Looking to boost your brand presence in the United Arab Emirates? If you’re serious about LinkedIn marketing and want to tap into the local influencer scene, knowing who to collaborate with is half the battle won. As of May 2025, the UAE’s digital landscape is booming, and LinkedIn remains a goldmine for B2B and professional brand building. So, let’s cut the fluff—here’s the lowdown on the top 10 LinkedIn influencers in the UAE you should be eyeing for collaboration.
📢 Why LinkedIn is the Game Changer in UAE Marketing
In the UAE, LinkedIn isn’t just a platform for job hunting; it’s a powerhouse for professional networking, brand positioning, and influencer marketing. With over 4 million active users in the UAE, including top executives, entrepreneurs, and government officials, the platform offers a direct line to decision-makers. As local brands like Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties leverage LinkedIn for outreach, savvy advertisers know that collaborating with UAE-based influencers can skyrocket their credibility and reach.
Plus, payment methods are straightforward—PayPal, bank transfers, or even crypto for some modern influencers—making cross-border collaborations smooth as butter. The local currency, AED, is widely accepted in influencer deals, especially for premium profiles. Whether you’re a US-based brand or agency, understanding the local culture of professionalism and respect is key to successful collabs here.
🌟 Top 10 LinkedIn Influencers You Should Collaborate With in UAE
Here’s the list based on their reach, engagement, and relevance to your niche:
1. Hessa Al-Yahya – The Real Estate Queen
Hessa is a top influencer for anything property-related, with over 250K followers. Her insights into Dubai’s real estate market make her a must for brands wanting to target investors or luxury property buyers.
2. Omar Faroukh – Tech & Innovation Guru
Omar’s posts about AI, startups, and digital transformation get thousands of views. Partnering with him can give your tech products or services a major boost in credibility.
3. Layla Ahmed – Female Entrepreneur & Leadership Coach
With a focus on women in business, Layla’s content resonates well across industries. She’s great for brands aiming at empowering female professionals in the UAE.
4. Khaled Al-Mansoori – Financial Advisor & Wealth Manager
If your brand targets high-net-worth individuals or aims to promote financial products, Khaled’s network is gold.
5. Sara Al-Maktoum – Sustainability & CSR Advocate
Her influence on environmental issues can help brands align with UAE’s sustainability initiatives, especially given Dubai’s push for green development.
6. Mohammed Al-Ali – Healthcare & Wellness Expert
Ideal for health tech companies or wellness brands targeting UAE professionals.
7. Fatima Saeed – HR & Talent Acquisition Specialist
Great for brands that want to tap into the UAE’s growing workforce market or promote HR tech solutions.
8. Ali Rahman – Digital Marketing & E-commerce Strategist
His insights help brands navigate the UAE’s booming e-commerce scene.
9. Noura Al-Hamadi – Education & EdTech Influencer
Partner with Noura to reach students, parents, and educators in the UAE.
10. Yousef El-Khatib – Startup Founder & VC
Yousef’s network is perfect for brands targeting startups, venture capital, and investment in the UAE.
💡 How to Approach and Collaborate Effectively
In the UAE, professionalism and clarity are king. When reaching out to influencers, be explicit about your goals, budget, and expectations. Local influencers prefer transparent payment methods—PayPal, bank transfer, or AED cash—and contracts are a must.
Offer value beyond just payment—think long-term relationships, exclusive content, or co-branded campaigns. Also, respect local customs and cultural sensitivities, especially around content themes and timing (avoid religious or national holidays for campaigns).
📊 Data Insights and Trends
According to recent data, LinkedIn engagement rates in the UAE are up 20% YoY, with a surge in content around digital transformation, sustainability, and leadership. Influencers in these niches tend to have higher engagement and can deliver better ROI for B2B campaigns.
Additionally, the trend of micro-influencers (10K-50K followers) is growing fast, offering more affordable collaboration options with high engagement rates. Brands are increasingly investing in authentic, story-driven content rather than traditional ads.
❗ Risks and Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Not every influencer is a good fit. Beware of fake followers or engagement, which can be checked via third-party tools or initial small collaborations. Also, overlook local laws—UAE has strict advertising and content regulations. Always draft clear contracts, specify deliverables, and ensure content aligns with legal standards.
Lastly, don’t forget the currency and payment logistics. Confirm the local payment methods preferred by your influencer to avoid surprises.
People Also Ask
Q1: How do I find the best LinkedIn influencers in the UAE?
Look for those with high engagement rates, relevant industry expertise, and authentic content. Use LinkedIn’s search filters, or platforms like BaoLiba to connect with verified influencers.
Q2: What’s the average cost for LinkedIn influencer collaboration in UAE?
It varies depending on follower count and niche. Micro-influencers might charge AED 2,000-5,000 per post, whereas top-tier influencers can go over AED 50,000.
Q3: Can US brands pay UAE influencers in USD?
Yes, but it’s more common to pay in AED to avoid currency conversion issues. Discuss payment preferences upfront to streamline the deal.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Partnering with the right LinkedIn influencers in the UAE can be a game-changer for your brand. As of 2025, the influencer scene here is mature, professional, and highly targeted. Do your homework, pick the right partners, and craft campaigns that resonate with local audiences.
BaoLiba will continue to update the latest UAE influencer marketing trends, so stay tuned and follow us for more insider tips.
