Dubai Mobile App Developer Costs: A Guide For Startups
Lokesh Kumar
Apr 10, 2024
Most probably, before launching that shiny new mobile app, what is the very thought that comes up:
“Do you know how much it costs to hire mobile app developers in Dubai?”
The cost to hire mobile app developers in Dubai can be from 10,000 AED to 100,000 AED. It can vary based on several factors, including the complexity, and platform you’re targeting as well as the experience of developers.
Whether you’re planning to create a simple app or a complex one, understanding the cost to hire mobile app developers will assist you in setting a realistic budget for your project.
This blog will guide you through the cost breakdown, the factors that influence the price, ways to manage your budget, and tips to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Average Cost to Hire App Developers in Dubai
The first thing that comes to one's mind when considering mobile app development is the cost.
There is no standard rate, but we can provide you with an approximate breakdown based on the experience level of the developer, the kind of app you want, and other critical factors.
Here is a table that highlights the overall cost to hire mobile app developers in Dubai for different levels of expertise:
Type of Developer |
Hourly Rate (USD) |
Project Cost (AED) |
Project Cost (USD) |
Junior Developer |
27 - 54 USD |
10,000 - 30,000 AED |
2,700 - 8,100 USD |
Mid-Level Developer |
54 - 95 USD |
30,000 - 70,000 AED |
8,100 - 18,900 USD |
Senior Developer |
95 - 162 USD |
70,000 - 100,000 AED |
18,900 - 27,000 USD |
App Development Agency |
108 - 216 USD |
80,000 - 100,000 AED |
21,600 - 27,000 USD |
As Much as we love to tell you these numbers.
We want to share that these are just estimates, to know more about it, take the help of an experienced mobile app development company like IMG Global Infotech.
Factors Affecting the Cost to Hire Developers in Dubai
When you outsource mobile app developers in UAE, the cost of hiring them varies depending on several factors.
Project complexity, technology, and the developer's experience all weigh in.
Development time scale, location, and whether or not you are seeking a full-time employee or hourly based can impact the cost.
Here are the factors that affect their pricing:
1. Developer’s Experience
The experience level of the mobile app developer goes a long way with the cost.
Dubai-based highly experienced developers normally charge a very high rate.
While it may be efficient for an experienced developer to build a very complex app, this always costs you more.
Therefore, when you hire mobile app developers in UAE, their experience is something you must keep in mind as it directly goes into your budget.
Experience Level |
Estimated Cost Impact |
Junior Developer |
Lower cost, less experience |
Mid-Level Developer |
Moderate cost, growing expertise |
Senior Developer |
Higher cost, extensive expertise |
2. Complexity of the App
The more complex the app, the more expensive it is to hire mobile app developers in UAE.
The simpler, the less costly to make an app.
Apps that demand complicated features, for example, real-time data, integrations, etc., and advanced security systems, will need skilled people.
As the complexity increases, the cost to hire an app developer increases proportionally.
Always consider scope when estimating the cost of your project.
3. Technology Stack
Choosing the right tech stack is important when you are considering building an app.
Also, the technology that is deployed to build the app plays a significant role in pricing.
Developing an app exclusively for iOS and Android would typically cost more than developing a cross-platform app.
Developers must be trained in various programming languages and tools, and this can also factor into pricing.
Whether you are planning on building natively on Android, iOS, or both can play into the hire a mobile app developer cost.
Technology Type |
Estimated Cost |
Native Development (iOS/Android) |
Higher, as separate code bases are needed |
Cross-Platform (e.g., Flutter, React Native) |
Lower, single codebase for multiple platform |
4. Project Timeline
The timeline of your mobile application project can affect the cost.
A stringent deadline may mean overtime on the part of the developer, which will incur costlier fees.
If your app is urgent, more will be paid by you for the speedy delivery.
To avoid that, given sufficient time to complete the project. It will pay off in terms of the much lower hourly rates that you get when you hire mobile app developers in the UAE.
Timeline Type |
Estimated Cost Impact |
Short Timeline |
Higher cost due to urgency |
Long Timeline |
Lower cost, more flexibility |
5. Hourly vs Fixed Rate
It is considered necessary when we are talking about the average cost to hire an app developer.
The price structure can affect your cost.
Some developers charge according to an hourly rate. Others prefer fixed-price agreements for the whole project.
If you hire ios app developers in UAE on an hourly basis, the last cost will depend on hours worked.
A fixed-price contract is more predictable over cost but may be much higher upfront for a highly complex app.
Tips to Reduce the Cost to Hire Mobile App Developers in Dubai
Let’s be honest, it can be costly to hire mobile app developers in the UAE.
Save money by planning the project well and considering alternatives such as cross-platform development or even outsourcing.
To help you out, we are sharing some important tips to reduce the cost to hire mobile app developers in Dubai by making sure of high-quality results.
1. Outline Your Needs Clearly
Most recruitment processes for mobile app developers in Dubai can be time-saving and cost-effective when you clearly outline your needs.
The vaguer you are, the more developers will take extra time to find out what is needed, and they will be charging more money for that.
Outline what is expected from the very beginning, so you don't end up with unnecessary revisions.
This helps keep the cost to hire mobile app developers in UAE within a budget, but you get exactly what you need.
2. Consider Cross-Platform Development
Cross-platform development rather than native development can also keep the price to hire mobile app developers at bay in UAE.
Frameworks such as React Native or Flutter permit you to create applications using a single codebase. This helps in saving developmental costs and time.
