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Arabic localization: our approach to adapting software for the Arabic market

Localization of digital products is a cumbersome process that requires expertise and in-depth knowledge of unique regional characteristics. When it comes to Arabic software localization, the key to success in the Arabic market is learning the cultural nuances and applying them when delivering localized solutions.
12 min read
arabic software localization
arabic software localization

    In this article, we will describe the cultural and linguistic nuances of the Arabic language, the key challenges of Arabic localization, and our experience working with the Arabic market.

    Navigating cultural and linguistic nuances

    Arabic is the sixth most spoken language in the world. Hundreds of millions of people use it in their everyday lives. With at least 30 different dialects, it is the official language in 25 countries. Entering the Arabic market is an important milestone for companies looking to expand their brand presence and take their software to the next level, and software localization is an essential step. However, Arabic is a complex language, which can pose challenges for companies trying to adapt their products; the key is learning its nuances.

    statistics of the most spoken languages
    statistics of the most spoken languages
    statistics of the most spoken languages

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    Challenges of Arabic software localization

    Localization involves more than just translating words from one language into another. The key is to understand the target audience and convey messages in a way that resonates with them. Below are some of the common challenges companies encounter when preparing software launches for the MENA region.

    main challenges of Arabic software localization
    main challenges of Arabic software localization
    main challenges of Arabic software localization
    countries with Arabic speaking population
    countries with Arabic speaking population
    countries with Arabic speaking population

    Countries with Arabic speaking population

    Visuals

    Arabic website or application localization is not only about the text—visuals also carry significant importance. When adapting images and design elements for the Arabic market, it’s crucial to be cognizant of sensitive topics, such as religion, politics, and gender. Some visuals that wouldn’t raise an eyebrow in the Western world may be offensive or unacceptable to Arabic customers.

    RTL layout alignment is applicable for visuals as well. For example, images that illustrate steps and processes should be reversed to display the flow properly and avoid audience confusion.

    example of Arabic app localization example of Arabic app localization

    Our experience in the Arabic market

    An all-in-one sports app

    We developed a multifunctional mobile sports application for a UAE startup. The client’s main request was to provide users of the application with flexible access to sports facilities nationwide. In addition to helping users find suitable gyms, the solution also allowed them to track their activity, participate in challenges, buy sports goods and services in an in-app online shop, and connect with other sports enthusiasts. Our UX/UI design team ensured that the application conformed with the brand message and values and offered users a positive experience.

    In 2023, our client became the official partner of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (Dubai: 30×30). The EffectiveSoft team was asked to prepare the system for the influx of users and add new functionality, which we successfully implemented. During the month of Dubai: 30×30, the application performed flawlessly and doubled the number of regular users.

    Digital assets exchange app

    We created an application for iOS and Android that allows users to seamlessly perform trading operations. One of the stages of the solution development was localizing it for the Arabic audience.

    Translation of the application for Arab audience
    Translation of the application for Arab audience
    Translation of the application for Arab audience

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    Conclusion

    F.A.Q. about Arabic localization

    • The MENA region is a rapidly growing market with an enormous audience, offering new opportunities for growth and market reach. Since Arabic is the sixth most spoken language in the world, companies should seize the chance to expand their brand presence to the Arabic-speaking community, capitalizing on the geopolitical, economic, and cultural uniqueness of these countries.

    • Arabic translation means converting texts from other languages into Arabic, focusing on language accuracy. Localization involves conveying the message from other languages into Arabic, paying attention to the cultural context and social and linguistic nuances of the target language community. Localization adapts texts for Arabic-speaking audiences, helping them relate to the content and find it more appealing.

    • The timeline of a project depends on the complexity of the product, the number of screens, and the word count. The localization team size also matters. By scaling the team, it is possible to adapt to almost any release schedule.

      Since localization is usually an ongoing process that happens simultaneously with software development, it takes significantly less time to get the product to market. It is also more flexible than localizing the application or website after it is ready for release. Due to the iterative nature of the continuous software localization process, it is easier to detect and fix any mistakes, which contributes to the quality of the final product.

    • The cost of a localization project depends on various factors, including the size of the localization team and the complexity of the project. The industry and the type of content (text, images, audio, video) also play a major role in pricing. Contact our team to get a project estimate.

    • To make sure that the localized content aligns with all the linguistic, visual, cultural, and functional requirements, we implement localization quality assurance. This includes translation accuracy, consistency in terminology, layout conformity, adherence to cultural nuances and taboos, observance of cultural context, conformity with local regulations, and other key localization aspects.

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