1. A Strong, Relevant Portfolio Don't just look at how their websites look — look at what industries they've worked in and what results those clients achieved. A portfolio of real UAE and GCC businesses is a strong sign the agency understands your market. 2. SEO-First Development Any agency can build a website that looks great. Far fewer build websites that rank on Google. Ask specifically whether they optimize page titles, meta descriptions, heading structure, image alt text, and page speed during the build — not after. 3. Mobile-First Design Over 70% of web traffic in the UAE comes from mobile devices. Your website must look and function perfectly on a smartphone. If an agency's own website isn't flawless on mobile, walk away. 4. Clear Communication and Timelines Web projects go wrong most often due to poor communication. A good agency will give you a clear project timeline, regular updates, and a single point of contact. Ask how they handle revisions and what happens if the project runs late. 5. Post-Launch Support Your website needs ongoing maintenance — security updates, content changes, performance monitoring. Make sure the agency offers a support package after launch, not just a one-off build. 6. Transparent Pricing Beware of agencies with vague pricing. A reputable web design company in Dubai will provide a detailed quote covering design, development, revisions, and launch — with no hidden fees.