The answer is no if you look at the search results for vape-related keywords in the UAE. However, using Arabic as a 2nd language on your website has several advantages. In this blog, we will explore some of these ideas, stay tuned to understand, how to use Arabic as your marketing tool for e-commerce websites in the UAE.
Running a vape shop in UAE comes with many decisions, but one of the biggest is whether you need to use Arabic or if English alone is enough. Since the UAE is an international business hub, many companies operate in English without any issues. However, Arabic is the official language of the country, and a large portion of the population prefers using it in daily life. While you can technically run a vape business with just English, adding Arabic to your website, branding, and marketing strategy could give you a significant edge over competitors. Let’s understand some core factors first,
How Many People Speak Arabic in the UAE? The UAE is home to a diverse mix of locals and expatriates, with expats making up about 88% of the total population. That means English is widely spoken, particularly in business and customer service. However, Arabic remains the primary language for 42% of the population, which includes Emiratis, Gulf nationals, and other Arabic-speaking residents. More importantly, Arabic is the language of government regulations, official documents, and legal compliance. If you plan to operate a vape store for the long haul, ignoring Arabic might limit your market reach and create unnecessary challenges.
How to Use Arabic and English on the Same Website Setting up a bilingual website might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple with today’s web technology. You can use different methods to make your site accessible in both languages.
Using Different Hreflang Tags for Different Languages
These help Google recognize that your site has different language versions and display the correct one based on the user’s location or language settings. Language toggle option: Most modern website platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and WordPress allow you to add a switch button so visitors can easily choose between English and Arabic. Separate URLs: Some vape businesses create different sections for each language, like yourvapeshop.com/en for English and yourvapeshop.com/ar for Arabic. Automatic language redirection: This detects a user’s browser language and loads the appropriate version of the website automatically. 3. Optimizing Your Vape Store for Arabic and English SEO When it comes to SEO, many vape shop owners focus only on English keywords, missing out on a huge opportunity in Arabic search traffic. Google processes thousands of Arabic-language searches for vape-related products in the UAE, and the competition for ranking in Arabic is much lower than in English. If you optimize your website in both languages, you double your chances of showing up in search results.
Many Arabic-speaking customers search for vape products in their native language rather than English. That means if you only use English, you might be invisible to a large portion of your potential audience. Even if your website is primarily in English, adding Arabic product descriptions, blog content, and meta tags can significantly boost your rankings.
But, How to Find Arabic Keywords for Your Vape Shop? One of the best ways to optimize your vape shop for Arabic SEO is by using keyword research tools that support Arabic. Here’s how you can find Arabic search terms that people actually use,
Google Keyword Planner & Ubersuggest for Finding High Potential Keywords in Both Languages
Switch the language to Arabic and look for high-traffic search terms related to vaping. Competitor Analysis: Check Arabic vape stores and see what keywords they are ranking for. Arabic Vape Forums & Social Media: See how people naturally talk about vaping in Arabic, which can give you ideas for content and ads. Translation with Context: Don’t just translate English keywords directly—some words may have different meanings in Arabic. Make sure the Arabic phrases you use sound natural and match how locals search. For example, instead of just targeting “best vape shop in Dubai”, you should also include the Arabic equivalent, "أفضل متجر فيب في دبي", to reach both English and Arabic-speaking customers.
Why Arabic Content Boosts Your SEO in the Emarati Search Market
In the UAE Most vape shops in the UAE don’t bother with Arabic content, which means competition is lower. If you start publishing Arabic blog posts, product descriptions, and ad copy, you can rank higher with less effort. Arabic SEO isn’t just for Google—it also helps your business stand out on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where many Arabic speakers search for vape-related content.
Adding Arabic content also builds trust and credibility with local customers. Many Emiratis and long-term residents feel more comfortable shopping from a business that speaks their language. If two vape stores offer similar products, but one provides Arabic descriptions, local buyers are more likely to choose the one that caters to their language preference.
The Role of Arabic in Social Media Marketing
Social media is a major driver of vape sales in the UAE, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat being extremely popular. Many Emirati youth prefer Arabic content, and brands that use it tend to get more engagement from local followers.
For the best results, mix Arabic and English in your posts. You don’t have to translate everything word for word, but including both languages in captions and hashtags helps reach a broader audience. For example, an Instagram post showcasing new vape flavors could have an English caption followed by a short Arabic translation.
Another smart move is partnering with Arabic-speaking influencers who already have a strong local following. Many vape brands underestimate the power of influencer marketing in Arabic, which means less competition and more opportunities for your business.
Running Arabic and English Ads for Your Vape Store
Advertising in Arabic is one of the easiest ways to lower your ad costs while increasing conversions. Most vape stores in the UAE only run ads in English, which means Arabic campaigns face less competition. If you test an Arabic version of your Google or Facebook ads, you might find that you get cheaper clicks and better results than with English-only ads.
However, it’s important to match your landing page language with your ad. If someone clicks an Arabic ad but lands on an English-only page, they may leave immediately, reducing your conversion rate. Always make sure your entire sales funnel is bilingual if you’re advertising in Arabic.
Arabic and English in Customer Service
Even if you operate mostly in English, providing Arabic-speaking customer support can make a huge difference in conversions and customer satisfaction. Many Emirati and Gulf customers prefer communicating in Arabic, especially when making inquiries about new products or asking about vape regulations. If your business offers WhatsApp support, having Arabic-speaking agents can significantly improve customer interactions.
Even a simple bilingual chatbot on your website or social media can help address common customer questions in both languages, improving response times and sales.
Should You Go Fully Bilingual or Use Arabic Selectively?
Not every vape shop needs to translate everything, but adding Arabic strategically can boost your sales and visibility. If you’re unsure how much Arabic to use, here’s a simple starting strategy:
Translate important pages like Home, About Us, and Contact. Offer bilingual product descriptions for better SEO and customer trust. Use both languages in ads and social media for wider reach. Add an Arabic-language chat option for customer service. Once you see how Arabic content performs, you can decide whether to expand your translations further.
The Final Thoughts on A Bilingual Vape E-commerce Store in the UAE
Do You NEED Arabic for Your Vape Shop in UAE? If your business is focused only on expats, English might be enough to survive. But if you want to maximize growth, improve SEO, and build stronger connections with local customers, Arabic is a game-changer. Adding even a small amount of Arabic content can set your vape shop apart and help you dominate the UAE market. Whether it’s for legal compliance, customer trust, or better search rankings, going bilingual is a smart move for any serious vape business in the UAE.