Setting up a catch-all address

A catch-all (or default address) receives any mail sent to your domain that does not match an existing mailbox or forwarder. So a message to a mistyped or non-existent address like slaes@yourdomain.ae still reaches you instead of bouncing.

To configure it in the DirhamHost panel:

1. Open Default Address (under Email).
2. Select your domain.
3. Choose Forward to email address and enter the mailbox that should catch everything.
4. Save.

Weigh the trade-off: a catch-all ensures no genuine mail is lost to a typo, but it also collects a lot of spam, because spammers guess random addresses at your domain. Options:

• Set the default address to Discard with an error to reduce spam, and rely on real mailboxes and forwarders.
• Point the catch-all to a dedicated mailbox you review periodically, rather than your main inbox.

For most businesses we suggest creating the specific addresses you need (via mailboxes and aliases) and only using a catch-all if you frequently receive mail at varied addresses. If spam becomes heavy, switch the default to discard. Need advice on the right balance? Our UAE team is available 24/7 on WhatsApp +971 58 553 6767.