Keyword research tools are essential for crafting SEO strategies that work. Whether you’re a small business in Dubai or a large enterprise targeting the entire UAE, the right tool can help you find local keywords, analyze competitors, and optimize content for search engines. Here’s a quick summary of the 8 best keyword research tools tailored for UAE businesses:

Key Considerations:

The Tools:

Quick Comparison:

Tool
Starting Price (AED)
Database Size
Local Features
Best For




Semrush
513.85
26 billion keywords
Yes
Comprehensive SEO analysis


Ahrefs
429.95
2.2 billion keywords
Yes
Competitor research


Google Keyword Planner
Free
Limited
Yes
Basic PPC campaigns


Moz Keyword Explorer
363.63
1.25 billion keywords
Yes
SERP analysis


KWFinder
73.03
2.5 billion keywords
Yes
Budget-friendly options


SERPstat
216.81
7 billion keywords
Yes
Niche keywords


WordStream
Free
Limited
Yes
Free keyword insights


SE Ranking
238.78
5.3 billion keywords
Yes
Local rank tracking

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Each tool has strengths, but the best choice depends on your budget, goals, and need for UAE-specific features.

7 Best Keyword Research Tools (Rank #1 in 2024)

1. Semrush

Semrush is a keyword research tool offering detailed insights tailored to the UAE market. With access to 26 billion keywords across 140 geographic databases, it provides valuable data to refine your strategies.

Key Features for UAE Users:

These tools help businesses better understand competitors and improve their marketing approach.

Competitive Intelligence

"My favorite part about Semrush is the power it has for competitive intelligence. It makes it easier to make savvy advertising decisions when you have more data".

Pricing Plans (Monthly in AED):

Plan
Cost (AED)
Best For




Pro
AED 513.85
Small businesses and startups


Guru
AED 918.35
Growing agencies and SMEs

Why It Works for the UAE:

Semrush is trusted by 30% of Fortune 500 companies, showcasing its reliability. Its AI-driven content optimisation tools are particularly helpful for creating SEO-friendly, locally relevant content.

Technical Highlights:

"Semrush's SEO Writing Assistant is one of a kind. I was amazed by the feedback and recommendations it provided me to improve my SEO, text readability, originality, and tone of voice".

2. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a keyword research platform powered by one of the most active web crawlers globally, offering precise insights tailored for the Middle East.

Key Features:

Advanced Tools

Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer gives UAE businesses access to detailed keyword insights for every emirate. It includes data on 2.2 billion keywords and advanced filters across 28.7 billion entries, helping businesses fine-tune their strategies for the UAE market.

Pricing Plans (Monthly in AED):

Plan
Cost (AED)
Features
Best For




Starter
AED 99.95
Basic keyword tracking
Small businesses


Lite
AED 429.95
Advanced research tools
Growing brands


Standard
AED 863.95
Complete toolkit
Digital agencies


Advanced
AED 1,557.95
Enterprise features
Large companies

Why UAE Businesses Prefer Ahrefs:

The platform's algorithms help identify undervalued keywords, enabling quick gains in local markets.

Technical Highlights:

Expert Opinion:

"When Ahrefs launches a tool, it's not a me-too product. It aims to be the best in the business straight away." - Nils van der Knaap, Founder & CEO, Sky Internet Marketing

Ahrefs stands out for its detailed search volume data, making it especially useful for digital marketers in the UAE.

Impact on Revenue:

"Without Ahrefs, we would lose hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue each year." - Greg Heilers, Co-Founder, Jolly SEO

Up next, discover another powerful tool to elevate your keyword strategy.

3. Google Keyword Planner

Google Keyword Planner, a feature of Google Ads, provides tailored search data for the UAE market.

Key Features for UAE Businesses

The tool offers keyword suggestions and estimated monthly search volumes for both English and Arabic queries, specifically for the Emirates.

Data Accuracy and Updates

Google Keyword Planner updates its forecasts daily, using data from the last 7–10 days. It also takes into account seasonal trends like Ramadan and Eid.

