· 2 min read · Abdul Aziz Arifi
Setting up a company in Dubai: the digital checklist for day one
The licence is only the start. The moment it's issued, customers, partners and banks start looking you up — and most new companies aren't ready for that. Arifi Global was itself formed in Dubai. This is the checklist we wish we'd had: what to set up digitally, in which order, and what can wait.
Secure the domain and company email first
Register your domain as soon as the company name is settled — ideally exactly the name on the licence. Then set up email on that domain (Google Workspace or Microsoft 365) rather than a free mail address. Banks, free-zone authorities and clients take an address on your own domain more seriously, and every conversation stays with the company when people come and go.
A lean website before a perfect one
You don't need a large website in week one. You need a clear page that says what you do, for whom, where you're based and how to reach you — fast, clean on mobile and in your clients' language. It can grow later; being findable can't wait.
- What you do and for whom — in one sentence
- Location and service area
- Contact options: email, phone, WhatsApp
- Company details exactly as on the licence
Be findable: Google Business Profile and consistent details
Create a Google Business Profile and make sure your company name, address or service area, phone number and website are identical everywhere they appear. Search engines and AI assistants both rely on consistent details to understand who you are.
Basic IT security from the start
Turn on multi-factor authentication for email and every admin account, keep company data in a managed cloud rather than on personal devices, and set up backups. It costs little at the beginning and is painful to retrofit once the team has grown.
Automate the first repetitive task — not everything
Once enquiries start coming in, find the one task that repeats most: answering the same questions, booking calls, following up. Automate that first, with a clear handover to a person. A small automation that runs beats a large plan that never ships.
What we don't cover — and who does
The legal formation itself — choosing the licence activity, filing with the free zone or, for mainland companies, with Dubai's economic authority, visas and the bank account — sits with licensed agents and advisors. Requirements change and depend on your case, so always confirm them with your free zone or agent. This article is not legal or tax advice.