For most UAE stores that plan to grow, we recommend Shopify. Salla suits a Saudi-first, Arabic-first store that wants simplicity. WooCommerce suits teams that already run WordPress and want full control. A Shopify launch store starts from AED 4,950, and a custom theme from AED 14,500.
“Salla has Tabby built in. Shopify has everything else.” You need to pick one before the photographer finishes.
Quick verdict
| Shopify | Salla | WooCommerce | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | UAE and international growth | Saudi-first, Arabic-first | WordPress teams, custom needs |
| Effort to run | Low | Low | Higher (hosting, updates) |
| App ecosystem | Largest | Growing, regional | Large, varies in quality |
| Our pick for | Most UAE brands | KSA-focused sellers | Bespoke catalogues |
Costs in AED
Shopify plans start at roughly AED 145 a month and rise with features. Salla and WooCommerce have their own pricing: WooCommerce itself is free but you pay for hosting, plugins and maintenance.
✓ Platform plan prices, transaction fees and regional availability change often. Compare the current price pages for each platform. Last checked October 2026. Confirm with Shopify, Salla and your WooCommerce host.
Build costs with us: Shopify launch store AED 4,950, custom theme AED 14,500, Plus or headless AED 34,500. A WooCommerce, booking or custom website starts at AED 22,000. Prices exclude 5% VAT.
Payments and BNPL
All three can work with Tabby and Tamara, Apple Pay and card gateways. The difference is how much setup it takes and which providers are built in. Check your chosen gateway supports the platform before you commit.
Arabic and right-to-left
Salla was built Arabic-first. Shopify and WooCommerce both support Arabic well when the theme is set up for right-to-left reading and the content is written by a person, not translated by a plug-in.
Apps and growth
Shopify’s app store and its developers are the largest. That helps with subscriptions, bundles, loyalty and marketing tools, but too many apps slow a store, so we aim for 5–9.
Selling to Saudi
Many UAE brands add Saudi customers early. Shopify with local payment methods and a Saudi shipping partner is common, but Salla is strong inside KSA. Think about where most of your orders will come from.
✓ Cross-border selling rules, VAT and customs for Saudi change. Check with a tax adviser and your courier. Last checked October 2026.
Moving later
Products, customers and orders can move between all three, but URLs, reviews and theme work often need redoing. Pick for the next three years, not the next three months.
Our pick by store type
- First store, mostly UAE: Shopify
- Saudi-first Arabic fashion brand: Salla or Shopify
- Large catalogue with custom rules, in-house WordPress team: WooCommerce
- Wholesale and retail together: Shopify Plus
Questions
For UAE growth, usually yes. For a simple Saudi-first Arabic store, Salla can be a good fit.
The software is free but hosting, plugins, security and updates cost money and time.
Yes, but plan for URL redirects and some rebuilding.