Arabic is the sixth most-spoken language with nearly 3 million speakers worldwide. Language does not only introduce new ideas to users but it also shapes storytelling, develops connection with the users and gives a wider perspective of engaging with them.
Designing a website or even an application specifically for the Arabic audience doesn’t only comprise translating the website/application text but considering the cultural appropriations and what speaks to the audience is also very important.
25 countries of the world speak the Arabic language varying in dialects and more than half the population is under the age of 25 making it the most youth-led market worldwide. As well as, the booming economy of UAE, it’s crucial to cater to their audience by implementing web designing strategies with the Arabic audience in mind.
1. Adapting to Mobile Optimization Strategies
The Arab Market has a 60% smartphone penetration. Hence it’s pivotal for web designers and developers to create a mobile-friendly website that doesn’t take away from the quality of the content when used specifically through smartphones and tablets.
Content in Arab countries is consumed on a greater level hence designing the Arabic website for the on-the-go consumer is the trick to maintaining easy and quick access to top-notch content quality. Additionally, maintaining an Arabic blog on your website to draw an Arab audience should be considered an investment.
Moreover, administering the latest search engine optimization (SEO) on the Arabic internet will prove beneficial in the long run as it will ensure immense return on investment (ROI). Consistently publishing high-quality mobile-friendly content will boost brand awareness, attracting a steady flow of qualified leads who are well-informed about your offerings, values, and culture, and will continue to visit your website.
2. Administering Right to Left (RTL) Structure
Arabic follows a right-to-left (RTL) structure, unlike the English language. Ensure that not all but most of the content and functions on the website are designed and recollected to follow the RTL strategy. However, implementing the RTL pattern has proved to be challenging for web developers and designers alike.
Fret not, this challenge can easily be overcome by using software that allows a mirrored structure to be enabled on the website. Such software flips the entire webpage horizontally to allow a fully functional, smooth and easily accessible RTL interface.
Our expert team at WebMaze creates the best digital products that communicate with the Arab audience effectively. We have been serving the industry for more than 10 years and with our experience and creativity we can build your UAE-based brand to maximise its utility.
3. Considering the Required Numbers and Images
Considering minor changes while adapting to the Arabic language needs when developing a website can make a significant difference in your web development game. Taking out the time and effort to translate the content and change the site pattern into RTL isn’t enough, you should also translate the numbers.
Not only does this ensure genuine consideration for your Arabic readers and consumers but forms an aesthetically pleasing formation on the overall site. Additionally, when choosing images for your site, despite supporting dual languages, Arabic and English, it’s important to select images for both the patterns, LTR and RTL.
Keeping in mind how the page will need to flip horizontally when it’s changed from the respective language, the complexities of the RTL issue might distort the images. Maintaining the quality and the LTR to RTL pattern of the images throughout the website is a crucial step to remember for a web developer.
4. Adding a Multilingual Search Functionality
Websites and applications accurately translated and easily accessible in the Arabic language will most definitely be preferred by Arab users. However, limiting the site to a mere one language is not the best way to go, be it English or Arabic.
Allowing the search engine functionality on your site to allow the users to choose between Arabic and English will be more convenient. It will relatively make accessing information far easier and quicker. The results will also be far more accurate than limiting the search engine option to just one language.
Similarly, at times users intend to search for a unique name of a brand, product or service that has no familiarity with the spoken language. To abstain from inconvenience provide users with multiple language options in the search engine. This will allow them to easily, quickly and accurately find what they are searching for.
Why WebMaze?
We have been in the web design and development industry for over a decade and our professional team has accumulated experiences and skills along the way that promise ultimate success to your brand/website. WebMaze is a professional web design company that provides you with the best solution to all your website needs and digital requirements while also catering to the Arab audience all across the globe.
Chat with us about how you can reach your Dubai-based and global customers through professional web developers and design services. Please call +971 56 524 0583 or click here for a quote. Our team is ready to help!
