Arabic and English business website checklist for GCC companies
Plan the language structure, right-to-left layouts and contact journey before launching a bilingual business website.
By Mohammed Ayman · 26 October 2026Start with the customer journey in each language
List the decisions a visitor must make: understand your service, check whether it fits their business, see relevant work and contact you. Write the key service pages in both languages. Translating only the menu leaves Arabic visitors reading an English sales pitch, and creates an incomplete experience.
Keep a single page focused on one language. Names, product terms and necessary brand names can remain in their usual form, but headings, buttons, validation messages and enquiry responses should be understandable to the visitor.
Give each language its own URL
A clear structure such as /services/ and /ar/services/ lets visitors share a particular language version. Link the language switcher to the equivalent page, not always to the homepage. Avoid forcing a language solely from a visitor’s location.
Use self-referencing canonical URLs for the intended indexable pages and reciprocal hreflang links between language equivalents. Check that these URLs return the right content and that the sitemap includes both versions. A translated page should not automatically canonicalize to the other language.
Test RTL as a layout, not just text alignment
Check navigation, card order, form labels, breadcrumbs and directional icons. A mobile menu that works in English can still put an Arabic close button off-screen. Keep email addresses, phone numbers and mixed product codes readable with appropriate text direction.
Test long Arabic headings, error states and real phone widths. Review the language with a person who can assess meaning and tone; machine translation alone can miss a service promise or a business-specific term.
Keep business details and conversion tracking consistent
Use the same verified business name, address and phone across pages and business listings. Do not claim a local office simply because you serve clients in that market. Publish accurate opening hours and show the countries you genuinely support.
Before launch, submit an enquiry in both languages, test email and WhatsApp links, and check page titles, descriptions and mobile loading. After launch, monitor Search Console and consented analytics. Separate visits from enquiries so you can judge which pages help customers take the next step.