UAE is counted among the top 15 countries worldwide where the tech evolution has been in the prime. The country is ranked as the 14th best city for tech workers and the 12th highest in terms of amount of tech companies. But what to think here is the reason behind the technology evolution in Dubai that is promoting tech enthusiasts to invest in the country. Undoubtedly, Dubai is leading the world with its marvelous infrastructure, architecture, and burgeoning business. What is more amazing is the excellent consideration of the companies in Dubai toward tech growth. Most businesses own their websites and applications that enable the relevant stakeholders to remain connected.
If you are also a business owner in Dubai, getting your software ready and moving the operations online is more like a compulsion than an option. However, the cost to develop a mobile app in Dubai, UAE might shape your decision in several ways. But, a decision without information is also not a good idea. So, Developer Bazzar Technologies is bringing to you the complete guide to developing an app, the cost for the same, factors affecting it, and much more that will help turn your idea into reality.
While several factors will determine your app development cost, here are some estimated figures that you can consider as the app development cost in Dubai, UAE-
- For an Android app: AED 180,000
- For an iOS app: AED 240,000
- For a cross-platform app: AED 300,000
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Cost Of App Development in Dubai Based On App Types
Before moving to further discussion, it is important to understand the different types of applications and the cost that is affected by the app types. There are a range of businesses that operate in Dubai and thus the requirements of the different businesses also vary to a significant extent. The cost of app development in Dubai is highly viable according to the type of business. Be it developing the app for FinTech business, tourism business, or real estate business, all industries have their different stakeholders, processes, and operational gaps that have to be targeted through software solutions. So, the app development cost for a real estate business in UAE might differ highly from that of app development for an eCommerce business.
The reason behind the concept is the features that are needed by the different businesses. For example, real estate software will require an API that can make all the information about available properties and agents handy to the target audience. Similarly, eCommerce software will require the competency that take orders and manage huge inventory seamlessly.
Here, is the estimated app development cost in Dubai, UAE according to the type of apps-
| Type of App | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Offline Standalone App | AED 238,000 |
| Apps with constant internet connectivity | AED 367,000 |
| Chatbot Apps | AED 440,000 |
| IoT or wearable applications | AED 348,000 |
| Messaging Applications | AED 200,000 |
| Augmented Reality Apps | AED 600,000 |
| Enterprise Mobile App | AED 1,500,000 |
👀 Also Read: Cost to Develop an AI Chatbot App like Ask AI
Why Choose Dubai for App Development?
Whether you are a business operating in Dubai or some other country, there are some benefits of hiring mobile app developers in Dubai, UAE that you might miss with the development company in some other country. Be it the time or cost of app development in Dubai, several factors will make your software development decision better just by choosing the right partner. Here are some of the core reasons why you should choose an app development company in Dubai, UAE-
1. Lowered app development cost
Undoubtedly the very first reason for hiring an app development team in UAE is the cost efficiency. For example, you can hire the app development team with the same experience and expertise in Dubai for a fraction of the prices as compared to what you will be paying in Western or European countries. The average pricing of developers in the USA, UK, or Europe is AED 350- AED 500 per hour. At the same time, the hourly cost of app developers in Dubai, UAE is just AED 200- AED 250.
2. Taxation policies
The taxation policies on software services in UAE attract investors from around the world to develop their apps or software in this market. There are very negligible taxes on the business transactions happening in UAE as compared to high taxes applicable in the USA or UK. So, the overall cost of app development in Dubai, UAE automatically comes in fractions.
3. Customized Business Solutions
One of the core competencies that you can leverage with the app development team in Dubai is their custom mobile solutions. Irrespective of your business size, budget, requirements, or preferences, you can get custom business solutions that are designed from scratch according to your particular vision. So, you pay only for the features and functionalities that you need for your business.
4. Seamless integration with existing system
Along with developing state-of-the-art solutions from scratch, the app developers in Dubai are also experts at integrating new features and APIs into the existing systems. So, if you have your existing software and looking to add some more capabilities, it can be a great decision to hire an app development company in Dubai. From CRM, inventory management systems, and payment gateway to any business management solutions, everything can be integrated with the new features and functionalities.
5. On-time Delivery
When working with app development partners in Dubai, you can expect them to be disciplined with the timeline. Whether it is about delivering the key milestone or the final submission of the software, the project is always completed on time. The reason is that they provide dedicated hiring where the developers work solely on your project, under your management.
