A Saudi business website usually needs to serve two audiences: Arabic-speaking customers and decision makers, and English-speaking procurement teams, partners and expatriate staff. Doing both well takes more than a language switch.
Structure
- Use separate URLs for each language, such as /ar/ and /en/ or a root and /ar/.
- Keep the same structure in both languages so users can switch on any page.
- Put the language switcher in the same place on every page.
Right-to-left layout
Arabic pages should mirror navigation, alignment and directional icons. Logos, photos and certain icons are not mirrored. Test forms, sliders, tables and menus carefully in RTL.
Typography
Choose Arabic and Latin fonts that work together in weight and size. Arabic often needs slightly larger font sizes and more line height for comfortable reading.
Content written for each audience
Write Arabic content natively. Arabic readers may expect a different tone and emphasis from English readers, and literal translations feel awkward. Keep key facts consistent across both versions.
Conversion essentials
- A clear call to action on every page: request a quote, book a consultation or WhatsApp.
- Click-to-call and WhatsApp buttons on mobile.
- Short forms with Saudi phone number validation.
- Trust signals: client logos, projects, certifications and Commercial Registration details where appropriate.
- Downloadable company profile or catalogue for B2B buyers.
Performance
Many visitors arrive on mobile. Optimise images, limit heavy scripts and aim for good Core Web Vitals. Even 3D and animated sites can be fast if designed carefully. See the technical SEO checklist.
SEO from the start
- Unique titles and descriptions in each language.
- hreflang tags linking language versions.
- Structured data for your organisation, services and FAQs.
- An XML sitemap including both languages.
Content management
Choose a CMS that handles bilingual content well, so your team can update both versions without developers. Plan who owns updates in each language.
Accessibility
Ensure sufficient contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text and clear focus states in both languages.
Common mistakes
- Arabic pages with missing or outdated content.
- Mirrored layouts with broken forms.
- Language switcher that always returns to the home page.
- Slow pages from oversized images.
Our website design team builds bilingual sites for Saudi companies, and our Arabic SEO guide covers search.