Are you searching for how much does it cost to make an app in Saudi Arabia? Seems like you’re not the only one.
Mobile apps are one of the most profitable businesses in the market, and millions of people use different types of apps every day.
In Riyadh or Jeddah, the app development sector is flourishing, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest in creating mobile apps. If you’re planning to build an app, partnering with a reputable mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia is a great approach.
So, now the question arises, “What is the app development cost Saudi Arabia?”
The price may vary depending on the type of app, the level of functionality, and the complexity of the design. According to recent trends, the average mobile app development cost Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 110,000 to SAR 750,000 or more.
In this blog, we’ll uncover all the details related to mobile app development company costs in Saudi Arabia, along with exploring all the related factors, features, processes, and more.
Table Of Contents
App Development Cost Saudi Arabia: App Types
The Statista source reveals that the app development market is booming in Saudi Arabia, and the revenue is expected to reach $2,480 million by 2027. These numbers show the substantial potential and risks in the Saudi app market, emphasizing the importance of considering the costs for app development.
To get a specific idea of app development cost Saudi Arabia, we’ve break down the estimates based on the app categories:
TYPES OF APPS
COST RANGE
DURATION
BASIC APPS
SAR 110,000 – SAR 220,000
2 – 4 MONTHS
MEDIUM APPS
SAR 220,000 – SAR 400,000
4 – 6 MONTHS
COMPLEX APPS
SAR 450,000 – SAR 750,000
6 – 8 MONTHS
Basic-Level Cost of App Development in Saudi Arabia
The simple apps with basic functionality range from SAR 110,000 to SAR 220,000. These apps have a simple development process, 2-5 features, simple user interface elements, and no backend infrastructure.
Since there are limited resources integrated into the app, they are more affordable and require less time to develop.
Medium-Level Cost of App Development in Saudi Arabia
These types of apps with moderate levels of functionalities range from SAR 220,000 to SAR 400,000. The medium apps include shopping apps, food delivery apps, and apps like Wizz.
The features used in medium apps are real-time notifications, payment gateway integration, and user authentication. Moreover, basic analytics and GPS tracking are additional features that can be added.
Compared to simple apps, they require a well-defined backend infrastructure and involved development process.
Complex-Level Cost of App Development in Saudi Arabia
Complex apps entail advanced functionalities that range between SAR 450,000 and SAR 750,000 and more. Developing a complex app can be expensive because it requires a strong backend system, top-notch security measures, and a versatile design.
The complex features include managing multiple accounts, encrypting data, using strong databases, and connecting with different services. If you’re based in the UAE and looking to find out the cost of instant loan apps in Dubai, consider checking out the integrations and functionalities used.
How Much Does it Cost to Make an App in Saudi Arabia: App Frameworks
TYPES OF APPS
COST RANGE
WEB APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 15,000 – SAR 150,000
HYBRID APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 35,000 – SAR 350,000
NATIVE APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 75,000 – SAR 750,000
REACT NATIVE APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 55,000 – SAR 112,500
FLUTTER APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 75,000 – SAR 180,000
AI APP DEVELOPMENT
SAR 200,000 – SAR 650,000
If you’re looking for accurate estimates based on your app requirements and goals, you can opt for an app development cost calculator.
The cost to develop app in Saudi Arabia also varies based on the type of framework you choose. Here’s a detailed breakdown of app development costs in Saudi Arabia based on different app frameworks:
Web App Development Cost
Developing a web app means constructing a program that can be reached by users on any device or operating system via a web browser. This is accomplished by utilizing common web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which help in making web app development more cost-efficient.
Based on the app’s complexity and functionalities, the web app development cost ranges between SAR 15,000 to SAR 150,000.
Hybrid App Development Cost
A hybrid application is created to function smoothly on both iOS and Android devices. By making use of cross-platform development tools like React Native, Flutter, and Ionic, developers can create hybrid apps with just one codebase that works on various operating systems. This method provides substantial cost benefits compared to developing native apps.
The hybrid app development cost in Saudi Arabia is around SAR 35,000 to SAR 350,000.
To understand the cost of general app development in Middle East, you can check out popular platforms like video calling apps and trading apps in UAE.
