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Dubai is known as the “Pearl of the Gulf” and “Jewel of the World” for its heritage and history. If you’re planning to create an app and wondering how much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Dubai, you’re at the right place!
Undoubtedly, the United Arab Emirates is one of the most digitally connected countries, becoming the world’s second-fastest average mobile internet speed. It is predicted that the internet usage penetration rate in the UAE is expected to reach 96.2% by 2024. Moreover, it is also predicted that there will be 9.67 million mobile internet users by 2025. This means partnering with a leading mobile app development company Dubai is a great shot!
Looking into this opportunity, this blog covers all the related costs required to develop a mobile app in Dubai, UAE. In addition to covering your question, “how much does app development cost in Dubai,” we’ll also cover the types of mobile apps used for businesses and ways to earn money.
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There are four insights into understanding the mobile app ecosystem of Dubai inside and out: Firstly, let us do a quick Dubai vs global tech hubs comparison.
The tech talent in Dubai is way more diverse and so, is culturally fit to work with entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and journeys of businesses. Dubai has a strong talent pool as well-versed in emerging technologies as in any other popular parts of the world. Therefore, when you hire from Dubai, the competition and talent availability – alongside cultural alignment help you enjoy smooth project communication.
Secondly, competition also dictates the breakdown of the average cost to develop an app. When you hire locally, you get to work with Middle Eastern developers, Asians, Europeans and even Americans at a competitive rate because their companies pay them lavishly without charging taxes most of the time.
Thirdly, the UAE government has started an initiative called Create Apps in Dubai, which tends to support app development ventures in the region by all means – be it cost optimization, idea validation, advanced integrations, delivery of development execution or monetization. Because of this inherent promotion, Dubai has an ecosystem of mobile apps that’s going as strong as it can.
The fourth and last fact is the tech-savvy nature of the Middle Eastern population. They have high acceptance for new technologies, as well as a preference for experience-first applications. They are more willing to spend on applications that deliver usability value and also, have income levels to support their spending intent.
A great mobile app begins with great planning. It is essential to first find out what type of app you want to go for. Moreover, selecting the mobile app development platform (freelance and agency) also plays a huge role in the overall cost to build app.
Here we’ve broken down mobile app development cost Dubai based on the app type:
| Mobile App Type | Functionalities | Cost Estimate | Timeline |
| Simple App |
| AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 | 3 – 6 Months |
| Moderate App |
| AED 30,000 – AED 50,000 | 6 – 8 Months |
| Complex App |
| AED 60,000+ | 9+ Months |
| Mobile App Type | Cost Estimate |
| Android App Development | AED 30,000 – AED 70,000 |
| iOS App Development | AED 40,000 – AED 90,000 |
| React Native App Development | AED 30,000 – AED 60,000 |
| Flutter App Development | AED 40,000 – AED 70,000 |
| Web App Development | AED 30,000 – AED 60,000 |
| Hybrid App Development | AED 40,000 – AED 70,000 |
| Game App Development | AED 70,000 – AED 150,000+ |
| AI App Development Cost | AED 30,000 – AED 200,000+ |
| AR App Development Cost | AED 25,000 – AED 300,000+ |
Before navigating through “how much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Dubai,” one of the major decisions you need to make is choosing the app platform. You need to look into what works best for your app, as well as your budget. We’ve got a suggestion for you. If you’re a startup business with a minimal budget, it’s best to go for one platform initially. You can then move to multiple platforms as the business grows.
Here’s an app development cost breakdown based on the platform:
Android app development is the most popular framework and requires great features and functionalities. The cost of Android app development in the UAE ranges from AED 30,000 to AED 70,000.
The cost of iOS app development is quite comparable to Android app development, although it may sometimes be slightly higher due to the requirement for specialized skills. The iPhone app development cost may come in the bracket of AED 40,000 to AED 90,000.
React Native is a popular framework for developing apps with a single codebase. Generally, the React Native app development cost can range from AED 30,000 to AED 60,000 based on the size and the location.
Flutter is a great platform for high-performance and smooth animations. It helps you improve user experience on both iOS and Android. The Flutter app development cost can range from AED 40,000 to AED 70,000.
Web apps are an excellent way for businesses to expand their services outside of the app store. The web app development cost may vary based on the app size and the features used. The cost of web app development can range from AED 30,000 to AED 60,000.
Hybrid app development is undoubtedly more affordable than full native apps that offer a good balance of performance. In terms of the project budget, the overall hybrid app development cost may range from AED 40,000 to AED 70,000.
