Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular and profitable ways to earn passive income, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the hotbed of fast-paced and profitable businesses. Being full of aspiring entrepreneurs, developed and digitalized, and packed with consumers, UAE is one of the best places for affiliate marketers to succeed. However, to be a successful affiliate marketer, you need to understand the market, plan and implement a right strategy, and know how to choose the right partner. And this is where a consultant comes in. With WHC Global’s expert marketing consultancy, affiliates in UAE can do so!
What is Affiliate Marketing in UAE?
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing approach in which affiliate marketers earn commissions by promoting other people’s products and services. Affiliates promote the product or service they sell using platforms such as blogs, websites, social media, and email marketing to drive customers to purchase decisions.
UAE’s market is unique in terms of having an exciting level of dynamism that helps affiliates achieve higher conversion rates through affiliate marketing. The country is home to a highly digitalized and wealthy consumer base. Hence, more and more businesses have resorted to affiliate programs to gain better marketing access.
Starting Your Affiliate Marketing Business in Dubai and the UAE : A Step-by-Step Guide
Here are the steps that you can follow to start your affiliate marketing journey in Dubai and the UAE.
1. Find a Niche and Explore a Suitable Market
The first step is to decide what niche you are interested in. Find a market that will be potentially profitable in the UAE. Luxury, electronics, tourism services, real estate, and fashion are the top markets in UAE.
2. Build Your Platform
Now, build a website, a blog, or any social media page where you will share your content. Instagram and YouTube are some of the most popular social media pages that can attract an audience in the UAE as they mostly make purchasing decisions based on visual information.
3. Find Suitable Affiliate Programs in UAE
You must find a suitable affiliate program for you in the UAE. Affiliate programs can be provided by companies across different sectors for different audiences. For instance, if you want to become an affiliate for a company, then go for giants in the retail sector, or if you want to be an affiliate for the UAE-based companies in the hospitality sector, then you can sign up for programs of famous brands like Emirates and Etihad Airways. You can find some of the top affiliate programs for the UAE here.
4. Create Quality Content
Content is the lifeblood of your affiliate marketing. Creating unique and high-quality content relevant to your target audience can boost your affiliate marketing to a whole new level.
5. Promote Your Affiliate Links
While placing your affiliate links in the appropriate places, ensure that you do not disrupt your overall message. It will allow you to achieve a better conversion rate. Optimize your content with some basic search engine optimization techniques and use paid promotions like email marketing, social media marketing, and influencer partnerships to take your affiliate marketing to a new level.
Top Affiliate Programs in UAE for Affiliates - Best Affiliate Programs in UAE
There are a few big names in the UAE for affiliates. Let’s see who they are and what they can offer to you.
- E-commerce: Amazon UAE, Noon
- Travel and Hospitality: Emirates, Etihad Airways, Booking.com
- Technology and Software: Microsoft, Adobe
- Finance: Banks and insurance companies offering online services
The commissions and marketing strategies provided by these programs are top-notch, and their market exposure is remarkable.
Why Affiliate Marketing in UAE is a Profitable Idea?
Here are the reasons that affiliates find affiliate marketing in the UAE to be an exciting opportunity.
- You can generate a passive income without putting in too much effort. For example, you can keep earning money while you are sleeping or on vacation.
- Affiliate marketing can be done at a much lower cost than traditional marketing methods.
- Affiliate marketing can be scaled up without investing more money.
- You can work as an affiliate marketer from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a reliable internet connection. Moreover, you can manage your marketing according to your schedule.
Some Challenges You Might Face as an Affiliate in UAE
Like any other form of marketing, affiliate marketing has its ups and downs in UAE. Here are some challenges you might face while doing affiliate marketing in UAE
- Affiliates must comply with local business and digital marketing rules and regulations.
- Due to the increased competition, your affiliates must have unique and innovative ideas to gain a better conversion rate.
- If you don’t follow what consumers like, you can fail in your marketing. To find out what consumers want and how they like to buy products, you must stay updated with the market.
Is Affiliate Marketing Legal in the UAE?
Yes, it is! But as with any other business, you must comply with local laws and regulations, especially if you earn an income from affiliate marketing and do it on a professional basis.
Do You Need a License?
In most cases, you will need a license if you consistently generate income through affiliate marketing.
You will require one of the following:
1. Freelance Permit – for those who are sole marketers or influencers
2. DED E-commerce License – if you promote your services or products through your website or social media channels
3. Media License – if you are creating content and/or publishing it
The Oversight
The Department of Economic Development (DED) and the National Media Council (NMC) are in charge of regulating online commerce and content. Affiliates and influencers who market products or services online need to register and comply with licensing and content guidelines.
