If you’re a Kiwi brand or content creator keen on cracking the Middle East market, especially the UAE, understanding TikTok advertising there is your golden ticket. As of early June 2024, the UAE’s digital landscape is booming, and TikTok’s become a powerhouse for local and global players alike. Let’s dive into the 2025 ad rates on TikTok in the UAE, tailored for New Zealand advertisers and influencers who want to go beyond the backyard.
📢 UAE TikTok Advertising Landscape in 2025
TikTok’s popularity in the United Arab Emirates has skyrocketed, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and high smartphone penetration. For Kiwi advertisers accustomed to TikTok NZ, the UAE market offers fresh opportunities but also some curves to watch out for, especially around cultural nuances and ad spend norms.
The 2025 TikTok advertising rates in the UAE reflect strong demand for video content across all categories—from fashion and beauty to tech gadgets and hospitality. Compared to New Zealand, the UAE’s CPM (cost per mille, aka cost per 1,000 impressions) and CPC (cost per click) tend to be higher, given the region’s affluence and competitive digital marketing space.
💡 How New Zealand Advertisers Can Navigate UAE TikTok Ads
Local Currency and Payment Methods
In the UAE, the currency is the UAE Dirham (AED). Most media buying platforms, including TikTok’s ad manager, accept international credit cards and PayPal, which makes it easy for Kiwi advertisers to set up campaigns without fuss. However, it’s wise to budget for currency exchange fluctuations when planning your media spend.
Cultural and Legal Considerations
The UAE has strict advertising standards influenced by Islamic culture and local laws. Ads must avoid controversial or sensitive content, including anything that might be seen as offensive or culturally inappropriate. For example, Kiwis promoting fashion or beauty products should steer clear of overly revealing clothing or any content touching on religion or politics.
Targeting & Local Influencers
UAE TikTok users love authentic content that balances global trends with local flavour. Collaborating with regional influencers, such as Dubai-based content creators who blend Arabic culture and modern lifestyle, can boost your campaign impact. Kiwi marketers often partner with agencies like The Social Clinic or Digital Nexa to tap into trusted influencer networks.
📊 2025 TikTok Advertising Rates in the UAE by Category
Here’s a rough snapshot of the current TikTok ad rates in the UAE, converted to NZD for your convenience (1 AED ≈ 0.42 NZD as of early June 2024):
| Category | CPM (NZD) | CPC (NZD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Beauty | $18 – $30 | $0.50 – $0.90 | High engagement with influencer tie-ins |
| Electronics & Gadgets | $20 – $35 | $0.60 – $1.00 | Great for product demos and unboxings |
| Food & Beverage | $15 – $25 | $0.40 – $0.75 | Popular with short recipe clips |
| Travel & Hospitality | $22 – $40 | $0.70 – $1.20 | Seasonal spikes around holiday periods |
| Health & Fitness | $17 – $28 | $0.50 – $0.85 | Growing interest post-pandemic |
These rates sit a bit higher than TikTok New Zealand’s average, where CPM typically ranges from $10 to $20 NZD, reflecting the premium placed on UAE’s affluent, mobile-first audience.
💡 Media Buying Tips for Kiwi Advertisers Targeting the UAE
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Leverage TikTok’s TopView and Spark Ads: These formats command premium rates but deliver outstanding visibility. If you’re launching a new product or brand in the UAE, they’re worth the splurge.
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Use Localised Creative: Mix English with Arabic phrases or locally popular hashtags. UAE viewers appreciate brands that ‘get’ their culture.
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Partner with UAE-based Influencers: Kiwi brands like Allbirds or Whittaker’s that have ventured here often collaborate with local TikTok creators to boost credibility and relatability.
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Plan for Time Zones: UAE is 10 hours ahead of NZDT, so schedule your ads and influencer posts accordingly for max engagement.
📈 New Zealand Marketing Trends Reflecting on UAE Entry
In the last six months, many New Zealand businesses have been doubling down on digital marketing channels, especially social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, to reach diaspora and new international markets. The UAE stands out as a lucrative playground due to its young demographic and high disposable income levels. Brands like Icebreaker and PĀTAKA have tested influencer-led campaigns overseas with promising results.
### People Also Ask
What is the average TikTok advertising cost in the UAE for New Zealand brands?
On average, TikTok advertising rates in the UAE range from $15 to $40 NZD CPM depending on the category, slightly higher than New Zealand due to market demand and purchasing power.
How can Kiwi brands pay for TikTok ads in the UAE?
Most TikTok ad accounts accept international credit cards and PayPal, making it convenient for New Zealand advertisers to fund campaigns without local bank accounts.
Are there legal restrictions on TikTok ads in the United Arab Emirates?
Yes, ads must comply with UAE’s cultural and legal standards, avoiding content that could be offensive or politically sensitive.
❗ Final Thoughts
If you’re a New Zealand advertiser or influencer looking to scale your TikTok game into the UAE, get ready to invest a bit more but gain access to one of the fastest-growing digital markets. Knowing the 2025 ad rates and blending Kiwi grit with local insights will set you apart from the crowd.
BaoLiba will keep updating the latest New Zealand influencer marketing trends and global digital shifts. Stay tuned and keep hustling!