How much does app development cost in the UAE?
The cost depends on what you build more than on where you build it: how many platforms, which features, and how much design polish you need. The fastest way to get a number for your own scope is our estimator, which takes about 60 seconds.
What drives the cost
Platforms
A second platform adds cost, though shared code keeps it well below double.
Features
Login and notifications are small. Booking, payments, in-app chat, offline mode and AI features add more.
Admin and integrations
Someone has to run the product. Admin panels and connections to systems such as ERP or CRM are often underestimated.
Arabic and right-to-left support
Plan it from the start. It is easier than adding it later.
Design and polish
An MVP with a clean, simple interface costs less than a premium experience.
Timeline
A faster delivery needs a bigger team, which costs a little more.
Worked examples
These are FanDi estimates for example scopes from our own estimator, not market averages. Prices exclude VAT.
| Example scope | Estimated total, not more than | Indicative timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Simple MVP app: iOS and Android, login, profiles, notifications | AED 5,900 | About 2 weeks |
| Standard app with the same features | AED 7,400 | About 3 weeks |
| Business web platform: login, admin, search, uploads, payments, reports, Arabic | AED 10,500 | About 3 weeks |
| Internal business system: roles, integrations, approvals, reports, analytics, Arabic | AED 15,800 | About 4 weeks |
| Booking app: iOS and Android, booking, payments, admin, Arabic | AED 17,000 | About 4 weeks |
| Premium marketplace: iOS, Android and web, catalog, payments, search, reviews, maps, admin, analytics | AED 40,600 | About 5 weeks |
An engineer confirms the scope with you before work starts. Your final price will not exceed the estimate for the same scope.
Costs people forget
- Hosting and third-party services
- App store accounts
- Payment and messaging provider fees
- Maintenance and updates after launch
- VAT, where it applies
Ask every vendor which of these their quote includes.
How to compare quotes
- Is the number a ceiling or a starting point?
- What exactly counts as a change?
- How are payments tied to accepted work?
- Who owns the code, accounts and infrastructure?
- What does the warranty cover?
Related
Ready to talk about your own project?
Questions
Why do quotes differ so much?
Vendors assume different scope, quality and team sizes. Compare what is included, not only the total.
Can I get a number without a call?
Yes. The estimator needs no call to start, and you can save the estimate with a reference number.
Does this include AI features?
The estimator includes options such as an AI assistant, document processing and automation. Running costs for an AI agent are agreed separately in the proposal.
Get a number for your own project
The estimator takes about 60 seconds, and our agent can answer questions along the way.
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