Cost to Develop Mobile App in Saudi Arabia
Many factors influence the cost of mobile app development in Saudi Arabia; thus, the subject is dynamic and complex. The expertise of the team involved in this development, from the simple to the complex app features, all contribute to the final cost of developing the application. The growing ecosystem has transformed Saudi Arabia into a full-fledged development market for mobile applications, which cuts across various verticals such as e-commerce, healthcare, and entertainment. For simple apps to be highly customized, one needs to know the market rates, stacks, and timeline of the projects involved. This blog delves into the key cost determinants, offering insights to help businesses and entrepreneurs budget effectively for their app development projects.
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ToggleGlobal Market Data of Mobile App Development
As per a report by Grand View Research, the mobile application market globally is growing remarkably, with the growth being fueled by the increased use of smartphones and the demand for services through applications. Worth USD 252.89 billion in 2023, the market is forecast to increase at an aggressive rate of CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period 2024 to 2030 to an impressive figure of $643.04 Bn by 2030.
Factors That Affect Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia
[1] App Complexity and Features
- Simple Apps: Apps with few features such as static content, simple forms, or user registration that cost between SAR 20,000 to SAR 40,000 ($5,300 to $10,600).
- Moderately Complex Apps: Features such as real-time chat, push notifications, or basic e-commerce functionality cost between SAR 50,000 and SAR 150,000 ($13,300 to $40,000).
- Large Complex Apps: Applications with advanced features such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), AR/VR, or even Blockchain integration could be charged from SAR 200,000 to 500,000 SAR ($53,000 to $133,000), or even much higher, according to the specifics of the task.
[2] Selection of the Platform
- Single Platform( iOS or Android): Developing one platform costs roughly SAR 30,000 to SAR 80,000 ($8,000 to $21,300), depending on the complexity.
- Cross-Platform Development: Using technologies like Flutter or React Native to create across-platform apps is further cost-effective, generally ranging from SAR 50,000 to SAR 120,000 ($13,300 to $32,000).
- Native Development: If you develop apps for native apps on both platforms (iOS and Android), the cost can range from SAR 100,000 to SAR 300,000 ($26,600 to $80,000).
[3] UI/UX Design Complexity
- Basic Design: Simple layouts and templates can cost around SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000 ($2,700 to $5,300).
- Custom Design: A customized UI/ UX design relevant to your brand and customers costs roughly SAR 25,000 to SAR 50,000 ($6,600 to $13,300).
- Advanced Design: Apps that bear unique robustness, transitions, and high interactivity can cost between SAR 60,000 to SAR 150,000 ($16,000 to $40,000).
[4] Development Team and Expertise
- In-House Developers: In Saudi Arabia Hiring in-house developers generally costs SAR 150 to SAR 300/ hour ($40 to $80/ hour). For a full-scale app, this can range from SAR 100,000 to SAR 300,000 ($26,600 to $80,000).
- Offshore Developers: Developers, especially in regions like South Asia, charge less, generally SAR 50 to SAR 150/ hour ($13 to $40/ hour). A complete design could cost around SAR 50,000 to SAR 150,000 ($13,300 to $40,000).
- Hybrid Team: A combination of in-house and offshore developers can range between SAR 80,000 to SAR 200,000 ($21,300 to $53,300).
[5] Third-Party API Integration
- Simple Integrations: Adding basic APIs, similar to social logins or Google Charts, costs around SAR 5,000 to SAR 15,000 ($1,300 to $4,000) per integration.
- Advanced Integrations: More complex integrations, similar to secure payment gateways compliant with SAMA norms or real-time converse features, can cost between SAR 20,000 to SAR 50,000 ( $5,300 to $13,300).
[6] Localization and Language Support
- Introductory Localization: Adding Arabic language support and simple adaptations for right-to-left( RTL) textbook alignment costs around SAR 10,000 to SAR 20,000 ($2,700 to $5,300).
- Full Localization: A completely localized app with custom restatements, artistic acclimations, and detailed testing may range from SAR 30,000 to SAR 60,000 ($8,000 to 16,000).
[7] Regulatory Compliance
- Basic Compliance: Meeting general data protection and sequestration norms costs around SAR 15,000 to SAR 30,000 ($4,000 to $8,000).
- Advanced Compliance: Apps taking full compliance with PDPL or SAMA regulations, similar to e-commerce apps, may have costs of SAR 50,000 to SAR 100,000 ($13,300 to $26,600) for encryption, secure payment systems, and advanced testing.
