Mohammed Alsamrraie, International Growth Manager at 4Partners,In a drop shipping model, where business owners don’t operate physical stores, marketing becomes one of the crucial elements for success. In contrast with traditional retail, where location and face-to-face customer service can significantly influence sales, dropshipping businesses rely almost entirely on how effectively they can present products online and generate interest and trust.
They need to turn to their ability to tell a story and present the product in a way that resonates with the audience. Effective marketing convinces people to click, helps build trust, and facilitates purchases. In other words, it creates a virtual storefront, sets the brand’s tone, and differentiates it from similar-looking sellers.
Challenges dropshipping businesses face in gaining trust and standing out
One of the toughest challenges in the dropshipping world, especially in the MENA region, is gaining consumer trust. Many people in this region can be cautious when shopping online because they have seen fake ads, poor-quality products, and unreliable sellers.
Competing with dishonest sellers offering low-quality goods at low prices was one of the biggest hurdles in our own journey. But eventually, honesty, transparency and showing our real value worked. When customers saw that our products matched the promise and the service was reliable, they came back and brought others with them.
Understanding the MENA consumer
Marketing in MENA is different from marketing in the West. Consumer behaviour here is deeply rooted in personal connection and cultural relevance. Shoppers want to see content in their own language, hear reviews from people they can relate to, and get reassurance about the buying process.
Cash on delivery (COD) is still a preferred payment method in many parts of the region and that is not because people don’t have cards, but because it gives them confidence in the transaction. Western customers are more likely to click and purchase on impulse, but MENA customers take their time. Although once they trust you, they show incredible loyalty.
It is important to balance a consistent brand identity with respecting local culture. We tailor our messaging based on the country. In Saudi Arabia, for example, we emphasise family values and respect. In the UAE, the message shifts toward speed, efficiency, and luxury. What works in Egypt might not work in Kuwait, so flexibility is critical. One-size-fits-all messaging simply doesn’t work in a region this diverse.
Using social media
TikTok and Instagram are without a doubt the most effective platforms for marketing dropshipping products in the region. TikTok especially is a game-changer. Short-form, fast-paced content allows businesses to connect directly with audiences through relatable videos, especially in Arabic.
Content that shows the product in action, solves a problem, or includes native dialects converts far better than polished adverts. Instagram, on the other hand, is essential for building a brand’s image and visual identity. When a product looks good, Instagram helps it shine. When used together, these platforms offer both presence as well as performance.
In countries like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Snapchat plays a different role than other platforms. In addition to a socialising tool, it’s also home to lifestyle content. Marketing on Snapchat should be natural, which includes using vertical videos, a conversational tone, using the local dialect, and avoiding pushy sales pitches. What blends in and works is just showcasing the goods in its natural state, emphasising cash on delivery, and stressing quick delivery.
The future of dropshipping
In the future, dropshipping in the MENA region is expected to change due to new marketing platforms like live shopping, WhatsApp Business, and AI-driven customisation. Static advertisements lack the realism that live shopping provides by displaying the goods in real time, engaging with users, and responding to enquiries.
WhatsApp, already a daily tool for most users in the region, is evolving into a powerful sales channel. Businesses can use it for personalised promotions, updates, and direct conversations with customers. Meanwhile, AI offers tools like smart product recommendations and automated customer service that can boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
For dropshipping businesses targeting MENA, using the right tools is vital. Shopify, with RTL (right-to-left) support for Arabic, is the ideal e-commerce platform. Klaviyo helps automate email marketing in Arabic. Tidio or WhatsApp Business can manage direct conversations with customers. Meta Ads Manager remains crucial for targeting Arabic-speaking users accurately.
In dropshipping, marketing is absolutely crucial. In regions like MENA, where consumer trust, language, and culture play huge roles, marketing is the main determinant of business success. In order to create a trusted brand, businesses should take their time to understand the local audience, use the right platforms and be transparent and consistent in their messaging.
Furthermore, businesses that will be able to adapt to new tools and platforms and stay audience-friendly will continue to have a competitive advantage.
By Mohammed Alsamrraie, International Growth Manager at 4Partners.
