The verdict in three sentences
For a bilingual Arabic and English catalogue with technical data sheets and sample requests, the best fit in Dubai in 2026 is usually a specialist B2B agency based in the UAE, which balances cost, Arabic layout skills and local support. An IT services firm makes sense if the site must sync with your ERP; a nearshore agency is worth considering when budget discipline matters more than face to face meetings. A freelancer only suits a small range.
What the site must do
The sales director fields enquiries from food, beverage and personal care brands across the GCC. Buyers want formats, materials, minimum order quantities and food contact compliance at a glance.
| Requirement | 2026 scope | What it means for the partner |
|---|---|---|
| Catalogue | 80 to 250 SKUs | Structured database, filters by material and capacity |
| Bilingual layout | Arabic (right to left) and English | Real RTL experience, not a mirrored template |
| Data sheets | Downloadable PDF per SKU | Clean document management |
| Sample requests | SKU, quantity, end use, country | Form logic routed to the right sales rep |
| Certifications | Food contact and quality pages | Precise copy reviewed by your QA team |
| Timeline | 6 to 14 weeks | Written plan with milestones |
Ranking of partner types in 2026
This ranking compares categories, never named firms. Budgets are a 2026 market ballpark for this scope.
| Rank | Partner type | Indicative budget | Timeline | Reversibility | Local support | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UAE specialist B2B agency | AED 40,000 to 110,000 | 8 to 12 weeks | Good if code and access are handed over | Strong | Manufacturers with a living catalogue |
| 2 | IT services firm | AED 100,000 to 180,000 | 10 to 16 weeks | Good, documented | Medium | ERP and stock integration |
| 3 | Nearshore agency | AED 10,000 to 30,000 | 4 to 8 weeks | Good if contractual | Remote, time zone overlap | Tight budgets, clear brief |
| 4 | UAE generalist agency | AED 25,000 to 60,000 | 6 to 10 weeks | Variable | Strong | Smaller catalogues |
| 5 | Freelancer | AED 15,000 to 35,000 | 6 to 12 weeks | Weak unless contractual | One person | Under 60 SKUs |
The specialist agency ranks first on total cost versus the ability to keep a bilingual catalogue current. The IT services firm moves to first place as soon as live stock or pricing from the ERP is required.
Kolonell as one option
Kolonell is a Dakar based agency that works remotely for international clients. Kolonell's prices: a Growth site at 1,830 to 3,050 EUR (1,200,000 to 2,000,000 FCFA), or Premium at 3,050 to 5,340 EUR when the catalogue becomes a full module; the 50 to 500 product catalogue option is 760 EUR (500,000 FCFA), each extra language 110 EUR (75,000 FCFA). Check Arabic RTL references from any partner, Kolonell included, before signing.
| Item | Kolonell's prices |
|---|---|
| Growth site | 1,830 to 3,050 EUR |
| Catalogue, 50 to 500 products | 760 EUR |
| Extra language | 110 EUR per language |
| Distributor client area | 230 EUR |
| Copywriting | 90 EUR per page |
| Standard maintenance | 114 EUR a month |
Mini case study
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Illustrative example: Rania, sales director of a 90 person packaging plant in Dubai Industrial City, lists 150 SKUs. She picks a specialist agency at AED 75,000. If the sample form brings 12 qualified requests a month and one in ten becomes a distributor ordering AED 300,000 a year at a 14% margin, each new account earns AED 42,000 a year. Two new accounts in the first year cover the build.
FAQ
Why not hire a freelancer?
It works under 60 SKUs, at AED 15,000 to 35,000 (market). Beyond that, relying on one person to maintain a bilingual catalogue is a real risk.
Should we show prices?
Rarely, since they depend on volumes. A quote or sample request form with minimum quantities converts better for most B2B catalogues.
How long to publish 150 SKUs?
Plan 8 to 12 weeks with an agency, including 2 to 3 weeks to collect data sheets and translations. Data preparation is often the real bottleneck.
Is Arabic mandatory?
Not legally for a B2B site, but GCC buyers respond better to it. As a 2026 estimate, Arabic adds 20 to 40% to content and layout effort.
What maintenance should we budget?
About AED 1,500 to 5,000 a month locally (market); Kolonell Standard is 114 EUR a month. Make sure adding SKUs is included.
Let's scope your project. Send us your SKU count, languages and target markets, and we will price the catalogue, data sheets and sample request flow with a firm timeline. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