[8] Maintenance and Updates
- Basic Maintenance: Regular bug fixes and small updates can cost around SAR 5,000 to SAR 15,000/ month ( $1,300 to $4,000/ month).
- Comprehensive Maintenance: For apps requiring frequent updates, performance optimization, etc, costs may rise from SAR 20,000 to SAR 50,000/ month ($5,300 to $13,300/ month).
[9] Marketing and Launch Strategy
- Basic Marketing: Minimal marketing, similar to app store optimization (ASO) and basic social media platform marketing, costs around SAR 10,000 to SAR 30,000 ($2,700 to $8,000).
- Comprehensive Marketing: A robust strategy including influencer marketing, targeted advertisements, and SMM can cost SAR 50,000 to SAR 200,000 ($13,300 to $53,300) or more, depending on the scale.
Strategies to Optimize Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia
[1] Define Clear Objectives and Requirements
Start by outlining the purpose of your app. Ask yourself, “What problem will this app break for my users ” For example, if you’re targeting e-commerce users in Saudi Arabia, your app may need features like flawless online payment integration, user-friendly navigation, and an Arabic language interface. Draft a comprehensive document that lists all the must-have-have and good-to-have features. By narrowing the focus to core functionalities, you reduce significant development costs. Also, engaging stakeholders in the planning phase ensures everything is aligned, including expensive mid-project changes.
[2] Leverage Local Talent and Outsourcing
Saudi Arabia is home to a growing pool of professional developers, fueled by government enterprises like Vision 2030’s focus on education and entrepreneurship. Hiring local developers ensures your app resonates with the local users, as original inventors have a better grasp of artistic nuances similar to the significance of right-to-left textbook alignment, and region-specific preferences. However, outsourcing the project to regions like India, and Egypt, if your design requires technical expertise or a tighter budget can also reduce costs to an extent. Consider a hybrid approach where local and outsourced developers unite to maintain artistic applicability while optimizing costs.
[3] Adopt Agile Development Practices
Agile app development emphasizes inflexibility, collaboration, and incremental progress. In discrepancy to traditional models like Waterfall, where all features are developed straightforwardly, Agile enables you to develop, test, and launch your app in phases. For instance, you can release an MVP with simple functionalities and gather user feedback. This iterative process allows you to upgrade the app based on real-world operations rather than just assumptions. Agile is particularly profitable in Saudi Arabia’s competitive landscape, as it allows you to stay ahead of trends and respond to shifting user demands, eventually reducing wasted time and costs.
[4] Choose the Right Tech Stack
The tech stack you choose plays a vital part in cost and effectiveness. For businesses targeting Saudi Arabia’s different markets, cross-platform development tools like Flutter and React Native are cost-effective because they allow concurrent development for Android and iOS. Still, if your app requires high performance for example if you’re erecting a gaming or AR app, native development might be the better choice despite its advanced cost. It’s also worth considering original preferences, like doing smooth integration with popular Saudi platforms similar to Mada payment gateways or custom APIs.
[5] Utilize Cloud Services and APIs
Creating everything from scratch is time-consuming and costly. Rather, utilize existing cloud platforms and APIs to accelerate development. Saudi Arabia is adopting the latest cloud platforms, and local cloud providers like STC Cloud and AWS Middle East Region offer scalable, dependable, and affordable structures. For example, integrating APIs for charts, push notifications, or AI-driven chatbots can save you significant time and resources. Cloud services also give the advantage of pay-as-you-go pricing, so you only pay for what you use, making them ideal for startups with limited budgets.
[6] Focus on User-Centric Design
The app’s design is your first impression, and investing in a great user interface( UI) can help users fully utilize your app. Work with designers who understand local user preferences For instance, colors and imagery should align with Saudi artistic values. Arabic support, including proper right-to-left alignment, is necessary for usability. A well-designed app not only enhances the user experience but also reduces the need for frequent redesigns or updates. Conduct usability testing with implicit users in Saudi Arabia to identify any issues beforehand and develop an app that feels intuitive and engaging.
[7] Test Early and Frequently
Quality assurance( QA) is an integral part of optimizing costs. Detecting bugs beforehand in the development process is far less expensive than fixing them after the app is live. Use automated testing tools like Selenium or Appium to run tests briskly and more constantly. Ensure the app is compatible with the wide variety of mobile devices used in Saudi Arabia, including both high-end smartphones and budget devices. Testing also includes real-world conditions, similar to how the app performs with inconsistent internet speed which is a critical consideration in areas with weaker connectivity.
