Quick Summary: Mobile app development cost in UAE can range between AED 12,000 and AED 500,000. The cost depends upon various factors such as targeted platforms (iOS, Android, or both), app’s UI UX design, features, functions, and overall complexity. The app genre, that is, E-commerce, First of Its Kind, Food Delivery, or anything else, also decides the cost. Let’s dive deeper into the cost insights for 2026 with this blog post.
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App Development Cost in UAE Depends Upon Some Factors
Mobile app development cost in UAE depends on different factors. However, on an estimate, it might range between AED 22,000 and AED 500,000. Still, for more accurate cost estimation, we need to understand the cost-governing factors. Here we go-
#1 What Operating Systems Are You Targeting?
The cost of developing an Android App differs from the cost of making an iOS app. iOS app development is more complex and a rare skill in the UAE. It is because Android users are in the majority here. Android app development cost can start from AED 12,000 for a basic app like a calculator, converter, etc.
However, iOS app development cost can start from AED 22,000. Availability of skilled resources is the root cause behind the gap of 10,000 Dirhams.
| Mobile App Platform | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Android | 12,000 Dirhams | 235,000 Dirhams |
| iOS | 22,000 Dirhams | 360,000 Dirhams |
| Cross-Platform | 17,000 Dirhams | 300,000 Dirhams |
According to StatCounter, a renowned web analytics service, the share of Android users in the UAE is 86% (approx.). Thus, iOS users are hardly 14%. Since Android devices are more in demand here, app developers prefer Android development courses.
Hence, Android developers are more abundantly available, lowering the development cost. However, cross-platform app development is the best alternative in the UAE.
Cross-platform app development provides a single codebase for both platforms. The cost of developing a cross-platform app can go slightly higher than Android but less than iOS apps. Cross-platform app development cost can start from AED 17,000.
Alternatively, a business may also choose web app development. The cost to develop web apps is usually lower than mobile apps. Later on, you can use the backend of the web app for building the mobile app, reducing the cost and efforts in future.
#2 Do You Need Any Advanced Technology Like AI, ML, AR, or VR?
Choice of the technology stack also affects the mobile app development cost. Choosing advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), etc., increases the app complexity.
Eventually, AI, ML, AR, or VR integration into a mobile app increases its development cost. Let’s have a brief insight into the table below-
| OS & Technology | Minimum Cost | Technology Use Cases |
| Android + AI | 14,500 Dirhams | Personalised RecommendationsFraud DetectionReal Time Push Notifications |
| Android + ML | 22,000 Dirhams | User Behaviour AnalyticsPredictive AnalyticsTask AutomationImage RecognitionVoice RecognitionNatural Language Processing (NLP) |
| Android + VR | 25,000 Dirhams | Virtual Element Projection in Real WorldFurniture Try-onsProduct Demonstrations |
| Android + AR | 30,000 Dirhams | Virtual Try-ons (Clothing & Makeup)Immersive User Experiences |
| iOS + AI | 22,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| iOS + ML | 45,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| iOS + VR | 50,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| iOS + AR | 55,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| Cross-Platform + AI | 21,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| Cross-Platform + ML | 30,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| Cross-Platform + VR | 42,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
| Cross-Platform + AR | 52,000 Dirhams | Same as Android |
Although, advanced technologies make a mobile app 10X more attractive and download-worthy, during the initial phase of business, experts recommend choosing MVP app development.
Did you know that around 95% of the new mobile apps fail due to a lack of strategy? You need to have a coherent plan for successful mobile app development. One must try to avoid unnecessary features in the beginning. Focus on only the viable ones.
