The UAE tech market is booming, with 99% internet penetration and billions in digital investment. But what does software development actually cost in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the Emirates?
This guide breaks down real costs across all major project types to help you budget smart.
UAE Software Cost Calculator
Get precise, instant estimates for your software project with our advanced calculator
This includes discovery, design, development, testing, and deployment phases.
Quick Cost Overview
| Project Type | Basic | Medium | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | AED 30,000 - 70,000 | AED 70,000 - 180,000 | AED 180,000 - 500,000+ |
| Website | AED 3,500 - 10,000 | AED 10,000 - 50,000 | AED 50,000 - 145,000+ |
| E-commerce | AED 5,000 - 15,000 | AED 15,000 - 100,000 | AED 100,000 - 300,000+ |
| Custom Software | AED 55,000 - 146,000 | AED 146,000 - 550,000 | AED 550,000 - 1,800,000+ |
| AI/ML Solution | AED 275,000 - 400,000 | AED 400,000 - 700,000 | AED 700,000 - 1,100,000+ |
| MVP | AED 50,000 - 100,000 | AED 100,000 - 200,000 | AED 200,000 - 350,000+ |
1. Mobile App Development Costs
Simple Apps (AED 30,000 - 70,000)
- Single platform (iOS or Android)
- Basic features, simple UI
- 2-3 months timeline
- Examples: Content apps, calculators
Medium Complexity (AED 70,000 - 180,000)
- Custom design and features
- User accounts, push notifications
- API integrations
- 3-6 months timeline
- Examples: Booking apps, social platforms
Enterprise Apps (AED 180,000 - 500,000+)
- Advanced features (AI, real-time tracking)
- Multi-platform
- Complex backend
- 6-12+ months timeline
- Examples: Banking apps, ride-hailing (like Careem: AED 300,000+)
Pro Tip: Use cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native) to save 30-40% vs. building native iOS and Android separately.
2. Website Development Costs
Basic Website (AED 3,500 - 10,000)
- 5-10 pages, template-based
- Mobile responsive
- 2-4 weeks
- Good for: Small businesses, portfolios
Business Website (AED 10,000 - 50,000)
- 10-30 pages, custom design
- CMS, SEO optimization
- Bilingual (Arabic/English)
- 4-8 weeks
- Good for: Mid-sized companies
Enterprise Website (AED 50,000 - 145,000+)
- 30+ pages, fully custom
- Advanced features and integrations
- 8-24+ weeks
- Good for: Large corporations
Add 20-30% for bilingual Arabic/English support.
3. E-commerce Platform Costs
Starter Store (AED 5,000 - 15,000)
- Shopify/WooCommerce setup
- Up to 100 products
- Basic payment gateway
Growing Store (AED 15,000 - 100,000)
- Custom design
- 100-1,000 products
- Multiple payment gateways (Telr, PayTabs)
- Inventory management
- Local shipping integration (Aramex, Fetchr)
Enterprise Platform (AED 100,000 - 300,000+)
- Fully custom solution
- Unlimited products
- AI recommendations
- Multi-vendor marketplace
- Mobile app companion
Essential Add-ons:
- Payment gateway: AED 1,500 - 15,000 each
- Annual maintenance: AED 3,000 - 30,000/month
- Bilingual support: +20-30% to total cost
4. Custom Software & SaaS Costs
Basic Systems (AED 55,000 - 146,000)
- Simple CRM, dashboards
- Limited integrations
- 2-4 months
Mid-Tier Software (AED 146,000 - 550,000)
- Advanced CRM/ERP modules
- Real-time data processing
- Multiple integrations
- 4-8 months
Enterprise Solutions (AED 550,000 - 1,800,000+)
- Full-scale SaaS platforms
- AI-driven automation
- Multi-tenant architecture
- 8-18+ months
5. AI & Machine Learning Costs
AI Development: AED 275,000 - 1,100,000+
- Basic AI (AED 275,000 - 400,000): Simple chatbots, basic analytics
- Advanced AI (AED 400,000 - 700,000): NLP, computer vision, recommendations
- Enterprise AI (AED 700,000 - 1,100,000+): Generative AI, complex automation
Hidden AI costs:
- Data preparation: 20-30% of budget
- Cloud computing: Ongoing costs
- Model retraining: Recurring expense
6. MVP Development Costs
Why start with an MVP? Validate your idea, save 40-60% vs. full product, and gather real user feedback.