[8] Outsource Non-Core Tasks
If your team lacks expertise in areas like content writing, social media marketing, or client support, then local agencies in Saudi Arabia can help draft marketing campaigns customized to the region’s social morals and preferences, while external agencies can handle post-launch user queries. By delegating non-core tasks to specialists, you not only cut costs but also allow your core team to concentrate on development. Consider outsourcing routine tasks like data entry, quality testing, or analytics covering to affordable freelancers or agencies.
[9] Plan for Post-Launch Maintenance
Launching an app is just the first step, post-launch costs like updates, bug fixes, and server-side maintenance can add up. Proactively budget for these costs by opting for a development team that offers post-launch maintenance packages. Regularly cover user feedback through app stores and social media to address pain points instantly. For example, if Saudi users express dissatisfaction with loading times or face issues with specific payment options, addressing these complaints will help increase user retention and cover your app’s reputation. A well-maintained app is more likely to retain users and reduce long-term costs.
[10] Take Advantage of Government Incentives
Saudi Arabia’s government has rolled out incentives to support digital businesses. Programs like Monshaat give backing and mentorship to startups, while the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence( SDAIA) supports businesses using AI and big data. Also, tech capitals like NEOM and KAUST offer partnerships and collaboration opportunities. Explore these opportunities to access backing, mentorship, or funding for development tools. similar impulses not only reduce outspoken costs but also place your business to thrive in a largely probative ecosystem.
Follow an End-to-End App Development Process
[1] Ideation and Research
This stage forms the critical foundation of any design, combining creativity with practicable insights. This phase begins with brainstorming sessions that involve all stakeholders, aiming to induce innovative ideas aligned with the project’s objectives and goals. The research includes studying the market trends, assessing competitors, relating user pain points, and gathering demographic data. Also, conducting user interviews and checks helps developers understand specific requirements and prospects. This process ensures ideas are both practical and predicated, leading to a clear understanding of the problem to be solved and the opportunities to grab.
[2] Planning and Strategy
Planning and strategy are where ideas take shape as a comprehensive action plan. This phase involves setting specific, measurable, attainable, applicable, and time-bound ( SMART) objectives. Developers define design project scope, create detailed timelines, and allocate resources like budgets and manpower. Threat assessment and mitigation strategies are established to address implicit challenges proactively. By using tools like Gantt charts and project management software, the team creates a structured roadmap, ensuring every team member understands their part in the broader vision. A robust strategy acts as the backbone for smooth prosecution.
[3] Wireframing and Prototyping
Wireframing and prototyping serve as the ground between conception and reality. Wireframes are sketches or digital outlines that map out crucial elements like navigation, layout, and app functionality. Prototypes, on the other hand, give interactive models that pretend real-world user experiences. These tools help developers decide the product’s inflow and functionality before investing in full-scale development. Feedback circles during this phase are pivotal, as they allow stakeholders and users to interact with the product beforehand on and give precious input. This iterative process ensures the final design aligns with user prospects and the design goals of the project.
[4] Design and User Interface
The design and user interface( UI) phase is where creativity meets specialized perfection. Building upon wireframes, designers craft visually appealing and intuitive interfaces that resonate with the target users. Every color, menu, and icon is chosen with purpose, ensuring that the design reflects the brand’s identity. Accessibility considerations, like contrast ratios and scalable fonts, are considered to make the product inclusive for different users. Design thickness across different pages or screens fosters a consistent experience, while micro-interactions like animations enhance user engagement. The goal is to develop a pleasurable, flawless, and functional interface.
[5] Backend Development
Backend development focuses on creating the entire structure that powers the product. Developers make and manage databases, servers, and APIs, ensuring smooth communication between the user interface and the system’s core functionalities. Tasks in this phase include enforcing secure authentication mechanisms, handling databases and retrieval, and optimizing the server performance. Scalability is a crucial priority, as the backend must support growing user bases and evolving features. By writing clean and effective code, backend developers create a solid frame that ensures trustability, security, and speed for the entire system.
[6] Frontend Development
Frontend development is where the mobile app’s visual designs are brought to life. Developers use technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript along with frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to make responsive and interactive interfaces. This phase ensures that the user experience matches the design vision, adapting easily to different screen sizes and devices. Frontend developers concentrate on performance optimization, similar to reducing loading times and enhancing responsiveness, to give a flawless browsing experience. Attention to detail is crucial, as indeed minor inconsistencies can impact usability and overall satisfaction.
