Want your brand to stay visible in the UAE? Then it’s time to stop scrolling and start paying attention to the top trends in influencer marketing.
But what has changed? This year, influencer marketing in the UAE is hyper-local, content-rich, and data-backed.
According to Statista, influencer marketing in the MENA region is set to cross $1.3 billion in value this year, and the UAE is leading that charge with one of the most digitally engaged populations in the world.
So if you’re serious about staying relevant (and profitable), here are the top trends of Influencer marketing UAE 2025.
Whether you’re a startup trying to make your first splash or an established name looking to stay fresh, these are the shifts you can’t afford to ignore.
1. Micro Influencers in Dubai Are Winning Big
Gone are the days when only mega influencers grabbed brand deals. In 2025, micro influencers in Dubai with 10K to 50K followers are pulling serious weight. Why? Because their content feels genuine and relatable, followers see them as friends or experts, not just paid endorsers.
That means their audience listens and acts when they recommend a product or service. For brands, this translates into better engagement rates, higher conversion, and a stronger return on investment.
Plus, micro influencers tend to be more affordable, allowing you to work with multiple voices that reach different niches in Dubai’s diverse market.
Want help finding the right micro influencers in the UAE who actually drive results? Code Rusher’s influencer marketing experts can match you with high-converting creators and build a campaign tailored to your brand.
2. Short-Form Video Content UAE is King
The audience of the UAE, especially Gen Z, is really hard to impress. But this short-form video content UAE is considered KING of content and one of the top trends in influencer marketing to win your target audience.
Why? Because people in the UAE are addicted to Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. They scroll fast, and you’ve got only seconds to make them stop and actually pay attention.
However, influencers have their way of engaging your target audience with reel variations that feel personal and relatable to the audience instead of being salesy.
Dubai influencer trends for short-form video:
- 30-second product demos
Showing how a beauty product glides on or how a new gadget works. It gives your audience a snapshot that makes people curious to know about it - Quick unboxings
Everyone loves a good unboxing moment, especially when the influencer’s excitement feels genuine. In a city where luxury and quality matter, unboxing videos instantly create that “wow” factor and build trust. - Storytelling-based mini vlogs
Instead of a flat promo, influencers are sharing day-in-the-life snippets or real-life moments with products. It’s like getting a peek behind the scenes, something the UAE audience, who values authenticity, really connects with. - Reaction videos or duets
These are gold for engagement. Whether it’s reacting to a trending product or Authentic influencer collaborations with another creator, these formats spark conversations and make followers feel like part of a community.
3. The Rise of Virtual Influencers UAE
Yep, virtual influencers in the UAE are really in demand right now. These digital avatars with names, personalities, and Instagram profiles that feel almost… real are actually showing up on feeds, getting likes, and landing brand deals.
Why? Because the audience here in UAE loves anything new, bold, and creative. And virtual influencers are just that—a creative way to grab attention in a space that’s saturated with the same old sponsored posts.
They are adding a cool, futuristic twist to Social media marketing UAE. Especially when paired with smart storytelling and a bit of AI-powered personalization.
Like, imagine launching a product with both a local micro influencer and a digital character in the mix. That combo? It stands out.
So, if your brand is open to experimentation and wants to look ahead, this might be a fun space to explore in 2025.
4. Arabic Content Marketing is Non-Negotiable
In 2025, Arabic content marketing isn’t just a “nice to have”. It’s essential.
The UAE audience wants content that feels like home, especially on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. That means stories are told in their language by people who understand their culture, humor, and daily life.
This is where bilingual creators shine. People who can naturally switch between Arabic and English, depending on who they’re talking to. To really make this work, you need to partner with a digital marketing agency in the UAE that understands these cultural nuances and knows how to connect your brand authentically.
5. User-Generated Content Campaigns
One of the biggest and top trends in influencer marketing in the UAE for 2025 is incorporating User-generated content (UGC). It’s a core trust-builder in a market like the UAE. Where people love sharing, posting, and tagging their favorite finds!
UGC campaigns have the capability of turning everyday customers into micro-influencers.
