How to Choose a Web Designer in the UAE

Hiring a web designer is a bit like hiring a builder: most are honest and capable, but the wrong choice costs you money, time and sometimes control of your own website. Asking the right questions up front protects you. Here are the twelve we would ask if we were in your position — including of us.

1. Can I see live websites you have built?

Screenshots are easy to fake or polish. Ask for links to live sites and open them on your phone. Are they fast? Easy to use? Do the buttons work? Our own work is listed on our home page.

2. Have you worked with businesses like mine?

A designer who understands tutors, trainers or freelancers will know what your clients need to see. That said, a strong generalist who asks good questions can work well too.

3. What exactly is included in the price?

Get it in writing: number of pages, number of revision rounds, whether copywriting, photos, SEO basics, Arabic and contact forms are included, and the cost of extras. Vague quotes lead to surprise invoices. Our guide on website costs in the UAE shows typical price ranges.

4. Who will own the domain, hosting and website files?

This is the most important question. Your domain should be registered in your name, with login details you control. If the designer registers it for you and later disappears or falls out with you, recovering it can be painful.

5. Is it a template or custom-built?

Neither is automatically bad, but you should know which you are paying for. Templates are cheaper and quicker; custom builds are more unique and often faster to load.

6. How will the site perform on mobile?

Ask how they test on phones, and whether they check speed with tools like PageSpeed Insights. See why mobile speed matters.

7. What SEO is included?

At a minimum, expect unique page titles and descriptions, proper headings, image alt text, a sitemap, mobile friendliness and help connecting Google Search Console. Be wary of anyone guaranteeing rankings — no one can.

8. Can I edit the site myself afterwards?

Some clients want a content management system to edit text themselves; others prefer to send changes to the designer. Neither is wrong, but agree on it before you start, including the cost of future edits.

9. What is the timeline, and what do you need from me?

A good designer gives a clear schedule and a list of what they need from you — usually content and feedback. Delays usually come from missing content, so use our content checklist.

10. How are payments structured?

Common arrangements include a deposit up front and the balance at launch, or full payment for small fixed-price packages. Know what you are paying for at each stage and how refunds work.

11. What happens after launch?

Ask about bug fixes, hosting support, and how quickly they respond to problems. A short period of free fixes after launch is common.

12. Is there a written agreement?

Even for a small project, a written scope and terms — an email is better than nothing — protects both sides.

Red flags to watch for

• "Guaranteed first page on Google."
• Refusing to put the domain in your name.
• No live examples of their work.
• Prices that seem far too low for custom work.
• Pressure to decide immediately.
• Communication that is slow or vague before you have even paid.

Green flags

• They ask about your clients and goals before talking about design.
• Clear, written pricing.
• They explain technical things in plain language.
• They are happy for you to own everything.

We are happy to answer all twelve questions — just get in touch or see our services and prices.