[7] Testing and Quality Assurance
Testing and quality assurance( QA) is the safeguard against issues, ensuring the application functions without any issues. This phase involves multiple testing types, including functional testing to validate features, performance testing to ensure speed and trustability, and security testing to identify vulnerabilities. QA team uses both manual testing and automated tools to uncover bugs and anomalies. User acceptance testing( UAT) involves real-world users validating the product’s readiness for launch. This lengthy process guarantees a high-quality, dependable product that meets or exceeds prospects.
[8] Deployment and Launch
Deployment and launch mark the capstone of months of development as the product goes live for users. This phase involves finishing the product environment, configuring servers, and ensuring the deployment process is smooth and error-free. Developers perform a last round of checks, including load testing and database optimization, to ensure the system can handle real-world business. A phased or soft launch might be considered to test the application before a full-scale release. Clear communication with stakeholders, as well as user support readiness, ensures the launch is a positive experience for all parties involved.
[9] Marketing and Promotion
Marketing and promotion are necessary to ensure the product reaches its target users and achieves wide recognition. This phase involves creating a comprehensive marketing strategy that may include content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social media campaigns, and paid announcements. Influencer collaborations, email campaigns, and launch events help create excitement and induce buzz. Effective marketing highlights the product’s unique value proposition, addressing user pain points and demonstrating how it stands out in the crowd. Harmonious engagement with the user base through blogs, videos, and feedback circles fosters loyalty and trust.
[10] Maintenance and Updates
Maintenance and updates ensure the product remains competitive, secure, and aligned with user prospects post-launch. This phase involves monitoring performance metrics, analyzing user behavior, and collecting feedback to identify areas for enhancement. Regular updates address bug fixes, introduce new features, and adopt evolving technologies or regulations. Timely maintenance prevents downtime of the app, enhances user satisfaction, and strengthens trust. By staying responsive to user requirements and request changes, the product continues to deliver value, retaining its applicability in an ever-changing geography. This ongoing process is crucial to the product’s long-term success.
Technology Stack for Mobile App Development
[1] Frontend (User Interface)
Programming Languages:
- JavaScript (for cross-platform)
- Swift (for iOS)
- Kotlin (for Android)
Frameworks:
- React Native (cross-platform)
- Flutter (cross-platform)
- Xamarin (cross-platform)
UI Design:
- Sketch
- Figma
- Adobe XD
[2] Backend (Server Side)
Programming Languages:
- Node.js
- Python
- Java
- Ruby
- PHP
Frameworks:
- Express.js (Node.js)
- Django (Python)
- Spring Boot (Java)
- Ruby on Rails (Ruby)
- Laravel (PHP)
Database:
- MongoDB
- MySQL
- PostgreSQL
- Firebase Realtime Database
[3] DevOps
CI/CD Tools:
- Jenkins
- CircleCI
- GitHub Actions
Containerization:
- Docker
- Kubernetes
Cloud Services:
- AWS
- Google Cloud
- Azure
[4] Testing
Unit Testing:
- JUnit (Java)
- JUnit 5 (Kotlin)
- JUnit (Android)
- XCTest (iOS)
UI Testing:
- Espresso (Android)
- XCUITest (iOS)
- Appium (cross-platform)
[5] Others
Version Control:
- Git
- GitHub
- Bitbucket
Project Management:
- Jira
- Trello
- Asana
Integrating Future Technologies and Their Effect on Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia
[1] Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and ML transform the mobile app development process to automate, analyze, and personalize user features. This allows apps to analyze user data, automate certain tasks, and support decision-making. The inclusion of AI and ML in mobile services would substantially enhance the cost of development as they would require many specialized developers and ongoing model training. In Saudi Arabia, companies otherwise adopting an AI and ML approach need to also incorporate these added costs. However, in light of the likelihood of elevated engagement levels and overall productivity, this is a justified measure.
[2] Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology is boosting the security and transparency of mobile apps, especially in finance and healthcare. It provides decentralized and immutable solutions to data theft. However, implementing blockchain may be expensive, with the hiring of specialized technology developers. In Saudi Arabia, with the increase in digital transactions, adding blockchain could exalt the development cost with security and fraud prevention benefits in the long run.
[3] Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
AR and VR are bringing changes in mobile applications by creating immersive experiences that allow interactive development. The technologies are being used more in gaming, retail, and education. But introducing AR and VR into applications is expensive, and requires advanced graphics-heavy hardware systems along with specialized development skills. Given the surging demand for creative gaming and e-commerce experiences in Saudi Arabia, AR and VR become an investment that could lead to maximized user engagement.