Here’s why this trend is blowing up in 2025:
- It feels real: People are more likely to trust their peers than polished brand ads. When someone in Dubai tags your café in a Story or a micro-influencer shares a genuine product review, it hits differently.
- It builds community: UGC makes your brand feel like a movement. It invites your audience to be part of something, not just a spectator.
- It boosts reach: You tap into their circle of audience whenever someone posts about your product or event. It’s organic word-of-mouth at scale.
What kind of UGC is trending in the UAE?
- Hashtag challenges with localized content strategies (think #MyDubaiStyle or #DesertFitLooks)
- Giveaways where people tag friends and post why they love your brand
- Meetups, pop-ups & Authentic influencer collaborations that spark content and conversations
Read our blog: Maximizing User Engagement with Performance Marketing on Social Media
6. Live Shopping UAE is Going Mainstream
Live shopping is picking up steam, especially on TikTok and Instagram. UAE audiences love an interactive shopping experience, and live shopping in the UAE combines the fun of a livestream with the power of instant buying.
Think beauty tutorials, fashion try-ons, or live Q&As where viewers can buy directly while watching. Influencers hosting these sessions create urgency and trust, and drive real conversions.
Best part? You can repurpose these sessions as evergreen content.
7. AI in Influencer Marketing
No, this isn’t about robots taking over. AI in influencer marketing is more about working smarter, not colder. In 2025, brands in the UAE are using AI to fine-tune their campaigns without losing the human spark.
Here’s how you can utilize it:
- Smarter creator matches: AI tools can help you find influencers whose audience actually cares about what you’re selling, not just who has the biggest follower count.
- Timing optimization: Want to know the best hour to post your skincare reel in Dubai? AI can help track engagement patterns and help schedule content when your audience is most likely to engage.
- Audience behavior insights: AI can spot shifts in what people are into, before they go viral, so you’re always a step ahead.
- AI-powered personalization: Campaigns can feel way more personal and relevant, from customized captions to product recommendations based on location or preferences.
Regulatory Compliance in Influencer Marketing
The influencer marketing regulations UAE has been tightening up. With influencer content playing such a huge role in shaping public opinion, there’s now a big push toward transparency and accountability.
From clearly labeling paid partnerships to working only with licensed influencers, brands can’t afford to play it loose anymore.
Here’s what you need to stay on top of:
- Declare all sponsorships clearly
Whether it’s a Story, Reel, or YouTube video—#ad, #sponsored, or clear language is a must. The audience (and authorities) need to know when money is involved. - Work only with licensed influencers
Influencers in the UAE must have a National Media Council (NMC) license. If they don’t, and your brand partners with them, you could be held responsible too. - Avoid exaggerated or misleading claims
Your content must reflect the truth, whether it’s beauty, health, or finance. Anything misleading could land you in serious hot water.
Play it safe, be transparent, and keep up with the latest guidelines from the NMC and other regulatory bodies. A great campaign isn’t worth the fine or the brand damage.
Final Thoughts
Now you got a clear idea on how these top trends in influencer marketing are dominatinating the social media landscape of UAE.
It’s about creating value, telling stories, and building real relationships with your audience. If you’re a UAE brand looking to grow in 2025, lean into these trends with intention. Let your creators be themselves, speak your audience’s language (literally and culturally), and don’t be afraid to test new formats.
Because in a region as vibrant and diverse as the UAE, real connection always wins.
Thinking of testing these trends but not sure where to start?
Code Rushers has helped multiple brands across the UAE run successful influencer marketing campaigns that connect with the right creators, real stories, and measurable results.
Frequently Asked Questions
To start, define your goals, find licensed influencers, create a campaign brief, and follow influencer marketing regulations in the UAE. You can also partner with agencies like Code Rushers to handle strategy, outreach, and compliance.
Social commerce integration means shopping directly through social media. In the UAE, influencer-driven live shopping events and product tags on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are becoming major conversion tools.
AI helps brands in the UAE analyze audience data, predict campaign performance, and match with the right influencers. It boosts personalization and improves ROI while saving time on manual research.