6. Flexible hiring models
You can leverage different hiring models for your app development projects according to the size and nature of app development. For example, there is in-house hiring for long-term projects, an hourly model for flexible project requirements, and a contract-basis model for short-term projects.
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Develop an Android App In 2024?
Key Factors Influencing Mobile App Development Costs in Dubai UAE
As discussed in the earlier section, different factors determine the mobile app development cost in Dubai, UAE. Any alteration in any of the factors has a significant impact on the overall development cost. However, it is never advisable to compromise the features and functionalities of the application to save on cost, still, it is important to have insight into these factors to make the right decision. Here, we have defined some of the core factors that will help you to determine mobile app development costs in Dubai, UAE.
1. Complexity of the Mobile App
The foremost factor that affects the app development cost is the complexity of the project. For example, developing a simple app with limited features and functions will cost you a lot less than mobile app development with complex technology integration. For example, if you are looking to integrate technologies like AR/VR, blockchain, metaverse, or something, it will cost you much more than a simple app that is designed to perform some basic tasks.
The complexity of an app is categorized into three parts which are the basic app, the average app, and the complex app. Here is the estimated pricing table for all these app types-
| Complexity Level | Estimated Development Timeframe | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 3 – 6 Months | AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 |
| Average | 3 – 8 Months | AED 70,000 to AED 100,000 |
| Complex | 12 Months | AED 150,000 to AED 250,000 |
👀 Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Develop an iOS App In 2024?
2. The platform of App Development
Moving ahead, the platform you are developing the app for is a core app cost-determining factor. There are different types of app marketplaces like Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Appland, APKPure, GetJar, Amazon Appstore, and many more. Each of these marketplaces helps you to reach different types of target audiences. So, your decision to develop a mobile app for any of these app marketplaces will significantly alter the mobile app development cost. As a leading app development company in Dubai, UAE, we would suggest you choose from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Amazon App Store, or a hybrid app to reach the maximum target audience.
| Platform | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple App Store | AED 150,000 |
| Google Play Store | AED 100,000 |
| Amazon App Store | AED 200,000 |
| Hybrid or Cross-Platform App | AED 50,000 |
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3. Hiring Models
We have talked about the different hiring models that help you develop the software in Dubai, UAE. The main engagement models are the internal team, hiring software development companies in Dubai, UAE, and the freelancers. Hiring an internal team is the most costly engagement model where you get a dedicated team of developers to work at your premises. Another one is a software development company where you hire the core industry experts to develop the software. This is a cost-efficient yet result-driven hiring model that helps to build robust mobile solutions. Moving ahead, the third option is a freelance basis where you have to find the different members of the team by yourselves. While you can save a couple of dollars with this model, it is very inefficient in terms of management.
| Team Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Internal Team | AED 1,000,000 |
| Software Development Company | AED 240,000 |
| Freelancers | AED 210,000 |
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4. User Interface Design
There is no doubt that the first impression is always the last. While you will always get a good user interface when working with an app development company in Dubai, UAE, there is a range of customizations that you can implement in your app. For example, you can choose to bring interactive features, intuitive designs, paid themes, and many other components that enhance the user experience in the first place. However, you should understand that all these add-ons are strictly subject to increasing the app development cost in Dubai.
| UI Features | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic UI Design | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Custom Icons and Graphics | 10,000 – 20,000 |
| Interactive Elements | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Advanced Animations | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Custom Illustrations | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Complex Navigation | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| High-Fidelity Prototyping | 60,000 – 70,000 |
| User Experience (UX) Enhancements | 70,000 – 80,000 |
| Multi-Platform Design | 80,000 – 90,000 |
| AR/VR Integration | 90,000 – 100,000 |
| Full Custom Design | 100,000 – 150,000 |
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5. App Security Costs
Your mobile app must be reliable for the target audience so that they can share the basic information on your software. Whether it is an app for the end users or is enterprise software solution, it should be safe from the risk of risk malware attacks and chances of data breaching. For the same, there are different preventive measures that you can take when developing the mobile app. Different measures have different associated costs as well.
