What to set up, in what order
| Week | Step | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Before licence | Reserve trade name, register .com domain | .ae usually needs the licence |
| Week 1 | Professional email on your domain | Banks prefer it to Gmail |
| Week 1–2 | One-page or brochure website | State licence authority and activities |
| Week 2–3 | Google Business Profile | Needs a UAE trade licence and usually video verification |
| Week 3–4 | LinkedIn company page, directories | Same name and description everywhere |
Pages your first website needs
- Home: what you do, for whom, in which emirate.
- Services: one section or page per licensed activity.
- About: founders, licence authority (e.g. DMCC, IFZA, DED) and licence number.
- Contact: UAE phone/WhatsApp, email, address or service area.
- Privacy policy: how you handle personal data.
Website and bank onboarding
UAE banks run know-your-customer checks on new companies. A live website where the company name, activities and contact details match the trade licence is a simple way to show the business is real. A mismatch, such as a website describing activities not on the licence, can raise questions.
Google Business Profile in the UAE
To appear on Google Maps you need a Business Profile. In the UAE this generally requires a valid trade licence and passing Google's verification, which is often by video. A virtual office address alone is usually not enough; businesses without a walk-in location can register as a service-area business and hide the address.
Privacy and the UAE PDPL
The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021) applies to processing of personal data, including contact forms. Free zones such as DIFC and ADGM have their own data protection laws. Your website should at least explain what data you collect, why, and how to contact you about it.
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See plansFAQ
Do I need a website to open a bank account in the UAE?
It is not a formal legal requirement, but many UAE banks check a company's online presence during onboarding. A professional website with matching company name, activity and contact details can make compliance checks smoother.
Can I register a .ae domain before I have a trade license?
A .ae domain generally requires a UAE-based registrant, such as a company with a trade license or a trademark holder. Check the current policy with your registrar. A .com can be registered by anyone, anywhere.
Free zone or mainland: does it change my website?
Not technically, but your website should state your licence type, authority and activities accurately, because banks and clients will compare it with your license.