Australian nationals have a well-established presence in UAE business, and the company formation process itself is identical to any other nationality's.
Document authentication from Australia
Australia is a confirmed member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so Australian-issued documents generally need a single apostille certificate rather than the fuller multi-step embassy attestation chain — a comparatively streamlined process, though still worth planning into your formation timeline.
Australian tax residency considerations
Moving your business activity to the UAE does not automatically end Australian tax residency — the Australian Taxation Office applies its own residency tests (including domicile and the 183-day test, among others), independent of where your company is incorporated. If you plan to spend substantial time in the UAE while running a UAE company, get Australian-specific tax advice on your residency position, particularly given Australia's historically strict approach to establishing non-residency for tax purposes.
Getting the setup itself right
The core formation decision — mainland or a specific free zone — works the same way as for any nationality. This site's Free Zone vs Mainland Tool and Business Setup Cost Calculator apply directly; the main Australian-specific homework is the apostille process and your own Australian tax residency position.