The short version
- If your customers read Arabic, a proper Arabic version builds trust and reaches people an English-only site misses.
- Do it properly: right-to-left layout, real translation and separate URLs for each language.
- Start with the pages that bring in enquiries, then expand.
English is widely used in business in the UAE, but many customers prefer to read in Arabic, and many search in Arabic. A bilingual website says you are serious about serving the local market. Done badly, though, it can slow the site and confuse search engines. This guide covers what to get right.
When you need an Arabic version
- You serve local or regional customers who search in Arabic.
- You operate in sectors where trust and formality matter, such as healthcare, legal, finance or property.
- Your competitors only offer English, and you want to stand out.
If your customers are mainly international clients who work in English, an English-only site may be enough at first.
Right-to-left design is not just flipped text
Arabic reads right to left, so layouts, navigation, icons that imply direction and form alignment all need to mirror. Fonts also matter: choose an Arabic typeface that is readable at small sizes and loads quickly. Test every page on a phone.
Use real translation
Machine translation is useful for a rough draft, but have a fluent speaker review everything the customer will read, especially services, prices and legal text. Tone matters: Arabic business writing can be more formal than English.
Set up the site so search engines understand it
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| URLs | Give each language its own URL, for example /ar/ for Arabic, so each page can be indexed on its own. |
| hreflang | Add hreflang tags linking each page to its translation. |
| HTML language and direction | Set lang and dir attributes correctly on Arabic pages. |
| Titles and descriptions | Write them in Arabic. Do not reuse the English ones. |
| Language switcher | Place a visible link to the other language on every page. |
Make contact easy in both languages
WhatsApp is a primary channel for many customers. Add a click-to-chat link with a pre-filled message in the page language, plus a click-to-call button. Keep forms short and make sure error messages are translated too.
A phased approach that keeps cost down
- Launch the English site first. The Express Launch is a custom 5-page WordPress site for $299, live in 5 days.
- Translate the pages that drive enquiries: Home, Services and Contact.
- Add the remaining pages and Arabic content over time.
Arabic versions, right-to-left styling and extra languages are scoped separately. See packages or book a call to get a fixed quote.
Quick answers
Will an Arabic version slow my site?
Not if it is built well. Use fast-loading fonts, compress images and avoid heavy plugins.
Can I use a translation plugin?
Some work well, but check that they create separate indexable URLs and let you edit the translations. Avoid ones that translate on the fly in the browser.
Do I need two separate websites?
No. One site with an Arabic section is simpler to maintain and keeps your authority in one place.