Expand your brand to United Arab Emirates
UAE is a wealthy e-commerce hub with high disposable income and strong cross-border shopping. Success requires understanding cultural sensitivity, diverse expat population, and luxury positioning.
Population
10 Million
GDP
$507 Billion
Internet Penetration
99%
E-commerce Growth
+22% YoY
Market Overview
UAE consumers are affluent, brand-conscious, and tech-savvy. Large expat population (Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Western) creates diverse preferences. Strong luxury market. Cross-border shopping from US, UK, and China is common.
Domain Extension
.ae
Cost: $30-80/year
Requires local business presence or trademark registration
Business Language
Arabic (official), English (widely used)
Business Culture: Relationship-based with emphasis on trust and respect for hierarchy. Western business practices common due to expat influence. Islamic principles influence business. Patience is essential.
Cultural Considerations
Do
- Respect Islamic culture and values
- Understand diverse expat segments
- Emphasize quality and luxury
- Provide Arabic and English content
- Offer fast and reliable delivery
Don't
- Don't ignore cultural sensitivities
- Avoid offensive imagery or language
- Don't overlook Islamic holidays (Ramadan)
- Avoid being too casual or informal
- Don't underestimate importance of luxury
Popular Industries · United Arab Emirates
Domain Registration
Local Domain
.ae
Requires local business presence or trademark registration
Cost: $30-80/year
Key Considerations
- • Check local trademark registration
- • Verify local business presence requirements
- • Consider both local and .com domains
- • Research local domain registrars
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use Arabic or English for marketing in UAE?
Both are essential. Arabic shows cultural respect and connects with local Emiratis. English is widely used and necessary for expat communities (who make up 85%+ of population). Bilingual content is ideal.
How important is luxury positioning in UAE?
Very important for many segments. UAE consumers have high disposable income and value luxury brands. However, value segments also exist. Price alone rarely drives decisions - quality and brand prestige matter more.
What e-commerce platforms are popular in UAE?
Amazon.ae (formerly Souq) dominates. Noon is the local competitor. Traditional retail giants like Carrefour and Lulu have strong online presence. Social commerce via Instagram is growing.
Start your United Arab Emirates expansion
Create a brand identity tailored for the United Arab Emirates market