Launching in the UAE or Saudi Arabia: a website checklist for Arabic and English
The Gulf is one of the most active startup regions in the world, and customers there expect a polished, bilingual, mobile-first experience. Here is what your website needs.
By the Xuru Technologies team · 20 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Offer Arabic and English, and design the Arabic version properly right-to-left.
- Support the payment methods local customers expect.
- Show local trust signals: company details, local contact and support hours.
- Build for mobile first; many customers will only ever see your site on a phone.
What does a startup website need for the UAE and Saudi Arabia? A bilingual site in Arabic and English with true right-to-left layouts, local payment options, clear company and contact details, fast mobile performance, and messaging adapted for the local market rather than translated word for word.
Arabic and English, done properly
- Right-to-left layout: the whole page mirrors, not just the text. Navigation, icons with direction and progress steps flip too.
- Arabic typography: choose a font designed for Arabic, with comfortable sizes and line spacing.
- Localisation, not just translation: examples, currencies and phrasing that feel local.
- Language switcher: visible, simple, and remembering the visitor's choice.
Read more in our guide to multilingual websites; the same principles apply to startups.
Local payments
Customers expect familiar options. Depending on your product, that may include cards, Apple Pay and local schemes such as mada in Saudi Arabia, plus local currency pricing. Your payment provider will confirm what it supports in each country.
Local trust signals
| Signal | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Registered company details | Shows you are a real, local business |
| Local phone or WhatsApp | Many customers prefer to message first |
| Support hours in local time | Sets expectations for replies |
| Arabic privacy policy and terms | Clarity and trust for Arabic-speaking users |
| Local customer stories | Proof from people like them |
Data protection rules apply in both countries. Check your obligations with a local adviser; this article is not legal advice.
Mobile first
Design every page for the phone before the desktop. Keep pages light, compress images and test on real devices. Our Core Web Vitals guide covers the speed basics.
Working with a remote team
Many Gulf startups work with remote design and development partners. India's working hours overlap well with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which makes daily collaboration easy. See how outsourcing works with us.
Frequently asked questions
Should Arabic be the default language?
It depends on your audience. Many sites detect the browser language and let users switch easily.
Can we launch in English first?
Yes, if your early customers are English-speaking, but plan the Arabic version from the start so the design supports right-to-left later.
Do we need separate domains for each country?
Not usually. One domain with language and country sections is simpler to manage and good for SEO when set up correctly.
Bilingual websites, built right-to-left.
We'll design a sample of your Arabic and English homepage before you commit, with a fixed written quote.
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