| Security Measure | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic Security Measures | |
| Simple Authentication (Username and Password) | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Data Encryption | 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Intermediate Security Measures | |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| Secure API Development | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Regular Security Audits | 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Advanced Security Measures | |
| Biometric Authentication (Fingerprint/Face ID) | 40,000 – 50,000 |
| Advanced Encryption Standards (AES) Implementation | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| Penetration Testing | 60,000 – 70,000 |
| Comprehensive Security Measures | |
| Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | 70,000 – 80,000 |
| Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) | 80,000 – 90,000 |
| Regular Security Updates and Patches | 90,000 – 100,000 |
| Compliance with Industry Standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) | 100,000 – 120,000 |
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Team Composition, Costs, and Time Frame for App Development in the Dubai UAE
A software development team consists of the different members who contribute toward the overall app development process. Irrespective of the engagement models, the members of the team remain consistent.
First of all, there is a project manager who oversees the overall project. There are different duties associated with the role of the project which include timeline management, budget management, providing updates, and connecting the different stakeholders of the team. A project manager is responsible for establishing seamless communication and understanding of the project.
The next one is a business analyst who focuses on gathering the requirements of the project, analyzing the business needs, performing competitor research, analyzing the market, and translating them into technical specifications. The business analyst takes the command and forwards it to the development team.
The third profile is the designer who is responsible for the overall UI/UX design of the mobile app. Whether it is designing the screens of the app or establishing seamless navigations throughout the features, the designer takes care of it all.
Front front-end developer comes next who develops the client-side interface of the app using different technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. By using the right programming language, the front-end developers install the icons and interactive components in the application.
Backend developers, on the other hand, take care of the overall technology infrastructure of the application. From making the features functional to integrating the third-party services and APIs, everything comes under the sole responsibility of the backend developers.
The mobile app developer is also an important profile who makes sure that the application is compatible with the predefined platform. For example, crafting the app according to iOS, Android, or both is the responsibility of mobile app developers.
Quality tester performs a very core part in the development process. This profile’s role includes removing all the bugs from the application, eliminating usability issues, and performing various quality tests to achieve the best version of the application for the target audience.
Other roles include DevOps Engineer, security specialists, and technical support specialists who play their part according to the nature and requirements of the project.
| Team Member | Timeline in the Project | Cost Distribution (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Manager | Throughout the entire project | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Business Analyst | Initial and planning phases | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| UI/UX Designer | Initial to mid-phase | 30,000 – 40,000 |
| Front-End Developer | Mid to late phases | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Back-End Developer | Mid to late phases | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Mobile App Developer | Mid to late phases | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| QA Tester | Late phase to pre-launch | 20,000 – 30,000 |
| DevOps Engineer | Throughout the entire project | 30,000 – 50,000 |
| Security Specialist | Mid to late phases | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Technical Support Specialist | Post-launch | 20,000 – 30,000 |
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Cost Comparison: UAE vs. Other Countries
While you might not be familiar with the fact the app development cost varies heavily according to the location of app development. For example, if you are hiring an app development team from Western countries like the USA, UK, Australia, or any other European country, it will cost you more than twice as much app development costs in Dubai or an Asian country like India. The per-hour cost of developers in Western countries is much higher than the hourly cost of app developers in Dubai, UAE, or India.
| Country | Average Hourly Rate (AED) |
|---|---|
| Dubai | 250 – 350 |
| United States | 350 – 500 |
| United Kingdom | 300 – 450 |
| App Development Cost in Australia | 300 – 400 |
| App Development Cost in Canada | 300 – 450 |
| Germany | 250 – 400 |
| App Development Cost in India | 100 – 200 |
| App Development Cost in Ukraine | 150 – 250 |
| App Development Cost in Poland | 200 – 300 |
| App Development Cost in China | 150 – 250 |
| Brazil | 100 – 200 |
| App Development Cost in Philippines | 100 – 150 |
| Russia | 150 – 250 |
| South Africa | 150 – 250 |
👀 Also Read: Which Country is the Best Option for Mobile App Development?
Understanding the Hidden Development Costs in Dubai for an App
Other than some of the core factors that determine the app development cost in Dubai, UAE, there are some hidden factors as well which will play a significant role in fluctuating the cost. However, the magnitude of these factors might not be that huge on the development cost, still, it is important to know for a person who is looking for app development.
1. Maintenance Costs
First of all, deploying any application on the marketplace is never the ending. The app needs to be managed well, introduce new features, provide new updates, remove the bugs as identified, and much more. For that, you have to opt for maintenance and support from the app development company. The cost of this maintenance service also adds up to the dollars in app development costs.
