Find clients and sell your products in the Middle East

Finding clients abroad is always a challenge, and business development in the Middle East is not different. You need the right contacts and once you reach the decision maker, you need the right sales pitch.

A lot of companies that want to enter the market in the Middle East do this with their general sales pitch. However, if you don’t know the local regulations, pricing levels and your competition’s product, sales meetings may be difficult to conclude successfully.

How to sell your product or service in the Middle East?

The Middle East’s population in 2024 is estimated to be approximately almost 500 million, with a growth rate between 1 and 2% per year. This region, extending from Western Asia into Egypt, comprises 17 countries and is known for its religious diversity, including the origins of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

The most important economies in the Middle East include Saudi Arabia, which relies heavily on oil exports, and the United Arab Emirates, known for its robust trade and finance sectors. Iran and Iraq also have significant oil reserves impacting their economic status. Turkey’s diverse economy spans textiles, agriculture, and industry, while Israel is known for its technology and innovation. Egypt’s economy is diverse, with agriculture, media, petroleum imports, and tourism playing key roles. These economies vary widely, from oil-dependent to more diversified economic structures.

Western companies have several business opportunities in the Middle East, including renewable energy projects, especially solar and wind power, due to the region’s climate. The technology sector, including fintech, e-commerce, and cybersecurity, offers growth potential driven by digital transformation. Infrastructure and construction, fueled by urbanization and mega projects, provide substantial investment avenues.

Additionally, healthcare and pharmaceuticals are expanding, with increasing demand for medical services and products. The tourism and hospitality industry also presents opportunities, leveraging the region’s rich cultural heritage and government initiatives to boost tourism.

Who actually decides?

Business development abroad fails more often on the wrong contact than on the wrong product. Decide first whether you sell to end users, to a procurement department or through a partner: each asks for a different pitch and a different price level.

Expect to adapt three things per market. The language of your materials, your proof — local references count for more than global ones — and your price positioning against the local alternatives.

Do you need help in the Middle East?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Finding your first clients in the Middle East in three steps

Step 1

Define the target group

Describe the companies or consumers you want to reach, the budget they have and the problem you solve for them. Skip this and every later step costs more time.

Step 2

Build a list and approach

Collect 50 to 100 relevant companies, find the person who decides, and reach out in the local language by email, LinkedIn or telephone.

Step 3

Follow up and localise

Track what you hear back and sharpen the pitch on it. Add local proof: translated pages, references from the region and a local number or partner.

Find clients and sell your products in the Middle East