Dubai has more to offer than stunning skyscrapers and super cars. Over the recent years, it has become a digital hub where over 99% of the population is active on social media. According to the 2024 statistics, UAE citizens spend around 8 hours and 11 minutes using the internet! This makes social media both a competitive arena and a gold mine for businesses there.
Standing out has become more important than ever for any business looking to thrive in Dubai. Whether you’re a luxury brand, a local contractor, or a real estate agency, you need digital content ideas that help you achieve that. As a seasoned marketing agency, here is our list of top 6 digital content creation ideas that have helped our partners make waves in their specific industries.
1. Post Hyper-Local Reels
People living in Dubai include expats, tourists, and Emiratis all. Posting hyper local reels will help you connect with a diverse audience in chunks. For example, you can tailor your reels to cater to a specific demographic at a time like “A day in the life of a Pakistani expat in Dubai” or “Where to find the best shawarma in Deira”.
You can use editing apps like CapCut or InShot for quick, professional edits without spending a lot. Also geo-tag locations like Burj Khalifa or Dubai Marina to attract local viewers. You can also mix Arabic (#دبي) and English (#DubaiLife) hashtags to boost your engagement. One thing we love doing is keeping captions bilingual for broader appeal!
2. Conduct Polls and Quizzes
Stories are a great weapon for brands that are trying to interact with their audience. People love real life connections which is why they love participating in polls and quizzes. To boost your engagement, you can conduct weekly themed polls, quizzes or other types of challenges. Many social media apps like Instagram and Facebook offer built-in tools for this like polls, sliders and quiz options that spark quick interaction.
For example, you can ask “Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab?” or “Best mall for shopping in Dubai?” to tap into local interests. The audience will literally rush to give you their two cents. This will not only boost your engagement but also signal to the algorithm to prioritize your content. Consistent, interactive stories allow users to connect with and recognize your brand.
3. Shoot BTS Videos at Local Spots
Most people love discovering untold stories and exclusive places. If possible, visit iconic Dubai landmarks and local spots and shoot behind the scene videos there. These raw, unseen perspectives make curious viewers feel like insiders.
When businesses pull back the curtain to show BTS videos, they convert visitors into emotionally invested brand advocates. This is because 69% of consumers prefer brand experiences, rather than traditional advertising. They now prefer authentic, unpolished content over slick advertisements, and behind-the-scenes videos offer just that.
Pro tip: when making BTS videos, use vertical video (9:16) and bold captions for maximum impact.
4. Launch UGC Campaigns with Local Incentives
People in Dubai love to show off their experiences, which is why we call the city a UGC goldmine. According to a study, over 79% of customers agree that UGC influences their buying choices. This means that by launching a local centric UGC campaign, you can drive massive engagement for your brand.
Try hosting a challenge like, “Post your best Dubai sunset shot with our product and win a luxury brunch at At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa.” Encourage entries with a branded hashtag (#MyDubaiMoment) and feature top submissions on your page. This builds community and also provides authentic social proof, as real customers become your brand ambassadors. You can also offer Dubai-specific rewards like staycation vouchers or desert safari passes to entice people to participate.
5. AI-Powered Avatar Content
Digital storytelling with AI avatars are the new cool these days. You can use tools like Lensa AI, Canva’s Magic Media, or D-ID to create real like virtual reps. They are ideal for those in the beauty, tech, or wellness industry.
Also, design an avatar that demos products in both Arabic and English language. This can be done using lip-sync AI for seamless narration. For example, a virtual influencer avatar could explain your skincare line while visiting Dubai landmarks. This comes at a fraction of the cost of hiring an actor, camera crew and visiting all the places mentioned.
6. Augmented Reality (AR) Filters
AR filters are a game-changer in the whole world, resulting in an increased engagement time by 5x. They are interactive digital overlays that add playful digital effects to content using object tracking technology.
You can simply use Spark AR Studio or Snapchat’s Lens Studio to create interactive experiences. For example, you can create a “Which Dubai Neighborhood Matches Your Personality?” quiz. If you are a retail brand, you can develop virtual try-ons through filters. These playful, sharable tools not only boost brand recall but also drive traffic when users tag friends to try out your filter.
Final Thoughts: Be Bold, Be Local, Be Data-Driven
Dubai’s digital crowd is scroll-savvy, they’ve seen it all, and they swipe fast. If your content isn’t bold, relevant, and genuinely valuable, it’s invisible to them. This is why we recommend you to collaborate with a seasoned marketing agency like Advertyzed for social media marketing.
For years we have been helping Dubai based brands boost their engagement and enhance their online presence. If you need help creating quality digital content that stands out, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our social media marketing team is here to take your brand to newer heights.