This can significantly lower the average cost to hire a dedicated app developer, especially compared to developing two separate apps on each platform.
It is a cost-effective means of expanding a wider audience.
3. Negotiate a Fixed-Price Contract
Do not accept the rate for hourly rates; rather, you can negotiate a fixed-price contract for the app development service.
This can be helpful when your project is well-defined. If you hire mobile app developers in Dubai, you are controlling your costs and do not face any hidden charges.
Plus, it can help keep the cost to hiring mobile app developers in Dubai predictable.
Be clear with all details, such as milestones, and deliver in your contract to ensure easy-running project progress.
4. Plan for Long-term Maintenance
When you plan to develop a mobile app, keep looking beyond the initial launch and long-term maintenance.
It may seem that outsourcing to Dubai app developers makes sense for a single engagement, but you should consider continuous support might result in costly expenses in the future.
Plus, hire android app developers in UAE, who offer ongoing maintenance at a discounted rate for clients who commit to long-term relationships, saving you money in the future.
5. Focus on Core Features First
To reduce your initial investment, focus only on the core features of your application first.
Many businesses tend to create too many features at the initial stages, thereby increasing hiring costs for mobile app developers in Dubai.
By starting with the most essential functions and then adding these features in updates, the initial cost would be relatively reduced, keeping you from going over budget.
Having secured a successful core version, you can always consider mobile app developers in the UAE for the expansion of this base version.
With this out of the way, let’s get to know the steps involved to hire a mobile app developer in Dubai.
Step-By-Step Guide to Hire Mobile App Developer in Budget
With any successful app comes the necessary hiring of the right developer.
Here is a very simple guide that you need to follow for hiring Dubai, UAE-based mobile app developers whether you are from the rest of the United Arab Emirates or from around the globe.
1. Clearly Define Your Project Scope
Before you start finding that perfect developer, it's critical to define the project itself.
That means deciding what features and design are expected from your app along with the general goal.
· The more detailed the project is, the more suitable will the developer be for the requirements
· Target audience, main feature, and whether iOS or cross-platform.
· Identify third-party integrations and special features.
Having a clear roadmap will also help you estimate the cost of developing a mobile app in the UAE.
Once you know the complexity of your project, you will be able to easily calculate the cost to hire mobile app developers in the UAE.
2. Research and Shortlist Developers
When you are ready to hire mobile app developers in Dubai, make sure you research well.
First, check their portfolios and reviews for the quality of work they deliver. You want to find experienced developers who have built applications similar to yours.
You should look to hire Dubai app developers who have strong portfolios in your industry.
This helps you in reducing overpaying while making sure you’re getting the right talent. It’s important to balance the average cost to hire an app developer with their proven ability to deliver.
3. Select Hourly or Fixed-Price Contracts
When you do reach the negotiation stage, you will decide whether you want to pay your developer based on an hourly rate or a fixed price for the project.
· Hourly contracts are best for your project when it is dynamic and ever-changing.
· Fixed-price contracts are more suitable for your app if its features are well-defined and deadlines are specified.
Secondly, the hiring cost in Dubai may dictate whether the hourly rate is more practical or a fixed price.
Working to hire a mobile app developer in Dubai will ensure transparent pricing to prevent surprises down the line.
4. Discuss the Project Timeline
To understand the mobile app development cost in UAE, we have to talk about the project timeline.
A time set forth is essential to manage expectations and costs.
· Be realistic about when you will be getting the app done and take those deadlines to your developers.
· Premiums may be tagged in the price by some developers if your project calls for a tight timeline.
One has to adjust according to their budget, or should I say, bend expectations, especially if there's a need to custom hire app developers in UAE.
5. Assess Communication and Collaboration Capabilities
Good communication is central to the success of any project.
The collaboration level of your developer will make or break the experience of developing your app.
· Ensure your developer can keep up with your vision. He must be able and willing to provide you with updates regularly.
· Look for proactive developers who could easily suggest improvements, and spot the potential for issues early on.
6. Assess Communication and Team Player Skills
Successful projects must have good communication.
While choosing mobile app developers in Dubai, ensure they are responsive and easy to work with.
Your developer must understand your vision and regularly provide updates about it.
Look for proactive developers who will suggest improvement areas and early identification of possible problems.
Good communication saves time and money, ensuring the application is delivered as envisioned without surprises, both cost, and timeline for hiring mobile app developers in Dubai.
7. Review the Developer's Credibility and Recommendations
Make sure to contact their references before you decide to hire a developer, it’s like a final check.
Talk to some of their previous clients. Observe their earlier works. Know how they operate.
A good reputation of a developer will bring lesser risks of delay or unforeseen costs.
Seek case studies or testimonials, if necessary, to verify whether they have the technical ability to do the task required.
Transparent developers will express their price quote to give you an idea of the cost to hire mobile app developers UAE while offering the right level of expertise and efficiency.
This factor is very relevant to hire custom app developers in UAE due to the bespoke nature that demands a great expertise level.
Conclusion
To hire the right mobile app developers in the UAE, you need to make a great plan with careful consideration.
This means ensuring that the project you outline is clearly defined, finding the best possible developers to create your application, and ensuring that the timelines and budget is in line with expectations.
Whether you choose to hire Dubai app developers or go for a customized approach, taking time to assess experience, cost, and what will happen post-launching will help you get the best value.
By taking these steps, you would be set to succeed with developing an application within budget.