What drives the cost of custom software in Dubai?
The honest answer most agencies avoid is that custom software pricing depends on scope, not a fixed menu. In Dubai, the same words — "web app" or "ERP" — can mean a four-week build or a six-month programme. Cost is driven by the number of features, the depth of integrations, security and compliance needs, and how much custom design the interface requires.
That said, you deserve real ranges before you commit. Below are realistic figures for the UAE market based on typical business projects, not enterprise mega-systems.
Typical price ranges by project type
- Simple web app or internal tool — AED 15,000 to AED 40,000
- Business application (CRM, booking, portal) — AED 40,000 to AED 120,000
- Mobile app (iOS + Android) — AED 50,000 to AED 150,000
- Custom ERP or multi-module platform — AED 120,000 to AED 500,000+
- SaaS product with billing and multi-tenancy — AED 100,000 to AED 400,000+
The five factors that move your budget
1. Number and depth of features
Every screen, role, and rule adds engineering time. A login and a dashboard are cheap; approval chains, reporting, and audit logs are where hours accumulate.
2. Integrations
Connecting to Tally, QuickBooks, payment gateways, WhatsApp, or an existing ERP each adds work. Well-documented APIs are quick; legacy systems without documentation cost more.
3. Compliance and security
UAE PDPL data protection, VAT-compliant invoicing, and role-based access are not optional for most businesses. Building these correctly from the start is far cheaper than retrofitting later.
4. Design and user experience
A functional admin tool needs less design than a customer-facing app where polish drives adoption. Bilingual Arabic and English interfaces add scope.
5. Delivery method
This is where ITZ differs. Our AI-powered vibe coding approach compresses development time, which directly lowers cost — often 30 to 40 percent below traditional agency quotes for comparable scope.
How to control your software budget
- Start with a clear list of must-have versus nice-to-have features.
- Build an MVP first, then add modules once the core proves its value.
- Choose a partner who gives a fixed-price proposal, not open-ended hourly billing.
- Insist on 100 percent source code ownership so you never pay rent on your own software.
At ITZ, every engagement starts with a free consultation and a transparent written proposal — so you know the number before any code is written.