Native App Development Cost
Native apps are created specifically for either iOS or Android platforms, with unique design and development. This indicates that the application is created utilizing the programming languages and tools specific to the operation. Swift or Objective-C for iOS and Kotlin or Java for Android.
Based on the complexity and features of the native app, the cost to build an app is Saudi ranges from SAR 25,000 to SAR 550,000. Moreover, the Android native app development cost begins from SAR 25,000, while iOS native app development begins from SAR 30,000.
React Native App Development Cost
When building a cross-platform app, React Native is a popular choice. This framework allows developers to write code once and deploy it on multiple platforms, maintaining the native look and feel.
Generally, the cost of a React native mobile app ranges from SAR 55,000 to SAR 112,500. If you’re planning to create a mobility solution that needs user login or authorization, the React Native app development cost will be slightly higher than one without users signing up or signing in.
If you’re wondering what integrations and functionalities are used, check out the popular AI tools for video editing.
Flutter App Development Cost
Looking for low cost mobile app development? Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit known for its ability to create high-quality, natively compliant applications from a single codebase.
The Flutter app development cost in Saudi Arabia is influenced by various factors, such as app complexity, developer expertise, third-party integrations, and ongoing maintenance. On average, developing a Flutter app may range from SAR 75,000 to SAR 180,000.
AI App Development Cost
As Saudi Arabia establishes itself as a center for technological advancement, the need for AI solutions in sectors like healthcare, finance, education, and retail is growing.
The AI features range from simple chatbots to advanced systems incorporating Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision, and predictive analysis. Generally, the AI app development cost ranges from SAR 200,000 to SAR 550,000, based on the scope and complexity of the AI solutions implemented. If you’re thinking about how to make a Roblox game, check out our blog to get detailed guidelines.
AR App Development Cost
AR has gained popularity in recent years and is revolutionizing the whole digital landscape. It is certainly a profitable investment that can take your business to new heights.
The average AR app development cost can range from SAR 112,500 to SAR 500,000. However, the cost may increase or decrease depending on various factors.
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In-Depth App Development Cost Breakdown
The cost of developing a mobile app in Saudi Arabia can differ greatly because of many factors. The complexity of the app, desired features, compatibility with various platforms, design specifics, and the skills of the development team are all factors to consider.
This table provides a mobile app development cost breakdown associated with creating an app in Saudi Arabia, depending on its complexity and features, as well as the expected timelines.
APP DEVELOPMENT STEPS
COST ESTIMATION
DISCOVERY AND PLANNING
SAR 5,000 – SAR 20,000
UI/UX DESIGN
SAR 8,000 – SAR 50,000
FRONTEND DEVELOPMENT
SAR 15,000 – SAR 100,000
BACKEND DEVELOPMENT
SAR 20,000 – SAR 120,000
REGULAR UPDATES
SAR 5,000 – SAR 50,000 (Yearly)
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
SAR 3,000 – SAR 35,000 (Yearly)
TOTAL ESTIMATION
SAR 56,000 – SAR 375,000
To make informed decisions, it is important to have insights into the app development cost breakdown of each step in order to budget effectively.If you’re interested in learning about the cost to develop messenger app like Botim, check out our blog to learn more.
App Development Market in Saudi Arabia: Niche-Based Cost
The type of app you are planning to create has a great influence on the total app development costs in Saudi Arabia. If you’re wondering how much does app development cost, here we’ve enlisted a range of costs and typical development durations:
APP TYPE
ESTIMATED COST
TIME REQUIRED
FOOD DELIVERY APP
SAR 112,500 – SAR 225,000
2 – 5 MONTHS
GROCERY APP
SAR 112,500 – SAR 225,000
3 – 6 MONTHS
HEALTHCARE APP
SAR 150,000 – SAR 900,000
3 – 6 MONTHS
EDUCATION APP
SAR 90,000 – SAR 200,000
2 – 4 MONTHS
ECOMMERCE APP
SAR 112,500 – SAR 562,000
2 – 4 MONTHS
TAXI BOOKING APP
SAR 100,000 – SAR 500,000
3 – 5 MONTHS
REAL ESTATE APP
SAR 112,500 – SAR 187,000
4 – 6 MONTHS
FITNESS APP
SAR 35,000 – SAR 60,000
4 – 6 MONTHS
BANK APP
SAR 112,500 – SAR 800,000
3 – 5 MONTHS
MARKETPLACE APP
SAR 225,000 – SAR 450,000
4 – 6 MONTHS
Food Delivery App Development Cost
To create a food delivery app, you need to add features like different payment channels, tracking analytics tools, and a robust backend system.