- Simple MVP: AED 50,000 - 100,000 (6-10 weeks)
- Standard MVP: AED 100,000 - 200,000 (10-16 weeks)
- Complex MVP: AED 200,000 - 350,000 (16-24 weeks)
Real example: Dubai SaaS startup saved AED 49,500 by launching with core features only.
7. Fintech App Costs
Due to strict compliance and security needs:
- Basic Fintech MVP: AED 147,000 - 260,000
- Mid-Tier Platform: AED 260,000 - 550,000
- Enterprise Solution: AED 550,000 - 1,100,000+
Mandatory add-ons:
- PCI-DSS Compliance: AED 20,000 - 50,000
- KYC/AML Integration: AED 15,000 - 40,000
- Security audits: AED 10,000 - 30,000
Developer Hourly Rates in UAE (2025)
| Experience Level | Freelancers | Local Agencies | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | AED 100-150/hr | AED 150-250/hr | AED 70-150/hr |
| Mid-Level | AED 150-250/hr | AED 250-350/hr | AED 150-220/hr |
| Senior | AED 250-400/hr | AED 350-500/hr | AED 220-330/hr |
Monthly salaries (full-time):
- Junior: AED 8,000 - 15,000
- Mid-Level: AED 15,000 - 30,000
- Senior: AED 30,000 - 45,000
Regional differences:
- Dubai: Highest rates (baseline)
- Abu Dhabi: 10-15% lower
- Sharjah: 20-25% lower
Hidden Costs You Must Know
Business Setup (Dubai):
- License: AED 15,000 - 50,000
- Office space: AED 30,000 - 200,000/year
- Visas: AED 3,000 - 5,000 per person
Infrastructure (Annual):
- Domain & SSL: AED 200 - 1,200
- Hosting: AED 5,000 - 240,000
- Cloud services: AED 4,000 - 120,000
Ongoing Costs:
- Annual maintenance: 15-20% of development cost
- Bug fixes: AED 275-550/hour
- App Store optimization: AED 2,750/month
- Technical support: AED 15,000 - 50,000/month
8 Ways to Save Money (Without Compromising Quality)
1. Start with an MVP
Build core features first, validate with real users, then expand. Savings: AED 50,000 - 200,000
2. Use Cross-Platform Development
Flutter or React Native instead of separate iOS/Android apps. Savings: 30-40% on mobile development
3. Prioritize Features Ruthlessly
Use the MoSCoW method: Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have. Savings: AED 30,000 - 200,000
4. Leverage Existing Tools
Use proven frameworks and third-party services instead of building from scratch. Savings: AED 20,000 - 100,000
5. Consider Hybrid Teams
Keep product management local, outsource development to cost-effective regions. Savings: 30-50% on development
6. Plan Thoroughly Upfront
Detailed requirements prevent expensive mid-project changes. Reduces overruns by 25-40%
7. Use Agile Methodology
Iterative development catches problems early. Reduces rework costs significantly
8. Right-Size Your Team
Mix junior, mid, and senior developers strategically. Savings: 15-25% on team costs
Engagement Models: Which One to Choose?
