Yes, Google Ads can be run in Dubai. Google Ads supports businesses in the United Arab Emirates, helping them reach local and international customers.
Google Ads is actually one of the most effective ways for UAE businesses to drive leads and sales.
Is Google Ads available in Dubai?
Yes, Google Ads is available in Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates. You can display your ads locally and internationally, but keep in mind that international advertising may require compliance with region-specific policies.
To advertise in Dubai, UAE, you need to pass Google Ads advertiser verification, which requires a legal corporate entity or a company trade licence.
Note that some features are limited in Dubai. For example, Google forwarding numbers are not available in the United Arab Emirates. We'll explore these unavailable features later.
What types of Google Ads can be run in Dubai?
A variety of ad types are available on Google Ads. Luckily, most ad types are available in Dubai.
Let's cover the main types and their benefits.
Search Ads targeting specific keywords
When you think of Google Ads, standard search ads come to mind. These are the sponsored results that appear at the top of your Google search.
Search Ads are great for generating leads and sales for your business. By targeting specific search terms, your company can appear in front of potential customers who are already looking for your product or service.
Display Ads on websites and apps
The Google Display Network lets your ads appear as banner ads on many Google-partnered websites.
Although people often view banner ads negatively and you have limited control over where they're placed, they can be useful in retargeting campaigns.
Standard Shopping Ads for Ecommerce
This ad type is perfect for ecommerce companies. Through Google Merchant Center, you can get your product listings shown directly at the top of Google.
Standard shopping ads differ from search campaigns. Instead of targeting keywords, they're triggered by your product listing. For example, if your product listing is "Red Nike Air Force 1", your ad will trigger when someone searches for "Nike AF 1 Red".
Video Ads on YouTube and partner sites
Video Ads provide an engaging way to connect with potential customers on YouTube and other partner sites. By targeting specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, you can reach the right audience with your video ads.
For example, if you're promoting a new luxury hotel in Dubai, you can target people who have shown an interest in luxury travel or have recently watched videos about Dubai tourism. This targeted approach can help boost brand awareness and drive bookings for your hotel.
What types of Google Ads can’t be run in Dubai?
Local Service Ads (LSA)
Google Local Service Ads are currently not available in Dubai and the wider UAE, which is unfortunate since they're a great way for service businesses to generate qualified leads.
What sets local service ads apart from other Google Ads is that you only pay for a valid lead, making them a game-changer for service businesses on a tight budget.
Another advantage of local service ads is how they're displayed. Google categorizes them into two types:
Google Guaranteed Ads
Google Screened Ads
Both of these ad types establish credibility with the searcher and provide all the necessary information for them to make a decision.
What Google Ads features are unavailable in Dubai?
When it comes to Google Ads, Dubai has some limitations. There are certain features that advertisers in Dubai cannot access, which can impact their online ad campaigns.
One such feature is the Google Forwarding Number. This feature allows businesses to track phone calls generated from their ads, providing valuable insights into customer behavior.
Unfortunately, this feature is not available in Dubai, making it harder for businesses to measure the effectiveness of their ads.
Another feature that is not available in Dubai is the Messaging Ad Asset. This feature enables businesses to add a messaging extension to their ads, allowing customers to start a conversation directly from the ad. Without this feature, Dubai-based businesses miss out on an opportunity to engage with customers in real-time.
Additionally, using the AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) currency in the Price Ad Asset is not supported in Dubai. This feature is essential for businesses that want to display pricing information in their ads. The lack of AED support restricts businesses from creating ads that are tailored to their local audience.
What are the requirements for running Google Ads in Dubai?
To advertise on Google Ads in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, there are a few requirements you need to meet.
Advertiser Verification
You'll need a legal corporate entity and valid documents to complete advertiser verification for Google Ads. Specifically, you'll need your company trade license.
UAE Payment Profile
You'll need to set up a payment profile for your account, which should include the billing information of someone connected to your business and a UAE-based payment method.
Are there any restrictions on content, media or digital marketing in UAE?
In addition to Google's policies, you must comply with UAE laws regulating media and advertising. Two key regulations to be aware of are:
Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation: Effective December 2023, this law governs media activities in the UAE, including digital and electronic media, and requires that all media content respects Islamic beliefs, UAE sovereignty, and public morals.
Decree No. (6) of 2020 Regulating Advertisements in the Emirate of Dubai: This decree regulates the advertisement sector in Dubai, prohibiting deceitful or misleading content and requiring respect for public order and morals.
What are the common challenges faced when running Google Ads in Dubai?
Language barriers & multiple cultures
Dubai's cultural diversity can make it tough to write ad copy and design landing pages that appeal to everyone.
However, since most residents speak English, running an English-only campaign won't hurt your performance.
Competition and market saturation in popular niches
Certain niches in Dubai, like accounting, AC maintenance, and real estate, are highly competitive and saturated. This makes it difficult to break into these markets due to high CPC.
Unless you have a unique selling point or an exceptional offer, it might be best to avoid these niches altogether.
Tracking leads through phone calls and WhatsApp
Conversion tracking is crucial for Google Ads, but it can be challenging in Dubai.
Google's forwarding number feature is not available in Dubai. This makes call tracking complex and costly. External call tracking providers will need to be used to track conversions from phone calls.
WhatsApp is a popular contact method for service-based businesses in Dubai, making conversion tracking complicated. Currently, there's no way to automate WhatsApp conversion tracking. Some basic solutions exist, but they require manual effort and daily maintenance to ensure accurate data. Not including WhatsApp as a contact option can significantly impact campaign performance.
Hire a Google Ads Agency in Dubai to Run Google Ads for You
Does complying with the legal policies, the Google Ads setup and campaign performance all sound like a headache?
Then leave the complicated work to us so you can focus on running your business.
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