5 Ways Influencers Can Stay Authentic While Promoting Brands in the UAE

The influencer marketing sector in the UAE is not just booming - it’s becoming the cornerstone of brand strategy.

In 2025, MENA’s influencer marketing industry is on track to reach a valuation of $897.3 million by 2029, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.27%. In the GCC specifically, the influencer advertising market is projected to hit $276.6 million this year, with expectations to grow to $378.3 million by 2029.

With such rapid growth, it’s more important than ever for influencers, particularly in the UAE, to preserve authenticity. A highly engaged, media-savvy audience demands more than just glossy visuals and branded hashtags. They want truth. They want relatability. They want real stories.

If you’re new to influencing, or are a seasoned creator trying to improve your engagement, here are five practical ways you can remain authentic while still driving results for the brands you collaborate with:

Partner With Brands That Reflect Your Personal Values

In a market as dynamic as the UAE, influencer marketing continues to capture more marketing budget, and as a result opportunities for collaboration are growing weekly. As appealing as brand deals (and the income they offer) can be, not every offer should be accepted. You must remain cognisant that your ability to stand out in an increasingly busy space requires consistency, integrity and authenticity.

At Bees & Honey, we often ask ourselves before reaching out to the creators we work with: Would you still use or endorse this product if it weren’t a paid gig? If the answer is yes, then we know this is right partnership.

• Think long-term: Will this brand still make sense for your audience six months from now? It might seem obvious, but if you’re a wellness-focused content creator, for example, promoting a fast-food chain may feel off-brand and erode trust (not to mention lead to poor engagement and overall sentiment).

Share Genuine Experiences Through Storytelling

According to recent data, 82% of social media users in the UAE trust recommendations from influencers. But that trust hinges on the how, not just the what.

This number is only so high because good content creators aren’t just selling, they’re telling a story. Did a specific suncream brand help your skin during the hottest summer months in Dubai? Did a new healthy meal prepping kit make your life easier during Ramadan when prepping for Suhoor? These stories resonate. They show you're not just promoting a product - you’re integrating it into your lifestyle in a meaningful and useful way.

Maintain Transparency in Brand Collaborations

Transparency is non-negotiable. In a region where 75% of residents follow influencers, audiences are smart enough to spot a paid post - and they'll respect you more if you're upfront about it. Tagging content with #ad isn’t just about following advertising guidelines; it's about building trust.

When influencers are open about brand partnerships and only partner with brands that are authentic to their own personal brand, audiences perceive endorsements as recommendations rather than sales pitches. It’s a simple move that goes a long way.

Engage Actively with Your Audience

Your relationship with your followers doesn’t end at “like and share”, it lives in your comments and your DMs.

Influencers who engage with their community are seen as more genuine and relatable. Not only does this make followers heard and valued, they’re far more likely to trust the brands you advocate for – and they’ll remember that you took the time to connect, not just broadcast.

Embrace and Celebrate Local Culture

One of the most powerful ways to build trust in the UAE is by rooting your content in the local context. This country is rightly immensely proud of its traditions, diversity, and heritage. You have to remain aware of this, and reflect it with pride.

Whether it’s showcasing your Ramadan rituals, making an effort to learn Arabic or supporting a homegrown Emirati businesses, leaning into culture creates emotional resonance. We’ve seen local engagement spike when influencers highlight regional identity. It’s the kind of content that stands out in a sea of similarity.

The influencer economy in the UAE is poised for serious growth, but that only increases the pressure to perform without losing your personal identity and brand. The influencers who will lead in this new era won’t just have the biggest followings - they’ll have the strongest connections.

At Bees & Honey, we believe authentic storytelling, cultural fluency, and a values-first mindset are what separate the great from the forgettable. It’s not just about getting likes, it’s about building trust that lasts beyond a single campaign. No more scroll, tap and dip. We only want authentic connections here.