Fixed Price
Best for: Clear, well-defined projects
Pros: Predictable budget, clear deliverables Cons: Less flexibility for changes Payment: 30-40% upfront, 30-40% at milestones, 20-30% on delivery
Example: Simple mobile app - AED 80,000 fixed
Time & Material
Best for: Evolving requirements, complex projects
Pros: Flexibility, pay for actual work Cons: Less predictable budget Payment: Monthly billing at hourly rates
Example: Custom ERP - AED 350/hr billed monthly
Dedicated Team
Best for: Long-term, ongoing development
Pros: Full team commitment, better integration Cons: Higher monthly cost Payment: Monthly fee per team member
Example: 5-person team - AED 110,000+/month
Key Factors Affecting Your Cost
- Project Complexity: Number of features, integrations, user roles
- Design Requirements: Custom vs. template, animations, brand identity
- Platform: Native vs. cross-platform, web vs. mobile
- Team Location: Local UAE vs. offshore development
- Timeline: Rush projects cost 30-50% more
- Security & Compliance: UAE PDPL, industry regulations
- Localization: Arabic/English support adds 20-30%
ROI: What to Expect
E-commerce Platform:
- Investment: AED 50,000 - 150,000
- Revenue increase: 30-50%
- ROI timeline: 6-18 months
Logistics Software:
- Investment: AED 110,000 - 300,000
- Cost reduction: 25% fuel, 30% labor
- ROI timeline: 12-24 months
Custom ERP:
- Investment: AED 200,000 - 800,000
- Efficiency gains: 30-40%
- ROI timeline: 18-36 months
Mobile App:
- Investment: AED 80,000 - 250,000
- Engagement increase: 60%
- ROI timeline: 12-24 months
Choosing the Right Development Partner
Must-Ask Questions:
- Can you show similar projects you've completed?
- What's included in your quoted price?
- How do you handle scope changes?
- What's your development process?
- What post-launch support do you provide?
- Who owns the intellectual property?
- What are your payment terms?
- Can you provide client references?
Red Flags to Avoid:
❌ Prices 50%+ below market rate ❌ No portfolio or references ❌ Vague timeline estimates ❌ No written contract ❌ Won't sign NDA ❌ No post-launch support plan
What to Look For:
✅ Relevant technology expertise ✅ Industry experience ✅ Clear communication ✅ Transparent pricing ✅ Strong portfolio ✅ Local UAE presence (for better support)
UAE vs. Other Markets
| Region | Mid-Level Developer | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| UAE (Dubai) | $70-100/hr | Quality, legal protection, time zone |
| India | $25-45/hr | Cost savings |
| Eastern Europe | $40-65/hr | Balance of cost and quality |
| USA | $100-150/hr | Top talent, but expensive |
Why UAE costs more but worth it:
- Strong IP laws and legal protection
- Cultural and business understanding
- High quality standards
- Convenient time zone
- Government support for tech
- Political and economic stability
Quick Cost Overview
| Project Type | Basic | Medium | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile App | AED 30,000 - 70,000 | AED 70,000 - 180,000 | AED 180,000 - 500,000+ |
| Website | AED 3,500 - 10,000 | AED 10,000 - 50,000 | AED 50,000 - 145,000+ |
| E-commerce | AED 5,000 - 15,000 | AED 15,000 - 100,000 | AED 100,000 - 300,000+ |
| Custom Software | AED 55,000 - 146,000 | AED 146,000 - 550,000 | AED 550,000 - 1,800,000+ |
| AI/ML Solution | AED 275,000 - 400,000 | AED 400,000 - 700,000 | AED 700,000 - 1,100,000+ |
| MVP | AED 50,000 - 100,000 | AED 100,000 - 200,000 | AED 200,000 - 350,000+ |
1. Mobile App Development Costs
Simple Apps (AED 30,000 - 70,000)
- Single platform (iOS or Android)
- Basic features, simple UI
- 2-3 months timeline
- Examples: Content apps, calculators
Medium Complexity (AED 70,000 - 180,000)
- Custom design and features
- User accounts, push notifications
- API integrations
- 3-6 months timeline
- Examples: Booking apps, social platforms
Enterprise Apps (AED 180,000 - 500,000+)
- Advanced features (AI, real-time tracking)
- Multi-platform
- Complex backend
- 6-12+ months timeline
- Examples: Banking apps, ride-hailing (like Careem: AED 300,000+)
Pro Tip: Use cross-platform frameworks (Flutter, React Native) to save 30-40% vs. building native iOS and Android separately.
