A cross-platform iOS and Android app for a Dubai business starts at the AED equivalent of SAR 25,000 with us and takes eight to sixteen weeks, including the backend and store submission. Apps with several user types, live tracking or payments cost more. Plan a further 15 to 20% of the build cost each year for upkeep.
Starting price
Our cross-platform apps start at SAR 25,000, which we quote to UAE clients in AED. That covers one React Native or Flutter app for iOS and Android, a backend, an admin panel and submission to both stores, typically in eight to sixteen weeks.
Dubai agencies with local offices usually charge considerably more for the same scope. We can hold this price because we work remotely from India, and we say that plainly rather than implying a Dubai office.
What makes an app cost more
- More than one app. A delivery service needs customer, driver and vendor apps plus an admin panel.
- Realtime features: chat, live location and push notifications.
- Payments: Apple Pay, cards through Network International or Telr, and Tabby or Tamara instalments.
- Arabic and English with full RTL support.
- Integrations with your CRM, ERP or booking system.
Running costs after launch
Apple and Google release new OS versions every year and change store rules regularly. Budget roughly 15 to 20% of the build cost per year for hosting, updates and fixes. An app that is not maintained stops working properly within about two years.
If you cannot fund maintenance, start with a fast mobile website instead. It reaches more people and does not expire.
Native or cross-platform?
Cross-platform is the right choice for most business apps in the UAE: one codebase, one team, lower cost. Native Swift and Kotlin apps are worth it for heavy graphics or deep hardware use, which is rarer than agencies suggest.
