The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s top destinations for doing business. Strategically positioned between East and West, the UAE has become a global business hub. What truly sets the UAE apart from world is not just its infrastructure but how easy and smooth it is to start and grow a business here.

From smooth setup processes to a flexible and secure controlled environment, the UAE empowers entrepreneurs and big brands to focus on what matters most: growth and innovation. Its strong digital foundation, especially in IT industry, gives businesses the tools they need to flourish in the modern world.

One standout example is the .AE domain name registration service, a digital gateway that helps businesses in the UAE establish a strong, local online presence. Having a .AE domain name isn’t just about going online; it’s about proudly representing your connection to a country known for ambition, excellence, and opportunity.

If you want to start a business or brand in the UAE, registering the .AE domain is a must, and you will be glad about how everything works and the outcomes you achieve. But is it mandatory to have a .AE domain to do business in the UAE??

Yes. Let’s see why!

1. (ccTLDs) Country Code Top-Level Domains

When a local Emirati user visits a business website with a .com extension, it can be difficult to tell whether the business is based locally or not. That’s why mostly business or brand owners prefer to buy ccTLD extensions. For example .CA for Canada Domain Name, .QA for the Qatar Domain Names.

The official country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United Arab Emirates is .AE. When a local customer in the UAE sees a website ending with .AE, it immediately signals that the business is local and reliable.

2. The Need for Local Presence

For many local online businesses, it can be hard to stand out, especially without the visibility of a physical storefront. But by registering a .AE domain name, you instantly establish local relevance and credibility in the UAE.

Think of it as your digital storefront placed in a prime location that speaks directly to your audience across the country. Whether you’re targeting customers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate, a .AE domain gives your business the recognition and trust it deserves.

A .AE domain quickly signals to visitors that your business base is local and offering relevant products and services. This increase user trust, which is key to converting local Emirati customers and boosting your profits in the UAE market.

3. The Availability of .AE Domain Names

It’s 2025, and almost every TLD extension is already taken. There are over 364 million registered domains, half being .com. With all that in mind, choosing the right domain for your business can be a bit tricky. But if you go for the .AE domain name, you will find much better options. That is because you’ll compete with the businesses present in UAE instead of rest of the world.

Back in 2024, there were less than a million registered .AE domains. For anyone looking to launch an online business, that’s an exciting number. It shows there’s still room to stand out with a strong, memorable domain like “mycompanyname.ae.”

4. The Low Cost of .AE Domain Names

You can get a .AE domain starting from just AED 120 per year when you register with Gatehills. As the UAE continues to grow economically, it’s no surprise that the .AE domain is becoming increasingly popular. While .com domains may sometimes seem cheaper because they are TLD and if you can get the domain name you want. If it’s already taken by someone else, you might end up paying a premium for a .com domain.

Luckily, there’s still a great selection of unregistered .AE domains, giving you more options to secure an affordable, memorable domain name. As an TDRA accredited domain registrar, Gatehills makes it easy to buy your .AE domain name with confidence.

5. The Importance of .AE Domain Names Registration

Now section covers another important side of .AE domain name. But should you really buy the .AE domain?

5.1. You Will Be Able to Show That You’re From the UAE

Identity is crucial for a country to expend and develop. That is why the .AE domain name is important because it shows globally where you are from while making it completely easier to connect local users.

5.2. Creating a Trustworthy Relationship

Believe it, 90% people prefer to buy any product from a local brand or company rather than an international one. It shows that the local business stick to UAE regulations and offers great value to customers.

Using the .AE domain name will make your brand more reliable between locals. If you’re targeting Emirati users, a .AE domain will build trust and drive more sales.

5.3. Better SERP Results

The .AE domain gain trust, helping your site rank higher in local SERPs. Due to its geographical relevance, the .AE extension gets priority over other domains in the UAE, giving your site a strong local advantage. While it’s not the only factor influencing Google rankings, the results are long-lasting, and you’ll likely be impressed with the impact. Just remember to pair it with solid SEO strategies for the best results.

5.4. Keeps Up to Date on Local Policies

Registering a .AE domain keeps you aligned with local rules and regulations, which can be tough to navigate. It also gives your business a more professional appearance, which is crucial for standing out. These small details make a big difference in running a successful business, and in the end, a .AE domain is one of the most effective ways to build a strong local presence.

5.5. Requirements for Registering a .AE Domain

The .AE domain is unrestricted, meaning anyone, anywhere in the world, can register it if they want to do business in the UAE even if they’re not based in UAE.

When registering a .ae domain, keep in mind the 63-character limit and avoid special characters. The minimum registration period is one year, but you can secure your domain for up to 10 years.

To get started, visit Gatehills.com, enter your desired domain name in the search bar to check availability, and then choose any additional services you may need, like an email address and UAE-based web hosting. Once you’re ready, just complete the registration process to claim your .AE domain.