The business climate in the UAE according to Munir Badr, Founder & Curator of Domain Days
What do UAE customers look for in a hosting provider?
"The five things they value most are data localization, responsive support, fair pricing, trustworthiness, and hands-on service. Clients here often want data stored locally for regulatory reasons, and they value responsive, immediate support in their time zone. They expect providers to go above and beyond by assisting with technical issues. In a market where competition includes local and international players, it’s crucial to be reliable and accessible."
What’s unique about the UAE business community?
"The UAE business culture is very relationship-based. Trust and personal interactions are essential. It’s a place where face-to-face connections still matter, even with the move to digital. The community values what your business offers and who you are as a person. When you meet a client, it’s not just about business; you discuss where you’re from and your background, and then slowly, they feel more comfortable working with you. That trust is key, and it’s helped create a business-friendly environment where diverse communities thrive together."
A story illustrating the UAE’s unique business culture?
"I remember early on, I had clients who would drive miles just to come to our office and pay in cash, even for something as small as a domain registration. They needed to see who I was in person, that I was real, and that their money was safe. That need for physical confirmation was a cultural difference I had to understand and embrace. Over time, as trust grew, people were more comfortable with online transactions, but those early experiences showed me just how crucial personal trust is here."
| Munir Badr is also the CEO of AEserver, an online UAE store for everything related to web presence. |
Why did I start AEserver?
"Honestly, starting AEserver came from a mix of curiosity and seeing a chance to fill a gap in the market. When I started, Dubai wasn’t the tech hub it is today; internet connections were expensive and inconsistent, and there wasn’t much of an online market. But I was always fascinated with tech, so I taught myself the basics. My first website was a directory for mobile games, which led to learning more about domains and hosting. I saw an opportunity to make the process more accessible for people like me in the UAE. So, even with the challenges, I thought, ‘Why not?’ I loved learning about the technology and helping others get online, so that passion eventually became AEserver."
What were the top five challenges I faced early on?
"There were a lot! First, educating customers about online security and reliability was tough. Back then, many people didn’t trust online transactions or services; they needed in-person contact to feel secure. Then, payment options were limited-online payments weren’t widely available in the UAE, so I had to get creative, even setting up accounts in different places to get around this. A third challenge was the manual registration process for .ae domains. I had to fax documents and even rely on a local shop to process orders, which slowed things down and was inconvenient. Finding clients and building a reputation also took time, as web hosting wasn’t mainstream in Dubai yet. Finally, offering quality customer service with minimal resources meant doing everything myself. I spent hours guiding clients step-by-step through each setup. It was exhausting but helped build trust, essential in a market that relied heavily on personal relationships.
After-Party Yacht Cruise at Domain Days 2024
One memory that sticks out is when I started managing domain registrations via fax while still a student. I’d head down to a stationery shop to send in registration forms, paying per page and hoping the fax would go through! I didn’t realize it at the time, but I’d built a semi-automated system using pen and paper, which allowed me to streamline what was otherwise a slow process. It might sound crazy now, but it helped establish AEserver and bring in those first clients."
How did AEserver grow to be one of the top registrars?
"There were a few key factors that played a part. Firstly, I had to be adaptive and responsive to Dubai’s unique needs, which meant investing in local data centers and offering services specific to UAE customers. Secondly, building trust with clients was huge; people valued knowing they could meet face-to-face, which helped us become a recognizable name. Automation was another major factor—moving from manual registration to a semi-automated system saved clients’ time and showed we were serious about improving the process. Local hosting also set us apart, as clients wanted their data within UAE borders. Finally, I prioritized providing personal service; clients weren’t just customers—they were part of our community. I offered support they couldn’t find with larger, international companies."