Feature
Functionality
Impact on Business




Search Volume
Monthly estimates
Helps with planning


Location Targeting
UAE-specific data
Provides local insights


Language Support
English & Arabic
Enables bilingual focus


Forecast Updates
Daily updates
Supports timely actions

Advanced Tools for Local Businesses

The platform offers several features to help businesses refine their keyword strategies:

These tools make it easier to craft a targeted keyword list, as detailed in the expert tips below.

Expert Tips for Using Keyword Planner

Getting Started: Technical Requirements

To unlock all features, businesses in the UAE need to:

Performance Insights

Using the filtering options, you can gain better insights into the UAE market. For instance, while the tool might indicate that a term like "online shopping UAE" has 100K–1M monthly searches, the actual range is often more specific.

Best Practices for the UAE Market

4. Moz Keyword Explorer

Moz Keyword Explorer provides access to 1.25 billion keyword suggestions, specifically tailored for businesses in the UAE. It gathers insights from 170 Google search engines, offering a deep dive into local market trends.

Key Features for UAE Businesses

Feature
Functionality
Business Impact




Monthly Volume
Predicts search volume with over 90% accuracy
Enables precise campaign planning in the UAE


Organic CTR
Analyses click-through rates
Helps optimise content for better results


Difficulty Score
Assesses keyword competition
Guides strategic keyword selection


Search Intent
Uses AI to analyse user intent
Aligns content with audience needs


Domain Authority
Measures website strength
Positions businesses competitively

Enhanced Search Tools

Moz Keyword Explorer includes 180 million ranking keywords, making it easier for businesses to:

Data Accuracy and Reach

The tool boasts a database of 500 million curated keywords, delivering search volume estimates with over 90% accuracy.

Expert Insights

"The automation in Moz tools allows my team to focus on strategy and insights vs. running keyword reports manually or scheduling individual site crawls every few weeks. The simplicity of their tools mitigates the learning curve for new hires, allowing them to immediately jump in and add value."

– Jon Clark, Director of Audience Development at NBCUniversal, Inc.

Local Market Analysis Features

Analysis Type
Key Benefits




SERP Features
Highlights opportunities in local search packs


Ranking Analysis
Monitors position changes in UAE search results


Keyword Grouping
Organises keywords by regional relevance

Performance and Insights

With Link Explorer indexing a staggering 44.8 trillion links, Moz helps pinpoint high-value keywords for effective content optimisation. Its Questions filter identifies FAQs relevant to UAE audiences, ensuring content aligns with local search needs.

Why Businesses Trust Moz

Moz is trusted by over 500,000 brands and agencies, offering:

These features provide UAE businesses with the tools needed to sharpen their content strategies and achieve better results.

sbb-itb-a1a7305

5. KWFinder (Mangools)

KWFinder is a go-to tool for finding long-tail keywords with low competition, making it an excellent choice for digital marketers in the UAE. Its user-friendly design makes it accessible for beginners and experts alike.

Local Search Features

KWFinder offers detailed keyword insights tailored to specific locations, covering over 52,000 areas worldwide. Here's how it benefits UAE businesses:

Feature
Benefit for UAE Businesses




Location-Specific Search
Delivers accurate keyword data for cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates


Language Support
Includes over 30 languages, such as English and Arabic


Local SERP Analysis
Provides search results tailored to UAE audiences


Keyword Database
Offers access to 2.5 billion related keywords

Mangools Subscription Plans (AED/month, annual billing)

Mangools provides flexible pricing options for businesses of all sizes. Here's the breakdown:

Plan
Annual Price (AED/month)




Entry
AED 73.03


Basic
AED 109.73


Premium
AED 164.78


Agency
AED 329.93

Performance and Recognition

KWFinder has earned high ratings, with an overall score of 4.7/5 (4.8 on Trustpilot and 4.6 on G2). Industry leaders like Brian Dean of Backlinko.com have praised its value:

"At $29/month you really can't go wrong with a Mangools subscription. Great value."

