How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a hub for digital innovation, with Vision 2030 driving significant investments in technology and entrepreneurship. As part of this transformation, the demand for mobile applications across industries, from transportation to e-commerce to lifestyle and finance, is growing remarkably.

According to Statista, the mobile app market in Saudi Arabia is projected to generate over USD 371.80 million in revenue, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70% between 2024 and 2029. This growth is forecasted to result in a market volume of USD 490.50 million by 2029, presenting a significant opportunity for local startups and businesses to invest in digital innovation.

However, one of the most pressing questions for aspiring app founders is: What is the cost of mobile app development in Saudi Arabia?

The cost typically ranges from SAR 19,000 to SAR 110,000 (USD 5,064 to USD 29,324), depending on the app’s complexity, features, and chosen platform.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key cost factors, development stages, and strategic insights to help Saudi entrepreneurs make informed decisions in building scalable, future-ready mobile applications.

Detailed Breakdown of Mobile App Development Costs by Type

For Saudi startups and entrepreneurs, understanding the cost of mobile app development is key to budgeting and launching a successful app. Whether you’re building a simple MVP or a complex solution, this section breaks down costs and timelines for various app types, tailored to Saudi Arabia’s growing tech ecosystem.

1. E-Commerce Mobile App

E-commerce mobile apps in Saudi Arabia, like Jahez or Noon, enable seamless buying and selling with user-friendly interfaces tailored to local preferences, supporting Vision 2030’s e-commerce growth.

The cost of an eCommerce mobile app development in Saudi Arabia depends on factors like platform (iOS, Android, or cross-platform), UI/UX localization for Saudi consumer tastes, team expertise, and compliance with KSA regulations. Costs typically range from SAR 56,298 and SAR 243,851 (USD 15,008 to USD 65,007), making it accessible for startups. Common e-commerce app types include:

• Retail eCommerce App
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Commerce App
• M-Commerce Apps
• Marketplace Apps

In addition, to understand the cost of e-commerce app formation in more detail, look at the table below.

Note – The above table consists of mobile app development cost estimates. It is also affected by the app’s complexity and customization.

2. Social Media Mobile Applications

Social media apps in Saudi Arabia, like ToYou or regional platforms, connect users through interactive digital ecosystems. Building these requires a robust backend for data storage, user authentication, and compliance with local data privacy laws.

• Social Networking Apps (Facebook, LinkedIn)
• Photo and Video Sharing Apps (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat)
• Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger)
• Dating Apps (Tinder, OkCupid)

Additionally, features like real-time collaborations, adding multiple devices (smartphones, tablets, or desktops), push notifications, and many others impact the average cost of mobile app development.

3. On-Demand Mobile Application

Nowadays, everyone seeks comfort and convenience. On-demand mobile applications are the bridge between a customer and a business. It enhances the user experience by delivering services directly to users’ doors in minutes. Whether it’s food delivery, ride-hailing, or home services, the possibilities are endless.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most widespread use cases of on-demand mobile applications along with their costs and innovative On-Demand Service App Ideas that are shaping the future of customer interaction.

To succeed in Saudi Arabia, on-demand apps must reflect local culture (e.g., Arabic language support), comply with regulations like NCA data protection laws, and prioritize security with features like end-to-end encryption

4. Gaming Apps

Gaming apps, popular among Saudi Arabia’s youth, offer entertainment through engaging graphics and gameplay. With Saudi Arabia’s gaming market projected to grow under Vision 2030, developing gaming apps is a lucrative opportunity for startups, with costs varying by complexity.

In addition to this, if you want to start a gaming app, then there are some genres of gaming apps that you should be aware of and how much it costs to develop a mobile app for gaming-

• Casual Games

  This category is designed to relax the audience’s mood with fewer learning mechanisms. This involves games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfer. Building a casual gaming app costs around SAR 18,750 to SAR 112,500 (USD 5,000 to USD 30,000).

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Games

  Combine real-time strategy (RTS) and action. League of Legends and DOTA 2 are examples of MOBA games. Making this type of game takes around SAR 75,000 to SAR 300,000 (USD 20,000 to USD 80,000).

• Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

  RPGs let the player assume the role of a fictional character in the game with high-quality graphics. The games involved are The Witcher 3:Wild Hunt, Mass Effect 2, and many others. RPGs will cost you about SAR 112,500 to SAR 375,000 (USD 30,000 to USD 100,000).

• Hyper-Casual Games

  These games are more addictive and make the user habitual of them. Examples of hyper-casual games are Dodgeball Duel, Terrarium, and Hole.io. The development price of hyper-casual games is SAR 11,250 to SAR 56,250 (USD 3,000 to USD 15,000).

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5. Managing Business Process Apps

Business process apps streamline operations for Saudi startups, automating repetitive tasks and boosting productivity, sales, and insights. If you decide to launch a business process app, then first know about its distinct categories:

• Workflow Management System
• Human-Centric Management System
• Document Centric Management System

6. Messaging App

Messaging apps, like Botim or ToYou, enable users real-time communication for Saudi users via text, images, videos, files, or audio.

However, a messaging app is compassionate because it consists of the user’s personal information, which should be protected from threats using end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular security audits, and user consent.

Also, the significant examples of messaging apps are-

• WhatsApp
• Instagram
• Telegram
• Botim
• Imo beta

7. IoT App

IoT applications in Saudi Arabia connect devices and users—for Smart Homes, Smart Cities, fleet or supply-chain monitoring, and wearable health tech. Riyadh and Dammam-based startups increasingly integrate real‑time analytics, RFID tracking, and dashboard insights.

• Smart Cities

  These apps share information about water and waste management, energy management, public safety, and many more to improve the efficiency of the city’s operations.

• Smart Homes

  IoT devices are popular in smart homes because they allow users to control their home’s devices like lights, televisions, or doors, ultimately saving money and energy.

• Supply Chain Management

  Inventory is the most essential part of any business. However, maintaining inventory by hand is slightly tricky. IoT apps help business owners recognize the production and track their containers and pallets, using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags to identify people and assets.

• Wearables

  Wearables are intelligent electronic technology worn on the body. They usually measure health via smartwatches and AR/VR headsets for gamers and provide help in taking care of elderly individuals by using nano-sensors.

Moreover, many other industries use IoT, such as retail, manufacturing, hospitality, traffic, fleet management, etc. To enhance productivity, provide real-time updates to the user for their convenience. If you plan to begin with an IoT app, you need more than just knowing about IoT software.

8. Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) App

1. Augmented Reality (AR) Application
AR apps enrich the user’s real-world environment by layering with graphics, text, or virtual elements. Augmented Reality does not depend on external hardware like AR glasses or headsets. In the cities of the Middle East, AR applications are transformed into various industries with innovations to improve users’ journey with the application and increase operational efficiency. The use cases of augmented reality are- Retail and eCommerce, Real Estate Businesses, Education and Training.

The cost to build an Augmented Reality application is specified in the grid below.

2. Virtual Reality (VR) Applications
The most noteworthy topic in the new age of technology is virtual reality. VR technology is opposite to AR. Because it wholly depends on non-realistic things, it serves the three-dimensional (3D) immersive world by using explicitly designed VR headsets or goggles to see the mesmerizing virtual world. VR headsets are not only for the gaming industry, but they also help in industries like – Healthcare, Education, Tourism and Hospitality.

Furthermore, the answer to the question of how much it costs to develop a mobile app for Virtual Reality application is provided in the mentioned data table.

4 Hidden Factors Affecting the Development Cost

For Saudi startups and entrepreneurs, understanding hidden factors that impact mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia is essential for creating a realistic budget. These factors, help you make informed financial decisions for your app project.

1. Third-party Integrations

Third-party integrations, like payment gateways (e.g., STC Pay), geolocation, or analytics, enhance your app’s functionality and user engagement in Saudi Arabia. These integrations, critical for a seamless app experience, cost between SAR 3,750 and SAR 56,250 (USD 1,000 to USD 15,000), depending on the API and its customization for Arabic-speaking users.

2. Marketing Costs

After launching your app, the mandatory part is creating your brand identity, lead generation, customer acquisition, and retention. The marketing cost will be spent on promotions on

• Press releases
• App store optimization
• Digital Marketing
• Email marketing
• Social media marketing

Furthermore, the monthly cost to promote your mobile application will go from SAR 5,627 to SAR 225,099 (USD 1,500 to USD 60,008) . The cost of marketing depends on the platform you choose.