Game app development costs are undoubtedly higher than those of other apps due to the great amount of design, animations, and functionalities. The game app development cost ranges from AED 70,000 to AED 150,000 or more. If you’re ready to move forward, you can opt for a mobile game app development company in Dubai to begin your successful journey.
AI is transforming the mobile app industry, converting simple apps into smart and efficient ones. If you’re wondering about the average AI app development cost, it may range from AED 30,000 to AED 200,000 or more.
Augmented Reality improves the real-world experience by adding digital content to a realistic environment. The AR app development cost ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 300,000 or more, based on the features you use.
If your app falls in one of these app niches, you can compare the features you have planned to add to your app with the ones mentioned here. Then, take this developing app cost as the starting point for your negotiations.
| Types of Apps and Their Unique Features | App Development Cost Estimates |
On-demand App
| AED 25,000 – AED 40,000 |
eCommerce App
| AED 18,000 – AED 35,000 |
Social Media App
| AED 27,000 – AED 68,000 |
Food Delivery App
| AED 22,000 – AED 38,000 |
Educational App
| AED 20,000 – AED 40,000 |
Travel App
| AED 22,000 – AED 38,000 |
Super App
| AED 50,000 – AED 90,000 |
Multi-vendor Marketplace App
| AED 18,000 – AED 44,000 |
Business Communication App
| AED 15,000 – AED 28,000 |
Productivity App
| AED 22,000 – AED 48,000 |
Video Streaming App
| AED 30,000 – AED 50,000 |
Instant Loan App
| AED 50,000 – AED 70,000 |
Grocery Delivery App
| AED 20,000 – AED 60,000 |
Healthcare App
| AED 15,000 – AED 50,000 |
Taxi App
| AED 20,000 – AED 80,000 |
Video Streaming App
| AED 30,000 – AED 60,000 |
Real Estate App
| AED 20,000 – AED 70,000 |
Fitness App
| AED 30,000 – AED 70,000 |
Let’s dive into each type of mobile app that are popular in the UAE:
The on-demand app development cost has essential features like user registration, service search, booking, and payment integration. The on-demand app development cost ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 40,000.
The eCommerce marketplace is booming and requires essential features like a product catalog, shopping cart, secure payment gateway, and order tracking. The eCommerce app development cost ranges from AED 18,000 to AED 35,000.
Social Media is the most prominent medium of communication, and investing in creating social media apps is a great opportunity. The social media app development cost typically ranges from AED 27,000 to AED 68,000.
The whole creation of the food delivery app includes features like user profiles, menu listings, GPS tracking, payment integration, and a lot more. The food delivery app development cost ranges from AED 22,000 to AED 38,000.
Education apps vary widely and offer various learning tools like video lectures, quizzes, and progress tracking. While talking about education app development costs, the budget may range from AED 20,000 to AED 40,000.
Travel apps most probably contain features like itinerary planning, booking, GPS navigation, and payment integration. The travel app development cost is around AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 based on complexity, features, and app types.
Ever since the pandemic hit the world, people have preferred shopping for groceries online. If you’re wondering how much grocery delivery app development cost, it may typically range from AED 22,000 to AED 38,000.
A super app is a versatile platform that combines multiple services into one seamless experience, such as messaging, e-commerce, ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services. The cost of super app development ranges from AED 50,000 to AED 90,000.
Multi-vendor marketplace apps include individual seller profiles, product listings, payment gateways, and inventory management. If you’re wondering about multi-vendor marketplace app development cost, it may range from AED 18,000 to AED 44,000.
Business communication apps contain features like real-time messaging, video and audio conferencing, file sharing, task management, and many other collaboration tools. The cost of business communication apps ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 28,000.
The productivity app contains features like task and project management, real-time collaboration, reminders and notifications, and scheduling integration. The cost of productivity app development ranges from AED 22,000 to AED 48,000.
Video streaming apps need features like video hosting, playback user profiles, and in-app purchases or subscriptions. When it comes to video streaming app development costs, it may range from AED 30,000 to AED 50,000.
The fintech industry is at the top of the list of most revenue-generating marketplaces. These apps require strong security, transaction tracking, and integration with bank systems. The fintech app development cost may range from AED 50,000 to AED 70,000.
Healthcare apps are transforming the medical industry, and creating apps in this industry opens many revenue opportunities. The healthcare app development cost ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000.
