Building a website in Arabic is not just about translation; it’s about creating a platform that resonates culturally and delivers a seamless user experience. In this blog, we’ll explore key tips for designing Arabic websites, backed by insights and statistics, to help you succeed in this dynamic region.
Adopt an RTL Layout
RTL (Right-to-Left) design caters to languages like Arabic and Urdu, which are written and read from right to left. These languages, spoken across the Middle East and North Africa—including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria—have unique design requirements. RTL design adjusts a website’s user interface, layout, and design elements to align with the natural reading direction of these languages.
While an Arabic website may appear as a mirrored version of its English counterpart, ensuring proper display demands considerable effort, including precise alignment of text, images, and navigation elements. Many platforms, including HubSpot, offer built-in RTL support, simplifying the process of adapting layouts and styles. A McKinsey study found that trust in digital platforms alone doesn’t ensure user satisfaction—ease of use and cultural alignment also play pivotal roles. Implementing an RTL layout ensures that your website is accessible, culturally relevant, and user-friendly.
HubSpot offers practical solutions for handling RTL layouts:
- Multi-language Content: HubSpot allows users to translate content into multiple languages, including RTL languages like Arabic.
- Language Switcher: Adding a language switcher module to the page’s template enables visitors to choose their preferred language.
- RTL Formatting Support: If Arabic is selected as the language, the content editor automatically uses RTL formatting.
RTL designed website powered by HubSpot
Using platforms like HubSpot that have built-in multilingual support simplifies the design process while ensuring that your site maintains professional, RTL-compliant visuals. Ensuring proper text alignment, image placement, and navigation will result in a culturally relevant, user-friendly website.
Pro Tip: Always test your RTL design thoroughly on multiple devices to ensure consistency and usability.
Arabic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
The Middle East boasts some of the highest internet penetration rates globally, with countries like the UAE and Qatar achieving 100% and 99% penetration, respectively. With such a vast audience, optimising your website for Arabic search engines is essential for reaching the right audience for your business. This goes beyond typical SEO practices—it involves using the right tools and techniques tailored for Arabic keyword research and rankings.
Ahrefs for Arabic Keywords
Ahrefs can be a powerful tool for researching Arabic keywords. You can track competitors, find high-performing keywords, and optimise content accordingly. It also allows you to conduct keyword research specific to Arabic-speaking countries. This feature enables you to discover which keywords your competitors are targeting in different Arabic regions and optimise your site for the keywords that matter most in these markets.
Arabic Keywords on AHREFS
Conducting Keyword Research on AHREFS in Ararbic:
- Step 1: Log in to Ahrefs
Start by logging into your Ahrefs account. After logging in, navigate to Ahrefs’ Keyword Explorer tool and sign up if necessary. - Step 2: Go to the Keyword Explorer Tool
Once logged in, access the Keyword Explorer tool from the dropdown menu under the "Tools" tab. - Step 3: Enter Your Seed Keyword
Begin your research by entering a "seed" keyword. This is a term related to your business or niche. Your seed keyword serves as the foundation of your keyword research and will help identify competitors and potential keyword opportunities. - Step 4: Review the Keyword Ideas
Ahrefs will generate a list of keyword ideas related to your seed keyword, along with valuable metrics such as search volume, keyword difficulty, and competition. This information will guide your decision on which keywords are worth targeting. - Step 5: Analyse Metrics
Evaluate the metrics of each keyword. A high search volume indicates demand, while low keyword difficulty can mean a better chance of ranking. Balance these metrics to find the most valuable keywords for your Arabic content. - Step 6: Use Filters
Ahrefs allows you to filter keywords by factors like search volume, difficulty, and relevance. These filters will help you focus on keywords that align with your SEO strategy and specific goals. - Step 7: Analyse the SERPs
To gain deeper insights, click on a keyword to see its search engine results pages (SERPs). Study the top-ranking pages, featured snippets, and other content types that rank well for that keyword. This helps you understand the competition and the type of content needed for a strong ranking. - Step 8: Explore Your Competitors’ Keyword Rankings
Gain insights by exploring your competitors’ websites and their keyword rankings. This competitor analysis reveals valuable opportunities for keyword improvements and content adjustments. - Step 9: Create Your Keyword List
Organise your keyword findings by creating keyword lists. Group these keywords based on themes, topics, or content types that will support your localised SEO strategy.
Actionable Tip: Use a combination of short and long-tail Arabic keywords, and make sure to optimise your meta descriptions, alt text, and URL structures for Arabic search terms.
Using .ae Domain and URL Optimisation
Choosing the right domain extension can impact your website’s visibility and credibility. A .ae domain is ideal for businesses focused on the UAE market, signalling local relevance and building trust with regional audiences. Conversely, a .com domain offers international appeal, making it the preferred choice for companies with a broader, global reach. Understanding the distinction between these two options will help you make a more informed choice that aligns with your business goals and growth aspirations.
The Role of a .AE Domain for UAE-Focused Websites
By opting for a .ae domain, you’re also signalling to your visitors that your business is based in the UAE, which adds an extra layer of credibility. Local consumers tend to trust websites with regional domains as they feel more relevant and tailored to their specific needs. It creates a sense of connection and reliability, which is crucial in establishing long-term trust with your target audience.
Why .com Might Not Be Enough for UAE-Focused Businesses
While a .com domain has global recognition and is ideal for international businesses, it doesn’t always provide the same SEO and local engagement advantages as a .ae domain when targeting UAE customers. A .com extension may not rank as high in local searches, meaning your website might be less visible to potential customers in the UAE compared to competitors using a .ae domain.
Combining a .AE Domain with Localised Arabic Content
To maximise the effectiveness of a .ae domain, it’s crucial to pair it with content that resonates with your target audience. Simply registering a .ae domain won’t guarantee success. Your website should feature localised Arabic content, catering to the cultural preferences and expectations of UAE users. This means using the Arabic language, highlighting local customs, and addressing region-specific needs and interests.
Arabic Typesetting
Typography plays a crucial role in delivering a pleasant user experience, especially for Arabic websites. Proper Arabic typesetting ensures readability, visual appeal, and accessibility. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Font Selection: Use web-safe Arabic fonts such as Noto Sans Arabic, Cairo, Tajawal, or Markazi Text, which are available through Google Fonts. These fonts are optimised for digital readability and maintain a professional look across devices. For bilingual sites, pairing Arabic fonts like Noto Sans Arabic or Cairo with English fonts offers a good fit, ensuring readability for both languages.
- Font Size: The recommended base font size for Arabic text on websites is between 18-20px for body text to ensure better readability. Arabic text generally requires a slightly larger font size than English text for optimal legibility.
Translation Considerations
When translating from English to Arabic, it’s important to consider potential differences in text length. Some languages, including Arabic, can be more concise than English, meaning the translated content may take up less space.
Handling Text Contraction: Since Arabic translations often result in shorter text, it can create layout challenges, such as unwanted white space where the original English text was longer. Experienced Arabic language web designers and content creators are aware of this and will adjust the layout and design as needed to maintain a balanced, professional appearance.
Pro Tip: Ensure adequate line height and spacing to avoid a cluttered appearance, improving readability and user experience.
Building a Future-Ready Arabic Website
Building a successful Arabic website requires much more than simple translation; it demands a strategic approach that blends cultural relevance, intuitive design, and effective localisation practices. By adopting an RTL layout, optimising for Arabic SEO, choosing the right domain extension, and paying attention to typography, you can create a site that not only appeals to Arabic-speaking audiences but also enhances their overall experience.