On the basis of factors like complexity and size, the food delivery app development cost ranges from SAR 112,500 to SAR 225,000. It may vary due to the additional features like push notifications and location-based search tools.
Grocery App Development Cost
The online shopping market is growing, and building a grocery app offers customers the convenience of browsing, ordering, and receiving groceries from the comfort of their homes.
The grocery app development cost varies from SAR 112,500 to SAR 225,000 based on the complexity of the features, tech stack, and team expertise.
Healthcare App Development Cost
Developing a healthcare app is a great approach to improving patient care and operational efficiency. If you’re planning to create an app in this sector, the healthcare app development cost may range from SAR 150,000 to SAR 900,000.
The cost may increase with the integration of features like telemedicine, EHR integration, AI-driven diagnostics, etc.
Education App Development Cost
An education app is an essential platform for revolutionizing the learning experience, making it more accessible, engaging, and personalized.
The cost of developing an education app varies between SAR 90,000 and SAR 200,000, depending on the features, complexity, and development framework.
Ecommerce Mobile App Development Cost
Ecommerce is a vital tool for businesses looking to reach a broader audience and enhance customer engagement.
The ecommerce app development cost can range from SAR 112,500 to SAR 562,000, depending on factors like app complexity, platform, location, design, and backend infrastructure.
Taxi Booking App Development Cost
The development of a taxi booking app is a great investment for businesses looking to capitalize on the growing demand for convenient, on-demand transportation services.
The taxi booking app development cost ranges from SAR 80,000 to SAR 300,000, depending on the features, the app’s complexity, and the team’s expertise. This estimate covers the whole development process, including design, coding, testing, and deployment.
Real Estate App Development Cost
The real estate app provides a powerful solution for property buyers, sellers, and agents to connect seamlessly. It is becoming an indispensable tool for modern property transactions, offering a convenient and efficient way for users to buy, sell, and rent properties.
Based on the app’s features, complexity, and tech stack, the real estate app development cost ranges from SAR 112,500 to SAR 187,000. When integrating features related to ongoing maintenance and updates, it can boost for up to SAR 300,000.
Fitness App Development Cost
Fitness apps offer a convenient way to help users stay active, track progress, and achieve health goals. If you’re planning to develop a fitness app, the cost depends on factors like the app’s complexity, feature set, technology stack, and the team’s expertise.
Typically, the fitness app development cost can range from SAR100,000 to SAR500,000. Businesses should also budget for ongoing maintenance, updates, and potential marketing.
Fintech App Development Cost
Fintech app users heavily rely on their mobile devices to manage their finances. Developing a bank app involves all-inclusive solutions, such as technology, security, and user experience.
The fintech app development cost or banking app development cost is influenced by various factors, like the app’s complexity, level of security, and the type of services you opt for. The typical price range for bank app development is SAR 112,500 to SAR 800,000.
Marketplace App Development Cost
A well-developed marketplace app can become a trusted platform that attracts both buyers and sellers. Understanding the various components and costs involved is crucial for planning and executing a successful project.
The marketplace app development cost ranges from SAR 225,000 to SAR 450,000.
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Factors Influencing App Development Cost Saudi Arabia
While the type of application is a significant factor in determining the overall cost to make an app, there are various other elements that can influence the expenses of creating mobile applications for Saudi Arabia. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.
App’s Complexity
The cost to build app greatly depends on its complexity. Mobile apps can range from basic, single-purpose tools to complex, multi-feature platforms with advanced capabilities.
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to build shopping apps in Dubai UAE, you need to look out for the factors and functionalities used.
The more complex an app is, the greater will be the development cost. Simple applications with minimal features are cheaper than those that need advanced functions like live data processing, complex algorithms, or integration with several systems.
App Design
Designing the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) are critical aspects that impact app development expenses. The cost to make an app can be significantly impacted by the quality and complexity of the UI/UX design.