2. Backend Infrastructure
Backend infrastructure like server costs, databases, storage, and cloud services like AWS, Azure, data transfer charges, and computing power charges are also some of the factors that influence the app development costs in Dubai.
3. Third-Party Integrations
Depending on the nature and type of your mobile app, there might be a need for some APIs and third-party integrations. For example, when developing a real estate app, you will need to integrate an API that can bring all the information about properties and agents to your app. However, these APIs and third-party platforms have their associated costs which contribute toward total app development costs.
4. Testing and QA
As defined in the section earlier, there is a complete quality analysts team that ensures the highest quality of your software. However, there are some fees for the comprehensive testing and bug-fixing process which add up to determine the overall cost of app development in Dubai, UAE.
5. Marketing and User Acquisition
Along with quality app development, your target audience must know about this new application. For the same, you have to choose marketing and user acquisition strategies. Be it traditional marketing or digital marketing, each has its associated costs that you might not want to avoid.
6. Compliance and Legal Fees
Certain compliance and legal fees ensure that your application is eligible to operate in a specific region or country. Generally, the fee goes into obtaining the necessary licenses for content, intellectual properties, and data usage.
7. App Store Fee
While these are very negligible costs it is a good idea to know about it. Many app marketplaces have their fees to deploy the app. For example, Android Play Store charges a one-time fee of AED 92 while Apple App Store charges an annual fee of AED 364 for app registration.
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Tips for Reducing Mobile App Development Costs in UAE
Eliminating the features and functionalities to save some dollars in the app development cost doesn’t sound like a great idea. However, certain tips and practices might help you significantly to reduce mobile app development costs in the UAE. Here, we are bringing to you some tips for reducing the mobile app development cost-
1. You should clearly define the requirements of the project. It reduces the chances of feedback and changes in the late stages of the project which leads to cost saving.
2. Use agile project management methodology that enables incremental development. By doing so, cost breakdown becomes easier and more manageable.
3. Consider outsourcing your app development project to app development companies in Dubai, UAE. The per-hour costs in this country are much lower than in Europe, the USA, UK, or Australia.
4. Use the pre-built solutions like frameworks and libraries. It can help you save a lot of time and money during the whole project lifecycle. Similarly, you can opt for third-party services when imparting payment gateways.
5. Consider cross-platform app development instead of developing native mobile apps for multiple operating systems. As it uses the same codebase, a lot of time and money can be saved.
6. Impart the automated testing that streamlines the quality analysis process, drives high-quality results, reduces manual efforts, and thus saves costs.
7. Monitor and optimize the resources to make sure that neither the human resources nor the materialistic or software resources are being wasted during the development process. Opt only for what is required.
8. Last but not least, never forget to negotiate with the vendor. Choosing the right app development company and negotiating with them will ensure that you don’t compromise on quality while bringing down the cost.
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How to Make Money From Your Mobile App: Understanding the Monetization Strategies for Your App in Dubai, UAE
Developing a mobile app in Dubai, UAE requires a huge investment. So, there is no doubt that the return on investment is always a concern for the owner. Anyone would wonder about the practices that help to make money with the help of mobile apps. So, you need not worry as several monetization strategies help to bring back the investment and multiply it over time. However, the different monetization strategies are suitable for different types of apps-
1. Advertisement Revenue
This is one of the best and most prominent monetization strategies for all kinds of mobile apps. Once you manage to achieve a good active user base on your mobile application, the sleeping income from advertisements can cross all your revenue sources easily. Different businesses will approach you for the advertisement space on your application for which you can charge them the suitable price.
2. Registration Fee
This monetization strategy turns the app into a paid application. With this monetization model, the user has to pay a one-time registration fee for the app. The fee is decided according to the value of content inside the app. This type of strategy is best suited for applications with limited functionalities.
3. Subscription Plans
Most of the video streaming mobile apps are running on this monetization strategy. With this model, the user has to pay a periodic fee for using the application over time. This strategy is mostly used by movie streaming apps, news apps, or applications that have fresh content to offer regularly.
4. Freemium Model
As the name states, this is a mixture of free and paid apps where the users are allowed to enjoy the basic features of the app for free while they have to pay a fee for using the premium feature of the application. Any kind of application can use this monetization strategy. For example, a shopping app can provide a premium feature where the user can get free and fast delivery by paying for the premium profile.
