An ipod building in Dubai but no itunes

[Magnus]

Reader "Fifi" asks in 7Days:

I saw your article about Dubai constructing an iPod building. I was very excited because my wonderful husband just got me one a few days ago. Seeing that I agree with copyright laws and I do believe that it’s wrong to download music without paying for it I was all eager to set up my Itunes account. Well my joy didn’t last very long when I realised that I cannot get an itunes account here in the country that is so proud to construct an ipod building?

Go leave your comments! The more publicity we can create around this issue, the better, I think.

[Zaid Al Hilali]

On 7Days paper yesterday in the Business section:

"Apple has been making the headlines of late with its new "iPhone" device, but its flagship iTunes store, which enables iPod owners to purchase and download mp3 tracks to their players from the internet, is still only available to US and European customers.
7Days spoke to Apple's regional spokeman Joe Sfeir, who said: "It is still unclear when the iTunes store will be available in the Middle East."

[Superglue]

Also keeping up with Dubai based carrier Emirates' plans to have customers connecting iPods right from their seats, Apple should seriously consider iTunes Store features extended in this part of the world, wouldn't you think ?

[senthil03]

From what I gather is that itunes is not expected in Middle East till the time some IP issues are sorted out. According to Apple, the IP laws are not that strong or does not have enought teeth to protect itself against piracy. Am not sure what that means.

From the way they are rolling out itunes across the world, I think it would take atleast 3-5 years before they are here in ME. They don't even have a rep office here. I think the first thing they need to do is to be present here.

[Superglue]

Well..some times back, I asked ITunes about their presence in the UAE and this is what they responded:

From: iTunes Music Store <msmac@apple.com>
Date: April 4, 2006 11:45:38 PM GMT+04:00
To: sumudug@mac.com
Subject: Re

Dear Sumudu,

Thank you for your interest in the iTunes Music Store. At this time, customers who reside in United Arab Emirates can use the iTunes Music Store to browse music, listen to previews and watch videos. However, purchasing music is not yet available in your country.

While I cannot comment on future availability of the iTunes Music Store, please rest assured that we are committed to bringing the iTunes Music Store to music lovers around the world.

For a list of countries where the iTunes Music Store is available, please select "Choose Country" from the bottom of the iTunes Music Store home page.

Sincerely,

Sarah
iTunes Music Store Team
http://www.apple.com/support/itunes/ww

[istara]

I doubt it will arrive here in any of our lifetimes. This market is just too small/insignificant for them to care, and piracy is - and will remain - sky high. That's why MS have never offically launched the Xbox or the Xbox 360 here (yep - all the ones in Carrefour are grey market!)

Anyway, thanks to Ebay.com and US itunes gift certificates and the fact that PayPal finally does work in this country, we can at least get accounts.

This might sound "grey" - but think about it. Firstly, if you get a proper account it means you want to pay for music and video, rather than pirate it. That's a good thing.

Secondly, many people here are expats from countries that do have iTunes store. Does that mean they shouldn't be allowed to use it while they live in or visit the UAE? Is it OK for my Canadian neighbour to be downloading songs, but not my Lebanese neighbour?

DRM is basically pointless and immoral. The moral thing is paying for the media you want. Which is why I think anyone getting an itunes account by any means is essentially on the side of the Light.

[senthil03]

I completely agree with istara..If i pay for the music then I consider it legal to use it even if itunes is not available in UAE. I am not robbing the musician nor the music company nor itunes of their revenue if I pay for what I am listening.

As far as DRM is concerned, I am not sure if it is right or wrong, but the corporates would always try and protect their revenue and not let it go free. If not DRM, they'll find some other ways of protecting their wares from piracy and I think that is good for every one.