1 Perfecting the UX Design for Arabic Interfaces
Christen Hall edited this page 2025-08-27 00:03:58 +08:00
  • Realigning call-to-action buttons to the right-hand portion of forms and interfaces
  • Restructuring information hierarchy to flow from right to left
  • Redesigning user controls to follow the right-to-left viewing pattern

After extended periods of disappointing results in the Kingdom, their optimized strategy generated a 324% growth in sales percentages and a one hundred eighty-seven percent rise in normal transaction amount.

Successful approaches included:

  • Featuring items suitable for Saudi tastes
  • Adapting merchandise details to highlight aspects valued by Saudi consumers
  • Seasonal collections for religious occasions
  • Measurement adjustments for Saudi expectations

Critical changes included:

  • Clear delivery estimates for different regions of the Kingdom
  • Different fulfillment selections including rapid delivery in urban centers
  • Complete visibility with local alerts
  • Adjustable timing for shipments

Recently, a retail client contacted me after investing over 500,000 SAR on web promotion with disappointing returns. After restructuring their approach, we achieved a dramatic growth in value generated.

Last month, I was advising a large e-commerce company that had invested over 200,000 SAR on a stunning website creation pricing KSA that was converting poorly. The reason? They had just converted their English site without addressing the fundamental UX differences needed for Arabic users.

Using comprehensive research for a store chain, we found that posts released between night time significantly outperformed those shared during typical optimal periods, generating substantially higher response.

  • Choose fonts specially created for Arabic digital display (like GE SS) rather than conventional print fonts
  • Increase line height by 150-175% for SEO Providers Riyadh Analysis enhanced readability
  • Implement right-justified text (never center-aligned for main content)
  • Avoid narrow Arabic text styles that reduce the characteristic letter forms

Unexpected discoveries:

  • Ephemeral platforms outperforming Instagram for specific items
  • Night advertising significantly exceeding afternoon initiatives
  • Dynamic material producing higher ROI than fixed visuals
  • Mobile effectiveness exceeding computer by substantial margins

For a clothing store, we executed a comprehensive medium performance assessment that discovered their highest ROI channels were entirely distinct from their worldwide trends. This insight enabled a redistribution of investment that improved their total ROI by over two hundred percent.

Successful methods:

  • Incorporating local payment methods like STC Pay
  • Upgrading Arabic product information
  • Highlighting local service access
  • Incorporating credibility indicators tailored for Saudi users

As someone who has created over 30 Arabic websites in the recent years, I can tell you that applying Western UX principles to Arabic interfaces fails miserably. The unique characteristics of Arabic language and Saudi user behaviors require a completely different approach.

  • Designed a number display format that handled both Arabic and English numbers

  • Redesigned data visualizations to flow from right to left

  • Applied visual indicators that corresponded to Saudi cultural meanings

  • Locate the most essential content in the right upper section of the page

  • Structure information segments to advance from right to left and top to bottom

  • Apply stronger visual weight on the right side of balanced layouts

  • Confirm that indicating icons (such as arrows) orient in the correct direction for RTL layouts

  • Moved product visuals to the left area, with product information and call-to-action buttons on the right-hand side

  • Modified the image carousel to progress from right to left

  • Added a custom Arabic font that maintained clarity at various sizes

  • Clearly indicate which language should be used in each input field

  • Dynamically change keyboard language based on field expectations

  • Position input descriptions to the right of their corresponding inputs

  • Ensure that system feedback appear in the same language as the expected input

Important elements:

  • Longer evaluation stages in Saudi buying paths
  • Group decision aspects in purchase decisions
  • WhatsApp as a significant but hard-to-measure impact medium
  • Physical confirmation as the final conversion step

Their approach included:

  • Ephemeral platforms: Dynamic identity aspects
  • Professional networks: Credential-focused material
  • Visual platforms: Experience-centered brand storytelling
  • Discussion networks: Thought leadership

For a luxury brand, we identified that image and temporary channels dramatically exceeded Facebook for interaction and conversion, leading to a strategic shift of effort that increased overall performance by one hundred sixty-seven percent.

For a technology brand, we adjusted their worldwide graphic components to more closely match Saudi aesthetic preferences while keeping visual recognizability. This approach enhanced their visual connection by 124%.