What Sets KWFinder Apart

This tool stands out for several reasons:

Market Analysis Tools

KWFinder includes features that help businesses refine their strategies:

Analysis Type
Functionality




Difficulty Score
Assesses how competitive a keyword is


SERP Analysis
Tracks search results specific to the UAE market

Up next, we’ll dive into SERPstat, another excellent tool for building your keyword strategy.

6. SERPstat

SERPstat is a keyword research tool with global reach, including detailed data for the UAE. Its database holds over 7 billion keywords, making it a powerful resource for marketers.

Regional Coverage and Local SEO

SERPstat provides precise tools tailored to businesses in the UAE:

Feature
Benefits for UAE Businesses




Local Search Data
Covers major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi


Regional Tracking
Tracks rankings at the city level across the UAE


Market Analysis
Analyses local search trends specific to the UAE

With these features, UAE businesses can refine their keyword strategies for better local results.

Core Research Features

SERPstat offers a variety of keyword research tools to enhance marketing strategies:

Tool
Purpose




Keyword Niche Finder
Identifies niche keywords


Search Questions Tool
Highlights common search queries from local audiences


Keyword Gap Analysis
Pinpoints competitors' successful keywords


Volume Analysis
Provides data on search volume and competition in PPC

Data Coverage

The platform’s extensive database includes:

Professional Insights

Harsh Agrawal, Founder and CEO of ShoutMeLoud, shared his thoughts on the tool:

"Serpstat is another comprehensive keyword research tool that I discovered recently. They've done some really good work when it comes to helping us identify winning keywords."

This feedback highlights its effectiveness for marketers, including those in the UAE.

Business Applications

UAE businesses can use SERPstat to:

Anastasiia Zmushko, SEO Team Lead at MatchOffice, also praised its accuracy:

"Serpstat helps us to track positions in SERP, see changes, and make perfect competitors research. Positions are the same as during a manual search in the corresponding countries."

Practical Implementation

To get the most out of SERPstat in the UAE:

With over 863,000 users worldwide, SERPstat remains a reliable choice for keyword research and market analysis.

7. WordStream Free Keyword Tool

WordStream offers keyword insights backed by data from over one trillion search queries. It includes advanced filtering options to help you target specific markets effectively.

Core Features

Feature
Description




Regional Data Filtering
Access keyword insights from 23+ countries


Search Volume Analysis
Data sourced from Google and Bing


Competition Metrics
Assess competition levels in detail


Cost Analysis
Get CPC estimates in AED for planning

Research Options

Method
Use Case




Direct Keyword Search
Find related keyword suggestions


Website URL Analysis
Discover competitor keyword strategies


Industry Filtering
Explore data across 24 market sectors


Location-Based Results
Focus on specific geographic markets

This tool uses verified data sources to ensure reliability, which is explored in more detail below.

Data Accuracy and Integration

WordStream pulls its data directly from Google and Bing keyword research APIs. This guarantees accurate search volume figures and makes it an excellent complement to tools like Google Keyword Planner.

Practical Uses for Businesses

Strategy
Application




Market Analysis
Segment results by audience demographics


Competitor Research
Analyze competitor URLs for keyword insights


Cost Optimization
Find low-cost keyword opportunities


Content Planning
Discover long-tail keywords for your content

These features allow businesses to integrate keyword research seamlessly into their SEO campaigns.

Data Management

You can export keyword lists as CSV files, making it easier to manage multilingual campaigns in both Arabic and English.

How Marketers Can Use It

These insights help marketers refine their campaigns and improve their results, leading into the evaluation of our next tool.

8. SE Ranking

SE Ranking provides access to a massive database of 5.3 billion keywords and 2.2 billion domain profiles, tailored with features for the UAE's bilingual market. Here's a closer look at what it offers to local businesses.

Core Capabilities

Feature
Description




Local Rank Tracking
Track rankings across 188 country databases.


Keyword Database
Explore 5.3 billion keywords for research.


Domain Analysis
Analyse data from 2.2 billion domains.


