Many people in UAE are going for ae domains. But choosing .ae domain is the best choice?

In this article, we’ll clarify why ae domains are best for UAE websites. First, we’ll start by looking at ae vs com comparison – where we’ll see the basic differences between the two extensions. After that we’ll see the SEO advantages of ae domains and show you how you can register .ae domain for your UAE business.

.ae vs .com

Both extensions are examples of top-level domains (TLDs). TLDs are the last part of any domain name. You’ll find them right at the end of a website’s address.

1.1. What are ccTLDs?

Some TLDs refer to individual countries. They are known as ccTLDs (country code Top-Level Domains). ae is the ccTLD for the UAE & Dubai. Essentially, ae is the UAE domain name.

ccTLDs are perfect for those businesses that want to target a specific country. That’s why ae domains are the top choice for UAE businesses or businesses that sell in the UAE.

1.2 What are gTLDs?

Some TLDs like .com, .net or .org aren’t linked to a specific region. Hence, they’re not linked to a specific country, they are called generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs). Many companies who are providing services in the complete world often choose gTLDs like popular com.

1.3 Can I Have a gTLD and ccTLDs?

Yes. If you are dealing with the world, you could register a .com domain for your main website. Then you can go for ccTLDs like ae to target UAE.

What are the SEO Advantages of .ae Domains?

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) used to be easy. Even new websites could rank on SERP.

Nowadays, after Ai SEO is becoming more difficult. Fortunately, ccTLDs like .ae are excellent for local SEO. Let’s explore the top SEO advantages of using .ae domains:

2.1. .ae Domains Focus on the UAE

If your business is running in the UAE and you have local customer, then they’ll want to see information that is only relevant to them. Let suppose, if they search for ‘news stories’, they probably want to know about current events happening in the UAE. If someone searches for ‘cheap laptops,’ they’re likely looking for delivery options within the UAE. Similarly, a search for ‘first-class flights’ probably means they’re interested in flights departing from the UAE.

However, most international businesses prefer not to fill their .com websites with UAE-specific content, as it can distract other visitors and potentially harm their overall SEO.

By registering ae domain, you can create a site specially focused on your UAE customers. You can even include keywords that align with search queries commonly performed in the UAE. For large businesses, this is one of the key SEO advantages of using .ae domains.

2.2. ccTLDs Rank Higher in Search

Search engines like google don’t just look at keywords. Search engines also consider the top-level domain itself. Choosing the .ae ccTLD signals to them that your content is relevant to users in the UAE.

2.3. ccTLDs Get Higher Click Through Rates

We’ve covered two strong reasons why ccTLDs tend to rank higher in search results. But ranking well isn’t enough; to boost your website traffic, you also need users to click through to your site.

Another reason registering ae domains are best for UAE websites is because they can get more clicks. That’s because SERP show users your domain name.

2.4. .ae Domains are Better for Link Building

So far, we’ve covered three on-page SEO advantages of .ae domain name. (Hint: On-page SEO covers everything you can do on your own website or server.) But there’s another hidden side to SEO called off-page SEO or link building.

Link building involves getting other website owners to create hyperlinks (known as backlinks) to your site. Search engines track the number and quality of these backlinks, and websites with links from local sources in related industries often rank higher. Using a .ae domain can make it easier to earn backlinks from other UAE-based websites, strengthening your local SEO.

2.5. Benefits for Your Brand

In addition to the SEO advantages of .ae domains, there are also significant branding benefits. Purchasing a .ae domain signals to UAE local customers that your business values its presence in their country. It helps build trust and fosters a stronger connection with your audience.

.ae domains are also an ideal choice for businesses looking to expand their presence across the GCC. As the UAE is recognized as a leading economic hub in the region, a .ae domain adds credibility and prestige to your brand.

While these branding benefits may be harder to quantify than SEO gains, they are no less important. Be sure to consider them carefully when deciding whether to invest in a .ae domain.

Should I Buy a .ae Domain?

If your business and customers are in the UAE or GCC, then you should buy a .ae domain. If you own a larger business that also trades outside of the UAE, then you’ll probably want to buy a .com domain name.

But you should still consider the benefits of ae domain names. Buying both .com and .ae domain will give you a big global presence and a stronger local appeal in the UAE.

How Can I Register a .ae Domain Name?

4.1. Choose an Accredited Registrar
Find an authorized registrar (e.g., Gatehills.com). A full list is available on the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) website.

4.2. Check Domain Availability
Use the registrar’s search tool to see if your desired domain is available. If you don’t have any idea, you can use gatehills Ai search tool to find your ideal domain.

4.3. Complete the Registration
Provide your personal or business details and accept the terms and conditions.

4.4. Make Payment
Pay the registration fee as low as 120 AED for a complete year to confirm your domain.

4.5. Activate Your Domain
Once registered, your .ae domain will be activated and ready to use.