Leveraging Localization for Success
Expanding your business to new markets can bring significant financial benefits, but to truly succeed in these markets, localization...
December 28, 2022
Leveraging Localization for Success
A Quick Guide to Expanding Your Business in Saudi Arabia
Expanding your business to new markets can bring significant financial benefits, but to truly succeed in these markets, localization is key. Localization goes beyond just translating words on your website or mobile app, it’s about adapting your content to the cultural norms and expectations of the target market. In the case of Saudi Arabia, this includes understanding the cultural and religious customs to ensure that your website or mobile app is well-received by the local audience.
One of the most important aspects of localization for Saudi Arabia is language. Arabic is the official language in Saudi Arabia and it is essential to have your website or mobile app localized in Arabic to reach the majority of the population. Greeting in Arabic can be done by saying “as-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and the common response is “wa alaykum as-salam” (and peace be upon you).
Imagery and design elements are also crucial to localization in Saudi Arabia. It’s important to avoid images or design elements that may be considered offensive or that don’t align with the local culture. For example, it’s important to avoid images or designs that depict or promote behaviors or values that are not consistent with the local culture such as alcohol or gambling. Also, it’s important to be mindful of the dress code, men should wear modest cloths, and women should wear modest cloths and cover their hair with a head scarf (hijab) if they are Muslim.
Dates representation is also an important aspect in localization, as in Saudi Arabia, dates are represented using the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar year. This means that the months and days of the week are different. Dates should be displayed in Hijri and Gregorian, e.g.:
تاريخ الإصدار 1435/01/22 هـ الموافق لـ 25/11/2013 مـ
But it’s not just about avoiding cultural faux pas, it’s also about embracing the local culture and using it to your advantage. The use of Islamic calligraphic, geometric, and abstract floral patterns can give a website or mobile app a visually stunning and culturally appropriate look. These patterns are often used in traditional Islamic art and architecture and can be integrated into the design elements of your website or mobile app. The use of Islamic calligraphy can be used to decorate the website or mobile app with phrases from the Quran or Hadith. The use of geometric and abstract floral patterns can be used to create a visually appealing and culturally appropriate look for a website or mobile app.
In summary, localization is not just about avoiding mistakes, it’s about embracing the local culture and using it to your advantage to create a visually stunning and culturally appropriate website or mobile app that will be well-received by the local audience. Take the time to properly localize your website or mobile app, including the use of Islamic calligraphic, geometric, and abstract floral patterns, and you’ll be on your way to success in the Saudi Arabian market and beyond.
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abstract floral patterns,business,culture,design elements,financial benefits,geometric,Islamic calligraphic,localization,market expansion,Saudi Arabia,translation
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