Market Coverage
Focused tools for UAE and MENA region markets.

UAE Pricing Structure

Plan
Monthly Cost (AED)
Keywords Limit




Essential
238.78
500


Pro
437.08
2,000


Business
951.58
5,000

Local Market Tools

Since its launch in 2013, SE Ranking has been adopted by over 40,000 businesses worldwide. Its ability to track keywords in both Arabic and English makes it especially useful for the UAE's diverse digital environment.

Expert Validation

"SE Ranking is one of my favorite all-in-one SEO tools: powerful and easy to use - the perfect support for my day-to-day SEO activities."

– Aleyda Solis, International SEO Consultant & Founder at Orainti

Data Management Features

Feature
Purpose




Competitor Analysis
Monitor competitor rankings and strategies.


Content Marketing
Create content ideas based on keyword trends.


Local Marketing
Target specific regions and demographics in the UAE.


Agency Tools
Efficiently manage multiple client accounts.

Professional Perspective

"We've used other tools in the past, but SE Ranking offers more up-to-date data and information, which benefits our agency and clients."

– John Sammon, Grizzled Internet Marketing Vet & CEO at Sixth City Marketing

Technical Capabilities

SE Ranking supports rank tracking on UAE search engines, multilingual keyword research, local SERP analysis, and backlink monitoring. These features allow businesses in the UAE to improve their digital presence in both Arabic and English, covering all aspects of the local search market effectively.

Key Features Comparison

This section reviews key features, pricing, and insights for top keyword research tools in the UAE.

Investment Comparison (Monthly Plans in AED)

Here’s a breakdown of starting monthly prices in AED for popular tools:

Tool
Starting Price (Monthly in AED)




Semrush
AED 513.82 (Pro Plan: $139.95)


Ahrefs
AED 363.63 (Starting at $99)


Moz
AED 363.63 (Moz Pro: $99)


SE Ranking
AED 143.13 (Essential Plan: $39)


KWFinder
AED 106.54 (Entry Plan: $29)


SERPstat
AED 216.81 (Individual Plan: $59)

Market Recognition and Usage

Semrush stands out with 10 million marketing professionals worldwide, supporting 30% of Fortune 500 companies. Its database covers an impressive 26 billion keywords and 43 trillion backlinks.

"When it comes to pure value, Semrush wins. That's mostly because you get a fully-featured SEO software suite AND Google Ads software for the same monthly price."

Regional Considerations

For effective SEO in the UAE, tools with strong local databases are indispensable. They provide accurate insights tailored to the region.

"With the help of Semrush, we empowered every single marketing team within the university to double their traffic like we did for the central sites."

Professional Considerations

When choosing a tool, consider these factors:

These aspects are essential for making an informed decision. Use this information to evaluate your options before diving into the final recommendations.

Final Recommendations

Based on the comparisons above, here's how to choose the right keyword research tool for the UAE market:

For Small Businesses and Startups

If you're a small business in the UAE with a tight budget, KWFinder is a great choice. At AED 73.03 per month, it offers insights into competitor strategies, keyword suggestions, content ideas, and backlink data. Its easy-to-use interface makes it perfect for businesses just starting with SEO. If you need more advanced insights, medium-sized business tools might be worth considering.

For Medium-Sized Enterprises

For medium-sized businesses, Moz Keyword Explorer is a solid option. It provides access to 1.25 billion keywords and 170 Google search engines, offering the depth needed for regional growth. This tool balances affordability with the features necessary for expanding your reach across the UAE and beyond.

For Enterprise-Level Organisations

Large organisations operating throughout the MENA region should look at Ahrefs or Semrush. These platforms excel in competitor analysis, keyword tracking, and detailed site audits, making them suitable for the complex SEO needs of enterprise-level strategies.

Implementation Strategy

Start with tools that focus on local keyword data and competitor analysis. Select platforms that support both Arabic and English keywords to cater to the UAE's diverse audience. As your strategy evolves, take advantage of the specific features highlighted in the comparative analysis to achieve even better SEO performance.