Website Launch Checklist for UAE Businesses

Going live is more than uploading files. Before you tell customers the URL, you need HTTPS, working WhatsApp and call buttons, Search Console, a sitemap, Google Business linked, analytics, and a backup. Skip those and the site is live in name only.

I use this list on every ITZ project. Steal it if you are launching with someone else — or ask me to run it with you.

Technical

• Domain in your account, DNS pointed correctly. See .ae domain & hosting.
• SSL (the padlock). Redirect http → https and www → your chosen host.
• Favicon, 404 page, and forms tested on a real phone.
• Speed check on mobile — LCP / INP / CLS.
• Off-site backup taken the day you launch.

Leads

• WhatsApp wa.me links with a pre-filled message. How to set that up.
• Click-to-call with +971, not a local 05 number missing the country code on desktop.
• Enquiry form delivers (WhatsApp handoff or email you actually read).

Search & maps

• Google Search Console + sitemap.xml submitted.
• robots.txt allows Google and the AI crawlers you want. See AI search.
• Google Business Profile website field updated. Local SEO steps.
• NAP matches the site, Maps and invoices.

After day one

Watch Search Console for coverage errors, reply to the first WhatsApps fast, and put the site on a maintenance plan so it does not rot. Launch is the start of lead generation, not the finish.

Frequently asked questions

What must be done before go-live?

Domain + HTTPS, mobile WhatsApp/call tests, Search Console, sitemap, Google Business link, analytics, backup, and forms that actually arrive.

Do I need Search Console on day one?

Yes — otherwise you cannot see if Google indexed you or request a crawl.