5. In-app Purchase
When the app is making money by selling the in-app coins or tokens, it is called the In-App Purchase model. This type of monetization strategy is being used by most of the games where they sell weapons, coins, and another digital commodities to the user for a better gaming experience.
Also Read: How Much Does It Cost to Make an App Like Tinder?
How do you choose the right app development team in Dubai, UAE?
The most important thing in the whole app development lifecycle is choosing the right app development company in Dubai, UAE. The reason behind this particular statement is that making a wrong choice in terms of app developers might eat up all your investment to return nothing. However, choosing the right app development company might not be that seamless for the first time. So, we are here listing some of the factors that will help you choose the right app development company-
1. Experience– Always choose an app development company that carries ample experience in app development. While this kind of team might be a little costly it is worth working with it. The team will not only save you from unnecessary costs but will also bring out the best quality in the application.
2. Project Portfolio– Moving ahead, you should analyze the project portfolio of the app development team. If they have worked on similar projects as yours, then it might be a good idea to work with them.
3. Client testimonials– Never skip taking feedback from the existing clients of the company as they might give the true reflection of the company. The existing clients will tell you all the pros and cons of working with the team.
4. Quotation– While we have mentioned in the earlier section that quality should not compromise the cost, it is also not justified if you entirely ignore your budget. You should always have a budget range in mind and work with a company that files the relevant quotation to that budget.
5. Collaboration Method– Analyze the collaboration method that the company uses to update the client about the key performance indicators of the project. It helps ensure that the team will be enabling seamless communication between the stakeholders.
Also Read: Cost to Develop an Android Taxi App
How Developer Bazaar Technologies Helps You in Create Your App in the Dubai, UAE?
Developer Bazaar Technologies is a prominent app development company in Dubai with more than a decade of experience. We work with a board technology stack that helps to craft the customized mobile app from scratch. Moreover, DB Technologies earned ample experience that enables the client base to save costs without compromising with the quality.
Further, we work with the different engagement models which makes the development more pocket-friendly for the client according to the defined needs of their project. We focus on delivering the worth of each penny that our client invests in us.
Moreover, we also have a big project portfolio where you can find the different mobile apps developed by us for businesses coming from different industries. Our post-deployment support is also one of the factors that make us the best app development company in Dubai. We ensure periodic updates of the app, bug removal, and make the application seamless for the target audience.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q. How much does it cost to build an app in Dubai, UAE?
Answer- The cost to build an app in Dubai ranges anywhere between AED 150,000 to AED 500,000. Different factors determine the overall app development cost. The factors are but not limited to
- App complexity
- Number and types of features
- Type of platform
- Third-party integration
- Timeline of the project
Q. How long does it take to develop a mobile app in Dubai?
Answer- Similar to that of app development cost in Dubai, the timeline is also variable for app development in Dubai. The components like team size, features, location of app development, feedback process, and much more can add or eliminate the hours from the app development timeline.
Q. How important is UI/UX design in app development, and how does it impact cost?
Answer- UI/UX design is one of the most important factors to consider in app development. A good user interface makes a great first impression on the users and provides a seamless experience. An easy-to-use app increases user retention and provides better financial results. Similarly, it also impacts the cost of development as a more interactive and intuitive user interface will require additional charges for app development.
Q. Is it cheaper to develop an app in Dubai or outsource to another country?
Answer- Yes, it is significantly cheaper to develop an app in Dubai as compared to outsourcing the project to some other country. You can experience a cost difference of more than twice when making a comparison between the app development cost in Dubai and Western countries like the USA, UK, and Europe.
Q. What are the most popular app categories in Dubai?
Answer- Dubai is a burgeoning country and businesses of all types are flourishing in this region. So, there is a wide range of popular app categories that are causing the app development. Some of the popular app categories in Dubai are-
- Lifestyle apps
- Social media apps
- Chatting app
- Travel app
- Productivity app
- Education app
- Entertainment apps
- Betting apps
Q. What ongoing costs should I expect after launching my app in Dubai?
Answer- After the deployment of the application, there are some costs that you must expect for the smooth functioning of the application. The costs are posted maintenance fees, application update costs, feature-adding costs, bug removal charges, and periodic update, server, and hosting charges.
