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How to Make Shopify Bilingual: Arabic RTL and English
A bilingual UAE Shopify store needs translated content and a theme that correctly handles right-to-left Arabic layout. Add and publish Arabic alongside English, translate customer-facing content, configure language navigation and URLs, then test RTL across product pages, cart, apps and notifications. Translation alone does not make an English theme a complete Arabic shopping experience.
Written and reviewed by Vexa editorial team, Shopify specialists · Abu Dhabi.
The short answer
At a glance: decisions and numbers
| Layer | Acceptance check |
|---|---|
| Content | Product, policy and navigation meanings reviewed in Arabic. |
| Layout | RTL controls and mixed text work at mobile widths. |
| Search | Correct language URLs, metadata, canonicals and alternates. |
| Operations | Emails, returns, payment messages and staff handover reviewed. |
- Content inventory
- Arabic translation
- RTL implementation
- Bilingual purchase test
A planning sequence, not a guaranteed delivery timeline.
Plan languages before translating individual pages
List the catalogue, navigation, filters, policies, theme messages, product options and transactional content that shoppers use. Assign an owner for each language and a review process when products or promotions change. A store with an Arabic homepage and English checkout instructions is not consistently bilingual.
Keep product identifiers stable between languages. A translated product title should not create a second inventory item. For Abu Dhabi shoppers, review local terminology, sizing instructions and delivery information with a fluent Arabic editor rather than relying only on machine translation.
Use Shopify language tools and an RTL-capable theme
Shopify Translate & Adapt can support content translation and adaptation. Add the language through the store's language settings and publish it only when the important buying journey is ready. Check what your theme and installed apps allow you to translate.
RTL work includes direction, text alignment, navigation placement, icons, sliders and mixed Arabic/Latin content. Phone numbers, SKU codes and amounts can require explicit direction handling. Test the actual theme on a narrow phone; a desktop screenshot is not enough to prove the interface works.
Keep search signals aligned with real translations
Use separate accessible language URLs, self-referencing canonicals and reciprocal hreflang where genuine translations exist. Translate titles and descriptions naturally, with Arabic search intent in mind. Do not publish a second URL that merely repeats English content under an Arabic label.
Check that language switching takes the shopper to the equivalent product or article, not always to the homepage. Product structured data, stock and price should describe the same item in both versions. Translation changes should not accidentally remove redirects or disconnect indexed pages.
Test the full journey in both directions
Review long Arabic titles, swatches, size tables, search terms, validation errors, discount messages and mobile menus. Then place an authorised test order using an appropriate provider test process. Inspect customer notifications and the returns instructions as well as the storefront.
Maintain a bilingual release checklist. Adding a review widget, payment banner or collection filter later can reintroduce English-only text or left-to-right assumptions. Have the team check both language routes when a theme or app changes.
Next steps for your Abu Dhabi business
Vexa is based in Abu Dhabi and works with UAE Shopify businesses. Discuss your requirements with your current plan, catalogue and required workflows. We can confirm responsibilities and exclusions before preparing a proposal.
Sources and review date
Source review: 10 September 2026. Platform pricing, provider availability and plan features can change. Confirm the current terms for your account before purchase or implementation. Tax and licensing information is general guidance, not advice for your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Translate & Adapt automatically fix RTL?
No. Translation tools do not guarantee that every theme layout or third-party app handles right-to-left presentation correctly.
Do I need two Shopify stores?
Not simply to offer Arabic and English. Start by assessing one store with multiple languages; separate stores require a distinct operational reason.
Should I translate every product before launch?
Prioritise the complete launch catalogue and essential buying journey. Do not advertise an Arabic experience while leaving key purchase information untranslated.