Arabic website localisation checklist for Saudi Arabia and the GCC

Localising a website for Saudi Arabia means more than translating it. You need Arabic copy written for Saudi readers, a true right-to-left layout, keyword research done in Arabic, local payment methods and trust signals, and a technical setup with separate Arabic URLs and hreflang tags so Google shows the right version to the right people. Use the checklist below before you launch.

Why translation is not enough

Saudi Arabia is one of the largest digital markets in the region, and buyers there increasingly search, compare and buy in Arabic. A site that has only been translated tends to read like a foreign company speaking through an interpreter. Phrases sound literal, calls to action feel stiff, and examples refer to places and habits that are not local. Localisation means adapting the message, the design, the technical setup and the buying experience, as well as the words.

1. Language and copy

• Write for the reader, not from the English. Use clear Modern Standard Arabic for most pages, with a lighter, more local tone in marketing headlines and social content where it fits your brand.
• Transcreate calls to action and slogans. "Get started" or a clever English tagline rarely works word for word.
• Keep terminology consistent. Build a short glossary for your product names, services and technical terms, and decide which ones stay in English.
• Choose a numeral style and use it everywhere. Most Saudi websites use Western digits (1, 2, 3), but be consistent.
• Use local formats: SAR prices with the riyal symbol or "ر.س", +966 phone numbers, and Hijri dates alongside Gregorian dates where your audience expects them.
• Have a native Saudi or Gulf reviewer read every page before launch.

2. Design and right-to-left layout

• Mirror the whole layout: navigation, columns, sliders, breadcrumbs and progress indicators all run right to left.
• Flip direction-sensitive icons such as back and next arrows. Do not flip logos, media playback icons or charts that represent time.
• Keep left-to-right content intact inside Arabic text: phone numbers, prices, product codes, email addresses and English brand names.
• Use a proper Arabic typeface, such as IBM Plex Sans Arabic, Noto Kufi Arabic or Tajawal, with slightly larger sizes and line height than Latin text.
• Never add letter-spacing to Arabic. It breaks the joins between letters.
• Check images and photography for local relevance and cultural fit.
• Test forms in Arabic, including validation messages, placeholders and error states.

3. Arabic SEO

• Research keywords in Arabic. Saudi searchers may use different words from your English keywords, and often mix in English brand and product names.
• Cover spelling variants, for example the letters ة and ه or أ and ا, and common transliterations of English terms.
• Write unique Arabic titles and meta descriptions, not translations squeezed to length.
• Decide on URL slugs. English slugs under an /ar/ folder are simple to manage and share. Arabic slugs can help click-through but become long encoded strings when copied. Either works if you are consistent.
• Build Arabic internal links so Arabic pages link to other Arabic pages.
• Publish Arabic content that answers local questions, not just translated English blog posts.

4. Technical setup

• Separate URLs per language, such as example.com/ar/, a Saudi-specific folder such as /sa-ar/, or a .sa domain. Do not swap the language on the same URL with a cookie or script.
• Add hreflang tags linking each English page to its Arabic equivalent, with an x-default. Use ar-SA when you have Saudi-specific pages, or ar for Arabic content aimed at the whole region.
• Set lang="ar" and dir="rtl" on the html element of Arabic pages.
• Include Arabic pages in your XML sitemap, ideally with their hreflang alternates.
• Localise structured data, so Arabic pages carry Arabic names, descriptions and FAQs in their schema markup.
• Check speed with Arabic fonts loaded. Subset and self-host fonts so they do not slow the page.

5. Payments, commerce and trust

• Offer the payment methods Saudi customers expect, such as mada cards and Apple Pay, plus buy-now-pay-later options like Tabby or Tamara if they suit your product.
• Show prices including 15% VAT and display your VAT registration where required on invoices.
• Show your company details clearly: commercial registration, address and support contacts. Online stores in Saudi Arabia are expected to display this information.
• Provide Arabic customer support through the channels customers use, especially WhatsApp and phone.
• Use local proof: Saudi client logos, Arabic testimonials and case studies from the region.

6. Privacy and data protection

Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) governs how personal data is collected and used. At a minimum, publish an Arabic privacy policy, ask for clear consent where required for marketing and cookies, and know where your forms, analytics and CRM store data. Have your policies reviewed by a qualified adviser.

Pre-launch checklist

1. Arabic copy written or reviewed by a native Saudi or Gulf writer.
2. Glossary of product and service terms agreed.
3. Full right-to-left layout tested on mobile and desktop.
4. Direction-sensitive icons flipped. Numbers, prices and codes display correctly.
5. Arabic keyword research completed, with unique Arabic titles and descriptions.
6. Separate Arabic URLs, with hreflang and x-default in place.
7. html lang and dir attributes set. Arabic pages included in the sitemap.
8. Structured data localised.
9. Local payment methods and VAT-inclusive pricing live.
10. Company registration, address and Arabic support contacts visible.
11. Arabic privacy policy and consent flows published.
12. Every form tested end to end in Arabic.

How Start Tech can help

Our team in Dubai writes native Arabic copy, designs and builds right-to-left websites and apps, and runs Arabic SEO for brands entering Saudi Arabia and the GCC. See our Arabic content and translation service, or read how to get recommended by AI assistants in our GEO guide.