2. Website Development Costs
Basic Website (AED 3,500 - 10,000)
- 5-10 pages, template-based
- Mobile responsive
- 2-4 weeks
- Good for: Small businesses, portfolios
Business Website (AED 10,000 - 50,000)
- 10-30 pages, custom design
- CMS, SEO optimization
- Bilingual (Arabic/English)
- 4-8 weeks
- Good for: Mid-sized companies
Enterprise Website (AED 50,000 - 145,000+)
- 30+ pages, fully custom
- Advanced features and integrations
- 8-24+ weeks
- Good for: Large corporations
Add 20-30% for bilingual Arabic/English support.
3. E-commerce Platform Costs
Starter Store (AED 5,000 - 15,000)
- Shopify/WooCommerce setup
- Up to 100 products
- Basic payment gateway
Growing Store (AED 15,000 - 100,000)
- Custom design
- 100-1,000 products
- Multiple payment gateways (Telr, PayTabs)
- Inventory management
- Local shipping integration (Aramex, Fetchr)
Enterprise Platform (AED 100,000 - 300,000+)
- Fully custom solution
- Unlimited products
- AI recommendations
- Multi-vendor marketplace
- Mobile app companion
Essential Add-ons:
- Payment gateway: AED 1,500 - 15,000 each
- Annual maintenance: AED 3,000 - 30,000/month
- Bilingual support: +20-30% to total cost
4. Custom Software & SaaS Costs
Basic Systems (AED 55,000 - 146,000)
- Simple CRM, dashboards
- Limited integrations
- 2-4 months
Mid-Tier Software (AED 146,000 - 550,000)
- Advanced CRM/ERP modules
- Real-time data processing
- Multiple integrations
- 4-8 months
Enterprise Solutions (AED 550,000 - 1,800,000+)
- Full-scale SaaS platforms
- AI-driven automation
- Multi-tenant architecture
- 8-18+ months
5. AI & Machine Learning Costs
AI Development: AED 275,000 - 1,100,000+
- Basic AI (AED 275,000 - 400,000): Simple chatbots, basic analytics
- Advanced AI (AED 400,000 - 700,000): NLP, computer vision, recommendations
- Enterprise AI (AED 700,000 - 1,100,000+): Generative AI, complex automation
Hidden AI costs:
- Data preparation: 20-30% of budget
- Cloud computing: Ongoing costs
- Model retraining: Recurring expense
6. MVP Development Costs
Why start with an MVP? Validate your idea, save 40-60% vs. full product, and gather real user feedback.
- Simple MVP: AED 50,000 - 100,000 (6-10 weeks)
- Standard MVP: AED 100,000 - 200,000 (10-16 weeks)
- Complex MVP: AED 200,000 - 350,000 (16-24 weeks)
Real example: Dubai SaaS startup saved AED 49,500 by launching with core features only.
7. Fintech App Costs
Due to strict compliance and security needs:
- Basic Fintech MVP: AED 147,000 - 260,000
- Mid-Tier Platform: AED 260,000 - 550,000
- Enterprise Solution: AED 550,000 - 1,100,000+
Mandatory add-ons:
- PCI-DSS Compliance: AED 20,000 - 50,000
- KYC/AML Integration: AED 15,000 - 40,000
- Security audits: AED 10,000 - 30,000
Developer Hourly Rates in UAE (2025)
| Experience Level | Freelancers | Local Agencies | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | AED 100-150/hr | AED 150-250/hr | AED 70-150/hr |
| Mid-Level | AED 150-250/hr | AED 250-350/hr | AED 150-220/hr |
| Senior | AED 250-400/hr | AED 350-500/hr | AED 220-330/hr |
Monthly salaries (full-time):
- Junior: AED 8,000 - 15,000
- Mid-Level: AED 15,000 - 30,000
- Senior: AED 30,000 - 45,000
Regional differences:
- Dubai: Highest rates (baseline)
- Abu Dhabi: 10-15% lower
- Sharjah: 20-25% lower
Hidden Costs You Must Know
Business Setup (Dubai):
- License: AED 15,000 - 50,000
- Office space: AED 30,000 - 200,000/year
- Visas: AED 3,000 - 5,000 per person
Infrastructure (Annual):
- Domain & SSL: AED 200 - 1,200
- Hosting: AED 5,000 - 240,000
- Cloud services: AED 4,000 - 120,000
Ongoing Costs:
- Annual maintenance: 15-20% of development cost
- Bug fixes: AED 275-550/hour
- App Store optimization: AED 2,750/month
- Technical support: AED 15,000 - 50,000/month
8 Ways to Save Money (Without Compromising Quality)
1. Start with an MVP
Build core features first, validate with real users, then expand. Savings: AED 50,000 - 200,000
2. Use Cross-Platform Development
Flutter or React Native instead of separate iOS/Android apps. Savings: 30-40% on mobile development
3. Prioritize Features Ruthlessly
Use the MoSCoW method: Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have. Savings: AED 30,000 - 200,000
4. Leverage Existing Tools
Use proven frameworks and third-party services instead of building from scratch. Savings: AED 20,000 - 100,000
5. Consider Hybrid Teams
Keep product management local, outsource development to cost-effective regions. Savings: 30-50% on development
6. Plan Thoroughly Upfront
Detailed requirements prevent expensive mid-project changes. Reduces overruns by 25-40%
7. Use Agile Methodology
Iterative development catches problems early. Reduces rework costs significantly
8. Right-Size Your Team
Mix junior, mid, and senior developers strategically. Savings: 15-25% on team costs
Engagement Models: Which One to Choose?
