.

Arabian Business reported in December that Apple was recruiting for new shop assistants, managers and other retail staff for its UAE stores.