#3 What Are Features & Functions of Your App: A Feature-Wise Cost Breakdown
However, every app is unique and many apps are first-of-its-kind, but certain features remain common in most of the apps. Therefore, let us have a feature-wise app development cost breakdown as well for app development in the UAE-
| App Feature | Starting Cost (Android) | Starting Cost (iOS) | Starting Cost(Cross-Platform) |
| Signup | AED 50 | AED 75 | AED 65 |
| User Login (MFA) | AED 250 | AED 300 | AED 275 |
| User Profiling | AED 1500 | AED 1800 | AED 1700 |
| Search Bar (Type) | AED 2100 | AED 2500 | AED 2250 |
| Search Bar (Voice) | AED 3500 | AED 4000 | AED 3800 |
| Search Bar (Image) | AED 4200 | AED 4800 | AED 4500 |
| Add to Cart | AED 2100 | AED 2800 | AED 2450 |
| Product Filter (Advanced) | AED 8500 | AED 10,000 | AED 9200 |
| AI Chatbot Support | AED 6000 | AED 7,000 | AED 6500 |
| Payment Gateway (Strip/Telr/PayTabs) | AED 3400 | AED 4200 | AED 3800 |
| In-App Chat | AED 4000 | AED 5000 | AED 4500 |
| In-App Call | AED 4000 | AED 5000 | AED 4500 |
| Location Tracking | AED 4200 | AED 5500 | AED 5200 |
| Real Time Push Notifications | AED 2500 | AED 3000 | AED 2800 |
| Data Analytics | AED 5200 | AED 6000 | AED 5500 |
| Admin Dashboard | AED 8000 | AED 12,000 | AED 9000 |
The aspiring app developer seekers can calculate the cost with the table above. We have tried covering all the basic features that most of the mobile apps might desire to include.
#4 What Will Be The UI UX Design Requirements?
The UI UX design, that user interface and overall user experience, also plays a crucial role in app development cost determination. The fancier the app design, the higher the development cost.
Here are the top categories UI UX design layouts and their estimated cost in the UAE-
| UI Design | Complexity Level | Brief Design Overview | Starting Cost (Android) | Starting Cost (iOS) | Min. Cost (Cross) |
| Minimalist | Basic | Clean layout Flat Design MVP-Focused | AED 2,000 | AED 2500 | AED 2200 |
| Material (Google) | Moderate | Functional Design Modern Elements: Like cards, shadows, and grids. | AED 2600 | AED 3200 | AED 3,000 |
| Neumorphic | Advanced | Soft Shadows Embossed Elements Smooth UX flow | AED 3000 | AED 3500 | AED 3250 |
| Glassmorphic(Niche UI of iOS) | Advanced | Glass Effects Frost Effects Glowing Iconography | AED 3400 | AED 3500 | AED 3300 |
| Gamified | Very High | Fully Gamified Design 3D and Animated Features | AED 4500 | AED 5500 | AED 4800 |
| Brutalist | Very High | Bold Typography High-End Functionalities Rough Aesthetics Dynamic Functions | AED 5000 | AED 6000 | AED 5500 |
#5 What Is the Genre of Your Mobile App Development?
Next comes the genre of Mobile app development. The Industry you are targeting, the Mobile app in the UAE, also determines the development cost.
However, there is no direct relation between the industry and the app development cost. But, according to our expert mobile app developers, industry-specific apps have a set pattern of features and functions with additional variations. Eventually, we can pre-estimate the cost. Here’s a brief overview-
| Type of Mobile App | Complexity Level | Starting Cost |
| E-Commerce App (Simple Online Store) | Medium | AED 25,000 |
| Food Delivery Apps (Like Talabat) | Medium | AED 35,000 |
| Social Media Apps (Like Instagram) | High | AED 62,000 |
| Mobile Banking Apps | High | AED 50,000 |
| Health & Fitness Apps | High | AED 75,000 |
| Telemedicine Apps(Appointment Booking & Online Consultation) | Medium | AED 63,000 |
| Real Estate Listing Apps (Basic) | Low | AED 28,000 |
| Learning Management Apps | High | AED 80,000 |
| Online Cab Booking Apps (Like Uber) | Medium | AED 58,000 |
| Gaming Apps | Low to High | AED 25,000 |
| Video Streaming & OTT Apps | High | AED 90,000 |
#6 Mobile App Development Cost in UAE: Exploring Each Emirate in Detail
Did you know that the location of the Mobile app developers in UAE also affects the app development cost? Yes, you heard it right! Location of the developers also plays a crucial role in determining the cost to build a mobile app in the UAE.