Fixed Price
Best for: Clear, well-defined projects
Pros: Predictable budget, clear deliverables Cons: Less flexibility for changes Payment: 30-40% upfront, 30-40% at milestones, 20-30% on delivery
Example: Simple mobile app - AED 80,000 fixed
Time & Material
Best for: Evolving requirements, complex projects
Pros: Flexibility, pay for actual work Cons: Less predictable budget Payment: Monthly billing at hourly rates
Example: Custom ERP - AED 350/hr billed monthly
Dedicated Team
Best for: Long-term, ongoing development
Pros: Full team commitment, better integration Cons: Higher monthly cost Payment: Monthly fee per team member
Example: 5-person team - AED 110,000+/month
Key Factors Affecting Your Cost
- Project Complexity: Number of features, integrations, user roles
- Design Requirements: Custom vs. template, animations, brand identity
- Platform: Native vs. cross-platform, web vs. mobile
- Team Location: Local UAE vs. offshore development
- Timeline: Rush projects cost 30-50% more
- Security & Compliance: UAE PDPL, industry regulations
- Localization: Arabic/English support adds 20-30%
ROI: What to Expect
E-commerce Platform:
- Investment: AED 50,000 - 150,000
- Revenue increase: 30-50%
- ROI timeline: 6-18 months
Logistics Software:
- Investment: AED 110,000 - 300,000
- Cost reduction: 25% fuel, 30% labor
- ROI timeline: 12-24 months
Custom ERP:
- Investment: AED 200,000 - 800,000
- Efficiency gains: 30-40%
- ROI timeline: 18-36 months
Mobile App:
- Investment: AED 80,000 - 250,000
- Engagement increase: 60%
- ROI timeline: 12-24 months
Choosing the Right Development Partner
Must-Ask Questions:
- Can you show similar projects you've completed?
- What's included in your quoted price?
- How do you handle scope changes?
- What's your development process?
- What post-launch support do you provide?
- Who owns the intellectual property?
- What are your payment terms?
- Can you provide client references?
Red Flags to Avoid:
❌ Prices 50%+ below market rate ❌ No portfolio or references ❌ Vague timeline estimates ❌ No written contract ❌ Won't sign NDA ❌ No post-launch support plan
What to Look For:
✅ Relevant technology expertise ✅ Industry experience ✅ Clear communication ✅ Transparent pricing ✅ Strong portfolio ✅ Local UAE presence (for better support)
UAE vs. Other Markets
| Region | Mid-Level Developer | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|
| UAE (Dubai) | $70-100/hr | Quality, legal protection, time zone |
| India | $25-45/hr | Cost savings |
| Eastern Europe | $40-65/hr | Balance of cost and quality |
| USA | $100-150/hr | Top talent, but expensive |
Why UAE costs more but worth it:
- Strong IP laws and legal protection
- Cultural and business understanding
- High quality standards
- Convenient time zone
- Government support for tech
- Political and economic stability