Taxi apps like Uber need features such as driver and user profiles, GPS tracking, payment integration, and rating systems. The taxi booking app development cost can range from AED 20,000 to AED 80,000, taking into account the app size and use of functionalities.
These apps contain features like property listings, virtual tours, chat support, and mortgage calculators. The real estate app development cost ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 70,000. It may be more costly if advanced features like AI recommendations, interactive maps, or 3D virtual tours are used.
Health is wealth, and through apps, you can help people maintain a healthy lifestyle. Fitness apps require features like workout libraries, goal tracking, and progress analytics. If you’re wondering about fitness app development cost, it may range from AED 30,000 to AED 70,000.
Practically, these six factors come into play when determining the costs of app development.
To start with, apps with basic scope are more economical and require low cost of development. As the scope grows, the app development cost also increases.
Building onto this, the scope of the app has the most prominent impact on the costs of app development. A scope is basically the purpose of the app – it includes the goals the app wants to achieve, the features and the required designs for the interface and the overall depth of development execution. It is a written documentation of what the app is capable of, its limitations and the technology architecture that will power it.
So when I say, basic apps, intermediate apps and advanced apps, or even MVPs, I am highlighting the scope of the app.
The scope translates into two major app factors:
An app’s design is again, a combination of two parts: brand assets that make up the user interface and user experience that is dictated by navigation and accessibility within the app.
The user interface is the first layer of app design – users interact with your brand assets all the time while in the app. They see the splash screen with your app’s logo, then click on buttons and CTAs – and all of these visual elements are part of the design.
Brand assets include logo, style guide and concept, buttons and CTAs, sidebars and other navigation panels.
In contrast, user experience design includes the content layout, information hierarchy, sequence of features, and overall interactions of the user within the app.
Therefore, more complex user interfaces and user experience designs add to the cost; while simple user interfaces and white-labeled user experience designs reduce the cost.
Here’s the breakdown cost of design features:
| Features | Average Cost |
| Design Research | AED 300 – AED 800 |
| UX Design | AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 |
| UI Design (Visuals) | AED 15,000 – AED 30,000 |
| Branding | AED 5,000 – AED 20,000 |
| Animations & Illustrations | AED 8,000 – AED 20,000 |
Also, if you are launching an app for a more sophisticated target audience that loves minimalism and focuses on experience, then you’ll need customizations and they are of course costly. If you’re wondering about the cost to develop a messenger app like Botim, check out our recent blog to learn the in-depth cost estimates.
Because each app feature requires specific development hours for execution, these are an important part of the scope and the overall mobile app strategy. These features and their coverage decide if your mobile app is just a minimum viable product to test the market, or is a fully functional, commercial-grade product that is ready to hit the market and monetize.
Therefore, the quality and quantity of features of an app impact the app development costs.
To get better insights into how much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Dubai, we’ve estimated the cost of each feature used in the app:
| Features | Average Cost |
| User Login | AED 800 – AED 1,000 |
| Profile Completion | AED 900 – AED 1,500 |
| Messaging | AED 2,000 – AED 3,000 |
| Push Notifications | AED 1,000 – AED 2,000 |
| Basic Admin Panel | AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 |
| Payments | AED 2,500 – AED 3,000 |
| Maps | AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 |
| Calls | AED 8,000 – AED 10,000 |
Your selection of platforms also dictates the technology stack your developer will utilize to build your app. Know that open-source frameworks are more economical than proprietary development tools.
A technology stack is a set of tools, technologies, programming languages, integrated development environments and frameworks utilized for building a specific app. And so, based on your technical and business requirements, your app development company in Dubai will create a custom technology stack to support the sustainable code you need in present and the scalable architecture you would like to build tomorrow.
As a rule of thumb,
As I mentioned earlier, developers consider the platform choice and then build a custom technology stack. This stack requires hefty budgets in case of cloud integrations, expensive APIs, smart contracts execution and machine learning algorithms.
The hiring arrangements and size of the app development team directly impact the costs of app development. As an entrepreneur, you have three options:
Hire in-house – but that is the most expensive option so I am ruling it out for now.
Your next two options are outsourcing the entire app development project, or augment IT staff from a network of developers, interview them, check your budget, then hire and lead for technical KPI completion.
With outsourcing, you can expect to pay a fix cost between AED 25,000 to AED 70,000 for an advanced application with 10+ features. With IT staff augmentation though, you’ll pay monthly or quarterly subscriptions – meaning that the app development will cost you the same per development hour, you’ll have more control and flexibility over the completion of development KPIs – but you’ll have to keep the development execution on track.