It happens because the economy of different Emirates has varying costs of living. The Education level, availability of skilled app developers, and the status of the IT infrastructure of an Emirate have a direct influence upon the cost. Let’s have an overview of the Mobile App Development cost in UAE-
| Emirate | Starting Cost (Android) | Starting Cost (iOS) | Starting Cost(Cross-Platform) |
| Dubai | AED 25,000 | AED 32,000 | AED 28,000 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 22,000 | AED 28,000 | AED 26,000 |
| Sharjah | AED 20,000 | AED 25,000 | AED 23,500 |
| Ajman | AED 18,000 | AED 22,000 | AED 20,000 |
| Umm Al-Quwain | AED 16,000 | AED 20,000 | AED 18,000 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | AED 22,000 | AED 24,000 | AED 19,000 |
| Fujairah | AED 15,000 | AED 21,000 | AED 17,000 |
Since Dubai is a highly developed Emirate of the UAE, followed by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Umm Al-Quwain. Therefore, app development costs are higher in these regions. However, you will also get higher quality in these regions, and the paid amount will be worth it.
What’s Right For My App Development Requirements?
So, mobile app development cost in UAE varies region to region and requirement to requirement. If you are unsure of what platform, development region, technologies, and features to choose for your app, then here are some tips for you.
Operating System: iOS, Android, or Cross-Platform?
The majority of smartphone users rely on Android smartphones in the UAE. Also, the average cost of mobile app development for the Android platform is lower than for the iOS platform.
Therefore, you can choose Android app development if you can compromise a premium section of the Target Audience.
However, if you can’t sacrifice a section of the Target Audience, then choosing cross-platform mobile app development services is the best option.
At a price slightly higher than Android app development, you get both Android and iOS apps.
Technologies: Advanced or Basic?
Now, the choice of technology depends on your business model. If you are simply taking your business online with a digital store, then you may start with an MVP app.
However, using AI and ML technologies for user profiling, analytics, and personalised recommendations is highly recommended. More advanced features like VR and AR-powered virtual try-ons can come at later stages.
Essential Features for My App
Next, you must make a list of essential features that you need in your app. Remember that certain features like secure login, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), user profiling, AI-recommendations, real-time push notifications, etc., are indispensable for your business. Eventually, try to avoid fancy features and focus on essential features to optimise the cost.
UI UX Design: Fancy or MVP?
If you have a limited budget, then choose a simple UI UX design. A simple user interface is not only budget-friendly but also performance-optimised.
A highly animated UI design might slow down old and outdated devices. Eventually, unintentionally, they might spoil the user experience in some cases.
Additionally, fancy UI UX design is more expensive. Therefore, for a budget and performance-friendly mobile app development, choose a simple UI.
Best Place for Mobile App Development in the UAE?
Currently, Dubai is the best place for mobile app development in the UAE. However, the mobile app development cost in Dubai is higher than the cost in other regions, but the quality of services is unmatched.
Dubai is the most resourceful Emirate of the UAE. Here you can find many top-notch app development agencies.
In Dubai, you can find the best talent with dedicated after-sales services. Therefore, choose Dubai for mobile app development without any doubt.
Final Verdict
So, you can get affordable mobile app development services all across the UAE. The final project cost depends on your project requirements. If you plan the app features, functions, design, and technologies carefully and choose the right team of mobile app developers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the UAE, you can get the best price deal. However, if you need an accurate cost estimate, connect with us and share your requirements. Our team can provide you with a detailed cost breakdown, timeline estimation, and scope of work.
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