Detailed designs, including custom animations, complex graphics, and special visual elements, typically come with a higher price tag. Basic, minimalist designs tend to be more affordable.If you’re someone who says, “my kids wants to make an app,” and struggling to find out the ways, check out our recent blog to find the easiest guide.
Development Methodology
Your choice of method of development will have a substantial impact on the cost to create app. Creating separate apps for iOS and Android can cost more compared to using cross-platform development frameworks like React Native or Flutter.
Selecting the appropriate approach is in line with project objectives and has the potential to impact the ultimate expenses of app creation.
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to develop dating apps in Bahrain or need design inspiration from popular dating apps in Dubai, you can check out our recent blogs.
Team Expertise
The overall cost of app development in Saudi Arabia can be significantly affected by the size and makeup of the development team.
For your app to succeed, it may be important to have bigger teams that have specific roles, such as developers, designers, QA testers, and project managers. Moreover, highly skilled and experienced teams typically command higher rates and lead to a more effective development process.
Location
The overall cost may be affected by the development team or the company’s geographical location. Due to the cost of living and market rates, local development teams in Saudi Arabia may experience higher costs than offshore or nearshore teams. Nonetheless, local teams offer improved alignment with regional needs and communication.
Also, various parts of Saudi Arabia may experience different app development rates depending on the local market conditions.
APIs and Third-Party Integrations
Adding APIs and third-party integrations may impact the overall expenses of developing an app. There are certain APIs that require payment for licensing or usage. Incorporating high-quality APIs for services such as payment processing, social media sharing, or geolocation can contribute to the total expenses.
Moreover, integrating different third-party services into the app can also raise development time and expenses. Implementing additional features and functionalities is necessary to guarantee smooth integration and compatibility with current systems.
App Maintenance
Ongoing maintenance plays an integral role in the developing app cost. The app may need continuous updates to fix bugs, add new features, or improve performance, which contributes to ongoing costs.
Moreover, addressing technical issues and 24/7 customer support requires resources, which can influence long-term costs. If you’re looking for professional post-launch solutions, you can opt for our app maintenance service and support.
Technology Stack
Implementing advanced features and technologies into your app helps you attain a competitive edge in the market. However, the usage of the technology stack also influences the cost of mobile apps in Saudi Arabia.
For instance, developing for multiple platforms (iOS, Android) can impact the cost compared to single-platform technologies. Moreover, the use of advanced technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain, requires specialized knowledge and tools that impact the overall costs.
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Usage of Mobile Apps in Saudi Arabia
The latest data states that there are 36.8 million internet users in KSA, a number that has grown steadily for the past three years. Among this population, 97.3% prefer to use the internet via mobile devices, which showcases the preference for smartphones over desktops.
With one of the largest smartphone penetration rates globally, Saudi Arabia’s population mostly relies on mobile apps for various aspects, including shopping, entertainment, education, banking, delivery, and more.
App Development Strategies to Save Money and Time
Competition in the market is getting really tough, and building a mobile app is essential to making your business stand out. That’s why app developers are always looking for new tips, tools, and strategies to speed up the development process and save time and money.
If you’re looking for ways to build a cost-effective app, here are some of the tips you can consider:
Start with User Research
Many companies think that testing only begins after developing a minimum viable product (MVP). However, you can also involve users in testing even before the app is fully built.
You can check out the prototype using design tools like Sketch and Figma. These tools allow you to simulate the app’s flow and test the user interface. This will help you gather valuable feedback about your app’s usability before writing a single line of code.
Understanding user requirements early on is essential to create better prototypes and most importantly, reduce the risk of having to rework your app’s design midway through development.
Use a Cross-Platform Framework
Developing native apps for both iOS and Android can be time-consuming and expensive. It is best to use cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter that allow developers to write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms.
This helps in reducing development time as well as lowers maintenance costs as you only need to manage one codebase.
Use Pre-Built Components and Libraries
The best way to save time and money is to take advantage of pre-built components, libraries, and APIs.
These resources are helpful in speeding up the process and mitigating reinventing the wheel like integrating payment gateways, social media logins, or push notifications.
Integrating Agile Methodology
The agile approach covers iterative progress, where the project is broken down into smaller tasks and completed in short cycles. This helps in continuous testing, feedback, and adjustments, ensuring that the app evolves according to user needs and market trends.