In three of the options, outsourcing is the most viable because you can still practice flexibility and control over KPI completion by determining timelines during the project scoping, and still get access to specialized services with a team that comprises a dedicated project manager who keeps these key execution members laser-focused on execution:
Note that with IT staff augmentation, you pay-as-you-go with the human resources you have hired – so the bigger the team size, the higher the costs.
As I discussed several reasons why app development is booming in Dubai, all of them make the ecosystem super competitive. While there are other advantages of hiring locally in Dubai, cost optimization and reduction are definitely on top. Building onto this, an app that will cost you AED 25,000 in the UAE will cost you almost $10,000 (AED 36,000) in the USA. And even more in England, Canada and Germany.
Here’s the breakdown of hourly rates based on the location:
| Location | Hourly Rate |
| USA | AED 73 – AED 146 |
| UK | AED 66 – AED 114 |
| Australia | AED 50 – AED 200 |
| Russia | AED 60 – AED 150 |
| Ukraine | AED 50 – AED 100 |
If you’re wondering how much does it cost to make an app in Saudi Arabia, check out our blog to learn more about it.
The app development sprints consist of discovery and strategy, UI/UX design, backend and frontend development, API integration, testing and QA, deployment and launch, marketing and post-launch maintenance.
Working with clients at Trango Tech, I have observed that hiring the development team for full-cycle coverage with all of these services at an upfront fixed outsourcing cost is more economical than hiring standard services separately.
While app development execution and testing are paramount to the process, ongoing App maintenance support, and marketing are also important for performance optimization, long-term growth, and scaling of revenue.
App maintenance service and support typically include:
Together, ongoing maintenance and technical support may account for up to 17% of the entire app development costs. If you want to establish realistic budgets, you’ll have to factor in maintenance and marketing costs and add them to the upfront costs you’ll pay for development.
Hidden app development costs can be easy to overlook but can significantly impact the total project budget if not planned for. Here’s a breakdown of common hidden costs for app development:
The hidden developing app cost can be easily overlooked but can impact the total project budget if not planned properly. Here, we uncover some of the common hidden costs in app development:
Backend services like data storage, servers, and API management are essential but often contain recurring costs. Sometimes, the use of infrastructure for growing traffic, security, and maintenance may not be present in the initial quotes. If you want to stay ahead in the market, going for app maintenance service and support is highly important.
Mobile apps usually rely on third-party services for various features, such as payment gateways, geolocation, and social logins). Each service usually charges based on usage, and as the app usage grows, so do the costs of these integrations.
Creating a smooth, bug-free user experience across multiple devices, such as operating systems and screen sizes, requires extensive QA. The process offers manual and automated testing, which can lead to added expenses if not accounted for early.
Even the most perfectly working and looking app needs strong marketing to attract users. Costs for App Store Optimization (ASO), digital advertising, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships can bring out some hefty costs. Not to mention, user acquisition costs are ongoing, and retaining users requires promotions, updates, and engagement.
As data privacy regulations get stricter, apps need to comply with legal requirements to avoid penalties. Security testing and encryption of your app can lead to an increase in your costs.
We know that cost to build an app in Dubai can be costly. But what if we tell you that you can lower the cost to develop app in Dubai without compromising quality? In Dubai, where projects are raised due to the high competition, you can cut down costs by using certain strategies. Here are some of the successful tactics you can go for during app creation:
You can create a comprehensive overview of your app’s main goal and major functionalities. Having a clear goal helps avoid project scope expansion and maintains project progress.
Going for one codebase with tools like Flutter or React Native can lead to substantial cost savings compared to building separate native applications.
Using cross-platform solutions enables deployment on multiple platforms simultaneously, thus saving both time and money.
Finding a reputable development agency with Dubai’s market experience can help you avoid costly errors and delays. The best approach is to look for agencies with a proven track record, positive reviews, and industry experience.
Also, working with offshore or nearshore teams can help you cut cost to make an app. Make sure your team is proficient in the tech and familiar with the industry trends. If you’re planning to create a game app and wondering what top game development tools are used, check out our blog to learn more about the most trending tools.
Many app features, such as payment gateways, chat functionality, and social media integrations, are present as pre-built modules or APIs.
Using these solutions minimizes custom development and speeds up the development process.
Agile development builds the app in stages so that you can focus on critical features first. At every completion stage, you can access user feedback and revise the present sprint, saving you time and resources.