[4] Cloud Computing
Cloud computing helps mobile applications to store data remotely and be scalable. This technology allows the developer to deploy an update with ease while handling a large chunk of data. When less physical infrastructure is present, it may still mean substantial expenditure is attributed to developing a mobile app. In Saudi Arabia, with its processes getting digitalized, the necessity of cloud computing arises, and this cost should be a part of the budgetary scope for development.
[5] Computer Vision
Computer Vision allows applications to understand visual data like images and videos and enhances functionalities such as facial recognition and real-time object detection. Its integration into mobile apps requires advanced algorithms and heavy processing power. Increased app development costs as computer vision makes inroads in Saudi Arabia’s retail, and security sectors are offset by its possibilities for creating innovative user experiences, thus making such an investment worthwhile.
[6] Internet of Things
Mobile apps equipped with IoT interface with smart devices for real-time data acquisition or management. The development of IoT apps has brought device communication management and security concerns, which are highly intricate and exceedingly costly. In Saudi Arabia, as the demand for smarter homes and connected devices increases, the costs of developing IoT Apps continue to rise; however, they hold enormous potential for businesses across all sectors, including healthcare and energy management.
How to Select the Best Mobile App Development Company in Saudi Arabia?
When looking for a reliable mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia, it’s vital to select a development partner that combines expertise, innovation, and a strong track record of success. Next Olive Technologies stands out as the leading choice, boasting over 12 years of experience and a team of 200 professional mobile app developers. With an excellent portfolio of 1000 mobile apps delivered and a remarkable 100% success rate, they’ve served in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other regions of Saudi Arabia and over 20 countries. Their client-centric approach ensures that each design is customized to meet the unique requirements of the customer, fostering strong connections and delivering exceptional results.
[1] Customer-Centric Approach: At Next Olive, the client-centric approach is at the heart of every design, ensuring that each app is tailored to the specific requirements and preferences of the customer. This fidelity to understanding and meeting customer prospects fosters strong, lasting connections and results in largely satisfied guests in Saudi Arabia
[2] Cost-Effective Solutions: When it comes to cost-effective results, Next Olive excels in delivering high-quality mobile app development services without any burden on the customer’s pocket, making decoration services accessible to businesses of all sizes.
[3] End-to-end Communication: Their commitment to end-to-end communication means that guests are kept informed at every stage of the development process, ensuring transparency, trust, and alignment with the project objectives.
[4] Timely Delivery: Eventually, the company’s focus on timely delivery ensures that systems are completed within the agreed-upon timeframe, enabling businesses to launch their apps instantly and gain a competitive edge in the request.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mobile application development costs can significantly vary within Saudi Arabia, depending on the wide array of features, complexities, and approaches, including the experience of the development team itself and the demand for the program. No two projects can be alike. Therefore, a thorough study, plan, and budget must be prepared. Taking professional advice and engaging with a reputed development agency such as Next Olive Technologies in Saudi Arabia will help provide insight into the development of a mobile app in such a dynamic market.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Next Olive Technologies is the leading mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia with over 12 years of experience and more than 200 experienced mobile app developers. The company provided its services in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and other parts of Saudi Arabia as well as over 20 different countries.
The cost to develop a mobile application in Saudi Arabia heavily depends upon factors such as the type, size, and complexity of the mobile application. Here is a typical cost breakdown:
- Basic Mobile Application: SAR 18,750 to SAR 112,500 (Approx $5,000 to $30,000)
- Medium-Sized Mobile Application: SAR 112,500 to SAR 375,000 (Approx $30,000 to $100,000)
- Enterprise-Level Mobile Application: SAR 375,000 to over SAR 937,500 (Approx $100,000 to over $250,000)
The general timeline of developing a mobile application is between 3 to over 8 months depending upon the size, type, and complexity of the app.
Next Olive’s customer-centric approach, timely delivery of the product, and end-to-end communication with the client are some of the advantages that make it unique among its competitors.
The cost of both Android and iOS applications depends on factors such as complexity, type, and size. Here is an estimate of the cost of Android and iOS apps:
Basic Apps: SAR 18,000 to SAR 100,000 (Approx $5,000 to $30,000)
Medium Apps: SAR 100,000 to SAR 370,000 (Approx $30,000 to $100,000)
Large Sized Apps: SAR 370,000 to over 940,000 (Approx $100,000 to $ 250,000)