Do you know that the online food delivery market in the UAE is expected to reach $3,961.4 million by 2030? Yes, but behind this thriving business lies an underlying question. What is the cost of building a food delivery app in Dubai? Well, the answer to the question is not definite at all.
This is because prices may vary dramatically depending on features, design, and development complexity. So, the blog will explore the variables that affect app development costs, along with pricing levels.
How Does a Food Delivery App Work?
The applications for food delivery in UAE operate under an effective digital ecosystem that interrelates the users, restaurants and delivery agents in real time. Customers can search menus in apps. The best successful examples of such apps are Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem. These apps contain the most advanced features that let customers order food quickly.
Once users place orders, the nearest delivery partner is then allocated via GPS tracking. Live updates enable customers to track each process. These apps rely on intelligent algorithms to match orders, reduce wait times, and ensure food quality. This smooth coordination makes food delivery in the UAE rapid, dependable, and convenient.
Food Delivery Application Development Cost in the UAE
An application like Talabat which is a type of food delivery app, would cost AED 69,650 to AED 275,300 or maybe even more. The costing difference depends on several factors including the complexity of the apps and the features, the location of the developers, and other technical factors.
However, the interface of an app with a high level of complexity and a set of features will require a massive investment. So, it, of course, costs more than a simple app with a limited number of functions. Now, let's take a look at the food delivery app development cost with the varying levels of complexity:
| Complexity of the App | Approximate Price | Possible Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Basic App | AED 69,730 – AED 110,000 | Possible timeline is 3 to 5 months |
| Mid-level App | AED 110,000 – AED 190,000 | Possible timeline is 3 to 5 months |
| Advanced App | AED 190,000 – AED 275,250+ | Takes between 5 and 8 months |
Factors That Can Affect the Final Price of Food Delivery Apps
The process of creating a food delivery application involves making smart decisions that align with your budget and business goals. Well, anyone can give you an idea about the cost to build food delivery app UAE. But the overall cost is determined by a number of crucial factors. The key factors that influence the final price of food delivery apps are listed below.
App Platform
The price will depend on building the application on Android or iOS or both. A cross-platform app can be cost-effective but not necessarily as effective as the native apps. But, the selection of the appropriate platform is based on the targeted audience and business objectives.
| App Platform | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Android | AED 75,000 – AED 140,000 |
| iOS | AED 85,000 – AED 150,000 |
| Cross-Platform | AED 100,000 – AED 180,000 |
Developers' Location
The prices of development vary according to region as well. Like, it is typically more costly to hire developers in the UAE or the US than to work with an Indian or Eastern European team. So, your developers' location affects the final budget through the skill level, experience and hourly rates.
App Complexity
The simpler application with fewer main functions (like login, search, and order) is cheaper. Nevertheless, the inclusion of such advanced features as AI recommendations, multiple payment methods, or real-time tracking would make it more expensive. So, it simply means that the more complicated the app, the more expensive it is to develop and maintain.
Inclusion of Features
A few functionalities, such as push notifications, order tracking, loyalty programs, and customer reviews, enhance the user experience and increase costs. So, companies should strike a balance between basic and luxury features to control costs.
Third-Party Integration
The addition of third-party applications such as payment gateways, chatbots, or GPS APIs makes building easier but also incurs extra costs. Such integrations enhance functionality but add to the cost to build food delivery app UAE.
Security Standards and Compliance
The food delivery applications should comply with the UAE data protection regulations and provide safe transactions. Additional expenses further needed if you add advanced encryption, privacy policies to meet GDPR standards.
Scalability and Back-End Infrastructure
When you have a great backend system, it promises that your application will perform smoothly even during peak hours. Spending on cloud servers, database optimization, and load balancing is costly in the short run, but it facilitates future expansion.
How to Know If Any Company Has Hidden Charges?
It is crucial to find the appropriate app development company. But most clients fear incurring additional expenses that may be revealed in the future. In order to prevent unexpected situations, it is necessary to understand how you can avoid the extra cost of building a food delivery app in Dubai. So, let's know!
Check Contract
Never sign a contract without reading through it. Search in case of ambiguous terms or extra costs related to updates, testing or maintenance. All inclusions and exclusions will be clearly mentioned by a credible company.
Request a Breakdown of Costs
Ask them to provide a complete estimate of costs for design, development, testing, and post-launch support. In case the company does not provide the details, it may be concealing additional charges.
Watch out against Unrealistic Low Quotes
When a firm provides services at a very low price compared to the rest, it may impose some charges in the future. Also, note that low prices often omit important features that will be expensive in the long run.
Conclusion
The creation of apps for food delivery in UAE is associated with a range of parameters, including the platform and security requirements. So, knowing these costs can assist you in making a smart budget plan and avoiding unknown expenses. By collaborating with an effective development firm, there will be transparency, quality and eventual success.
So, need to develop a strong, affordable food delivery app? Get in touch with Owebest Technologies now and transform your business idea into a lucrative digital solution!