Also, regular testing throughout the development process identifies and resolves issues early, preventing costly fixes and delays later.
Customized designs are important for branding, and going for simple, intuitive ones can lower development costs. Avoid using complex animations or unnecessary elements.
If you’re a startup looking for affordable options, you can go for pre-designed templates or frameworks that cost less than building a UI from scratch.
Creating a scalable mobile app from the ground up reduces the cost of redesigning and upgrading infrastructure as your user base grows. Choose the solutions that promote scalability, like AWS or Google Cloud, so that you can be prepared for future opportunities.
Rather than seeing maintenance as a future expense, you can invest a portion of your budget in post-launch updates and bug fixes. This way, you can make your app perform well and reduce the potential downtime or costly overhauls.
Automated testing tools can help identify and fix bugs quickly, reducing manual testing hours and overall development time.
You can also conduct regular quality assurance checks to ensure the app is built according to specifications. Finding the relevant issues early in the development cycle helps avoid the high costs associated with major fixes post-launch.
Setting overwhelming deadlines can lead to rushed work and costly errors. With realistic timelines, developers can complete their tasks without impacting the quality and reduce the need for later revisions.
Getting your app updated regularly can keep track of your project’s progress. Staying engaged helps you catch potential issues early, thereby preventing costly rework.
Once the app is live, you can track user engagement, performance metrics, and customer feedback. Data insights help you focus on features that grow user satisfaction and make the right decisions about future updates.
Use analytics to refine the app’s performance and integrate features based on real user behavior rather than assumptions. Make sure your investment aligns with user demand and minimizes unnecessary feature development.
There are so many things on the plate that can influence the cost of app development in Dubai. It can be the app size, features, timelines, location, and use of platforms. We hope this comprehensive guide on how much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Dubai has given you great insights into the general estimates.
If you’re looking for Dubai based mobile app development company, partner with Trango Tech to build a highly intuitive mobile app. Our experts are well-versed in various development domains to help you turn your vision into a demanding app.
How to create an app in Dubai?
The journey of an app begins with a great idea. You can start by researching local competitors, refining your app’s purpose, and choosing the right development partner who understands the regional requirements. Afterward, you can select the desired platform, such as iOS, Android, or cross-platform, which can be chosen based on the demand.
Once the development process kicks off, you can perform thorough testing to ensure quality and compliance with Dubai’s regulatory standards, including data protection. Last but not least, launch your app with a great marketing strategy, using digital ads, local influencers, and SEO to enter the UAE market.
What is the average cost of app development?
Investing in mobile app development in the UAE is a great way to reach new customers, boost engagement, and drive sales. However, it is also important to carefully look into the cost range and factors that may impact the overall mobile app development cost.
In terms of the UAE market, the average cost to develop an app ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 60,000 or more. If we find out the cost of a mobile based on the app type, the simple app with basic features may cost between AED 10,000 and AED 20,000. For more complex apps with advanced features, the cost can range from AED 50,000 to AED 60,000.
If you’re looking for accurate estimates, check out our app development cost calculator for the genuine cost outline.
How do you make sure it’s the best mobile app development company in Dubai?
When finding out the right mobile app development company in Dubai, you need to look into key factors that set top companies apart. You can begin by examining the portfolio to see the quality and diversity of apps they’ve built, ideally within your industry. Check their client reviews and testimonials on platforms like Clutch or Google to gauge client satisfaction and project success rates. Moreover, you need to make sure they have a skilled team of developers, designers, and project managers who are well-versed in their field. Search for the companies that focus on data privacy and security compliance.
What is the average timeline for creating a mobile app?
The average timeline for a low cost mobile app development can take from three to nine months based on the app’s complexity, features, and design requirements. A simple app with a basic function takes you around three to four months. A moderate app with additional features takes five to seven months. When it comes to a complex app that has advanced functionalities, it can take eight to nine months or more.
If you’re planning to create a dating app and looking for ideas, check out our blog to discover top dating apps in Dubai UAE.
Which one is more affordable: A native app or a cross-platform app?
A cross-platform app is more affordable than a native app if you want to target both iOS and Android platforms. Cross-platform development uses a single codebase to deploy the app across multiple platforms, which can reduce development time and costs compared to building separate native apps for each platform.
Popular frameworks like Flutter and React Native allow you to create high-performance apps that resemble the native-like experience. However, the native apps are known for better performance and more personalized user experience. If you prefer cost-effective solutions, cross-platform apps are a great option.
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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.
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