Automate Testing and Deployment
Testing your app manually can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Through automated testing and deployment, you can ensure that your app is integrated, tested, and deployed with minimal manual intervention.
Automation tools help detect issues early, reducing the time and cost associated with fixing bugs and ensuring a smoother development process.
Reuse Components
Reusing components in app development significantly reduces development time, lowers costs, and improves consistency across your application.
Through pre-built components, you can streamline the development process and focus more on innovation and less on reinventing the wheel.
Build a User-Friendly App in Saudi Arabia Today!
The cost of app development in Saudi Arabia depends on various factors, including the size of the app, design, development framework, features, etc. While many other factors also affect the cost of developing an app in Saudi Arabia, you can keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
What is the average cost of app development in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest tech-savvy markets in the Middle East, which offers businesses a great opportunity to take advantage of rising app markets.
Are you also wondering how much the cost develop app covers? The factors that affect the average cost to develop an app in Saudi Arabia are as follows:
Type of app
Size of an app
Third-party integrations
App updates and maintenance
Development expertise and location
Typically, the cost of app development in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR110,000 to SAR750,000 or more, depending on the scope and complexity of the project.
How to estimate the cost of building an app?
If you’re planning to develop an app in Saudi Arabia, you need to first look out for the cost estimate. Here are the following steps you need to take:
Begin by determining the app’s goals and features. Ask yourself questions like what you want your app to achieve and what functionalities you need, and prioritize them based on the app’s importance and complexity.
What is the salary of an Android app developer and iOS app developer in Saudi Arabia?
Typically, the average gross salary of an Android developer in Saudi Arabia is SAR 250,494 or an equivalent hourly rate of SAR 20/hr. Here is the following breakdown of salary based on the number of experience:
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
GROSS SALARY
ENTRY-LEVEL ANDROID APP DEVELOPER (1-3 YEARS EXPERIENCE)
SAR 180,000
SENIOR-LEVEL ANDROID DEVELOPER (8+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE)
SAR 320,000
As far as iOS app development is concerned, the average gross salary of an iOS app developer is SAR 262,000, or an equivalent hourly rate of SAR 126/hr. Here is the following breakdown of salary based on the number of experience:
LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
GROSS SALARY
ENTRY-LEVEL iOS APP DEVELOPER (1-3 YEARS EXPERIENCE)
SAR 190,000
SENIOR-LEVEL iOS DEVELOPER (8+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE)
SAR 330,000
Is it possible to build an app for free in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, we can build an app for free in Saudi Arabia, but there are certain considerations to keep in mind before proceeding with the development. There are several platforms offering free tools and resources that allow users to create a basic app without any upfront costs. These free app builder platforms use a drag-and-drop interface, making them accessible to those without programming experience.
If you’re wondering what are the limitations of free app builders, here are the most common ones:
Free platforms have restricted features
Displays their branding or ads within your app until you upgrade the plan
Free versions do not support app monetization
Limit your control over your app and its data
Even if you’ve built an app for free, publishing it on the app might incur some costs. While it is possible to build an app for free in Saudi Arabia, the level of complexity, features, and quality might be compromised.
Why is app development expensive in Saudi Arabia?
App development is expensive in Saudi Arabia due to factors such as the complexity of the app and the local economic conditions. The rapidly growing tech market with high demand for innovative apps requires businesses to invest in advanced features to stay ahead. Firstly, developing high-level mobile apps requires skilled developers and significant resources, which drives up the cost.
Secondly, when it comes to following regulations, mobile applications, particularly in industries such as financial technology, healthcare, and online shopping, need to adhere to strict regulatory mandates, which necessitate extra time and resources for development.
Last but not least, Saudi Arabia’s economic factors, such as inflation, cost of living, and market demand, also impact the pricing of app development services. The expense of products, services, and skilled individuals may be elevated in a quickly growing economy, translating to the price of developing an app.
Rida is a seasoned content writer with over four years of writing background in app development company. She holds a degree in Business Administration and has a keen knowledge in writing technical blogs, conversion-driven web pages, and online guides. Beyond her skills as a writer, Rida is also an artist, often found painting landscapes and expressing her creativity through poetry.