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How to verify Google My Business (GMB) account in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
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Hi folks, I know the majority of you are based in the US, so won't be experiencing the same problem as me.
I have set up a Google My Business account for a company here in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The only problem is that I can't verify it using the normal methods like a postcard being sent out as the UAE doesn't have a postal service, so there are no postcodes to target an address.
Basically I go through the process of creating a GMB account, setting the address details and map marker, then try to verify the account by postcard (this is the only way).
I wait 14+ days but still no postcard arrives for obvious reasons - no postal address!
So - my question is, how do we get round this problem? I know it can be done as there are plenty of businesses out there in Dubai that are verified on Google maps and GMB.
Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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Did you get verified? Over on inbound, there's someone with a similar question and I'm wondering how things went for you.
https://inbound.org/discuss/google-my-business-in-uae-is-not-getting-the-postcard
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Thanks for that, I'll give that a try and see what comes up!
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Hi,
In your case I would suggest you to contact Google my business support on twitter @GoogleMyBiz and their support team will jump on your request and help you out.
ask your question here also @ https://www.en.advertisercommunity.com/t5/Google-My-Business/ct-p/GMB#
Thanks
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