Many merchants enable English on day one, assuming it widens the market. It usually does not, and sometimes it hurts.
What enabling a second language actually means
Not just the interface. It means translating every product name, description, category and policy page — then keeping those translations current with every new product. A bilingual store is two stores' worth of content.
When a second language earns its keep
- Your reports already show real orders from outside Saudi Arabia.
- Your product targets a non-Arabic-speaking resident audience.
- You have someone writing genuine English, not machine translation.
If none of the three is true, English now gives you half-translated pages that weaken the brand and compete with your Arabic pages in search.
Multi-currency
Showing prices in the visitor's currency reduces hesitation, but note: settlement usually stays in the gateway currency, and the exchange difference shows up on the customer's statement. Explain that on your FAQ page rather than letting them discover it after purchase.
The practical rule
Start in Arabic alone and do it properly. Add the second language when the numbers show the need, not when you anticipate it.