Shopify Agency in Dubai, UAE: Platinum Partner for Gulf Brands

Solo Media Group builds Shopify stores for Dubai and UAE brands that sell in Arabic and English, take local payment methods and expand across the Gulf. We're a US-based Shopify Platinum Partner, and we set up the UAE-specific details that generic Shopify builds miss.

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Why shortlist Solo Media Group as your Shopify agency in Dubai?

Solo Media Group is one of the best Shopify agencies for Dubai brands that want a Platinum-tier team with an international track record. We hold Platinum status, the top of Shopify's five partner tiers, and Shopify is the only platform we build on. Since 2018 we've served 500+ merchants and completed 75+ replatforms and new builds. We're rated 5.0 from 38 reviews on the Shopify Partner Directory and 4.9 from 48 on Clutch.

Dubai passed 4 million residents in August 2025, according to Dubai's statistics authority, and most of its shoppers buy across borders. That's why our international work matters here: brands like Medik8 in the UK and Manukora in New Zealand sell to customers far beyond their home market.

How do you launch a Shopify store in the UAE? A 5-step checklist

A UAE Shopify store needs local payments, Arabic content, VAT setup, consumer-law basics and a plan for e-invoicing. We work through these five steps on every UAE build.

Step 1: Set up payments UAE shoppers use

• Shopify Payments launched in the UAE in 2026 for Shopify Plus stores, for card and accelerated checkout payments, and is rolling out to more plans. Stores on other plans use a third-party payment provider.
• Add buy now, pay later. Tabby, a Gulf provider founded in the UAE, connects to Shopify and lets shoppers split purchases into 4 payments while you're paid upfront.
• Decide on cash on delivery. If you offer it, set clear rules for which orders qualify, to limit failed deliveries.

Step 2: Add Arabic, and test right-to-left layouts

• Arabic is required for key information. UAE consumer law requires product details, contract terms, payment and warranty information in Arabic, and invoices must be in Arabic. Other languages can be added alongside.
• Right-to-left support depends on your theme. We test every template, including cart, checkout and customer account pages, in Arabic before launch.

Step 3: Configure 5% VAT

• The UAE VAT rate is 5%. Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 a year, and voluntary from AED 187,500.
• Show prices in AED. We set up AED pricing with VAT included and VAT shown on invoices.

Step 4: Cover UAE consumer law

• Returns and exchanges. The UAE e-commerce law (Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2023) gives shoppers the right to return or exchange goods bought online. We publish a clear returns policy.
• Dated invoices. Every order needs a dated invoice with the trade name, address, product, price and quantity.
• Promotions. Discounts and promotions need a license from the relevant authority, so plan sale campaigns ahead.
• Customer data. Customer data can't be used for marketing without proper consent under UAE data protection rules. DIFC and ADGM free zones have their own data laws.

Step 5: Get ready for UAE e-invoicing

E-invoicing becomes mandatory for B2B sales from January 1, 2027 for businesses with revenue of AED 50 million or more, and from July 1, 2027 for everyone else. Large businesses must appoint an Accredited Service Provider by October 30, 2026.

Consumer (B2C) invoices aren't currently in scope. If you sell wholesale on Shopify B2B, we connect your ERP or invoicing system to an accredited provider.

This is general guidance, so confirm your setup with your UAE tax advisor or lawyer.

Selling from Dubai to the rest of the Gulf

Shopify Markets lets one Dubai store sell across the GCC with local currencies, languages and duties. We set up market-specific pricing, Arabic and English content per market, and shipping rules, so a shopper in Riyadh or Doha sees prices in their own currency.

How do we work across the time difference?

Dubai is 8 hours ahead of New York until November 1, 2026, then 9 hours ahead until March 14, 2027. Dubai doesn't change its clocks, so the gap shifts when the US does.

We hold calls in that late-afternoon Dubai window, send written updates and Loom walkthroughs overnight, and schedule launches for Dubai business hours.

What has Solo built for international brands?

How much does a Shopify agency in Dubai cost?

Our full builds start from US$20,000 and typically take 8 to 12 weeks. Retainers start from US$3,000 a month. We bill in US dollars, by milestone. Shopify's own plan is billed separately.

Should you hire a Dubai-based agency instead?

Hire a Dubai agency if you need in-person meetings, Arabic-speaking staff or work across full Dubai business hours. Choose us if you want a Platinum-tier team with international replatforming experience and you're comfortable with an afternoon call window. We're not the right fit for projects under US$20,000. To compare options, filter the Shopify Partner Directory by the United Arab Emirates.