Software Development Costs in the UAE: A Complete Guide
A transparent breakdown of software development costs in the UAE market, covering web applications, mobile apps, SaaS platforms, and ongoing maintenance.
Note: Prices are indicative ranges based on the UAE market. Actual costs depend on your specific requirements, timeline, and complexity. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation estimate.
Web Application Development
Custom web applications in the UAE typically range from AED 50,000 to AED 500,000+, depending on complexity. A simple customer portal starts around AED 50,000–80,000. A mid-complexity business application with user roles, dashboards, and integrations runs AED 150,000–300,000. Enterprise-grade SaaS platforms with multi-tenancy, billing, and advanced analytics start at AED 300,000+.
Mobile App Development
Cross-platform mobile apps (React Native) range from AED 80,000 to AED 400,000. A basic app with 5–10 screens starts around AED 80,000–120,000. Apps with real-time features, offline mode, and complex integrations run AED 200,000–400,000. Native development (separate iOS and Android) typically costs 50–70% more than cross-platform.
UI/UX Design
Professional UI/UX design ranges from AED 20,000 to AED 80,000 depending on project scope. This includes user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and design system creation. For Arabic/English bilingual projects, add 20–30% for RTL design considerations.
Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Annual maintenance typically costs 15–20% of the initial development budget. This covers bug fixes, security patches, minor feature updates, and hosting management. Managed support agreements with SLAs start at AED 5,000/month for standard coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do costs vary so much for software development?
Costs vary based on feature complexity, number of integrations, performance requirements, security needs, and whether the project includes design, testing, and deployment. A clear scope and detailed requirements help us provide accurate estimates.
Do you offer fixed-price or hourly billing?
We offer both. Fixed-price works best for well-defined projects. Time-and-materials (hourly) works better for evolving requirements or ongoing development. We recommend fixed-price for initial builds and T&M for iterative phases.
Get a detailed estimate
We provide free, no-obligation estimates based on your specific requirements. Tell us about your project and we'll respond within 24 hours.
Request a quote