3. Software Licenses Costs

Software licenses and development tools impact mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia. While some tools are free, premium ones are essential for quality apps. These include:

• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), such as Xcode, Cocoa, or Cocoa Touch APIs.
• Debugging Tools, for example, VSCode, Chrome DevTools, or ReSharper
• Design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, or Figma.
• Specialized Libraries, for example, Android (Dagger2, Glide, or RetroFit), iOS (RxSwift, Nimble, or Spring), and Cross-platform (React Native, Flutter, or Kotline)

Furthermore, software licensing costs will be around SAR 375 to SAR 1,875 (USD 100 to USD 500) monthly, depending on the tools and team size.

4. Mid-Project Changes

Mid-project changes can increase mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia. To minimize these, plan thoroughly with your Saudi-based development team. Common changes include:

• Project Expansion

  Adding features mid-project increases complexity and costs. Define essential features upfront, focusing on user needs like Arabic language support.

• UI/UX Changes

  Altering layouts or themes, especially to align with Saudi cultural preferences, can raise costs. Research mobile app design trends early to avoid rework.

• Platform Changes

  Switching platforms (e.g., from Android to cross-platform) requires additional effort, impacting budgets.

Factors Affecting the Average Cost of Mobile App Development

Several factors influence the average cost of mobile app development in Saudi Arabia, critical for startups planning their budgets. Partnering with a mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia requires understanding these factors to estimate costs accurately.

1. Platform Selection

Choosing the right platform—Android, iOS, or cross-platform—affects mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia. Native app Development (Android or iOS) offer high performance but are costlier, while cross-platform apps, using frameworks like Flutter, are budget-friendly for startups targeting both platforms.

• Native Apps: SAR 75,000 to SAR 300,000 (USD 20,000 to USD 80,000)
• Cross-Platform Apps: SAR 37,500 to SAR 150,000 (USD 10,000 to USD 40,000)

2. App Complexity

App complexity depends on the

• Features
• Functionality
• Platform Compatibility
• Design and UI/UX Interface
• Backend Development
• Third-party Integration

The question arises in app complexity: What is the cost of developing a mobile app? The answer is bifurcated into three portions: simple, moderate, and complex.

The above table shows the estimated cost, which is affected by the difficulty of mobile solutions. In addition, it can include features like real-time data, geolocation services, and AR/VR. But, if you opt for a simple app, it will be developed with essential features like push notifications, search functionality, or in-app purchases.

3. UI/UX Experience

A compelling UI/UX design, tailored to Saudi Arabia’s cultural preferences, enhances user engagement. Incorporate Arabic language support, culturally relevant color schemes, and intuitive navigation to meet local expectations. Hiring an expert UI/UX designer familiar with Saudi traditions is key to success.

4. Location of the Development Country

Onboarding a leading mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia can notably impact the cost of developing an application. The location of your selected company and the team affects you in many ways, such as the size of the team, the years of experience, or the country’s economic conditions. Here is the average cost of hiring mobile application developers.

5. Maintenance

Maintaining the mobile app before and after launch is mandatory. Maintenance includes regular technical assistance, security upgrades, frequent updates, bug fixes, or server hosting.

Maintaining your mobile software will cost approximately SAR 1,125 to SAR 3,750 (USD 300 to USD 1,000) monthly. This shows the mobile app development cost breakdown, affecting the development cost.

6. Tech Stack

Choosing the correct tech stack defines the future of your mobile applications. So, making any wrong decisions will directly affect money, time, and effort. Try implementing emerging and top-notch technologies in your mobile application with proper research and expertise.

Adding a tech stack, including software tools, libraries, programming languages, or technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, or Augmented Reality, will cost you SAR 37,500 to SAR 375,000 (USD 10,000 to USD 100,000).

4 Tips To Reduce The App Development Cost

The biggest challenge for a new entrepreneur is budget. After learning about the factors affecting mobile app development costs in Saudi Arabia, it’s time to get insights into reducing software development costs.

So, let’s dive into the tips we’ve handpicked for you.

1. Clear Goals for Your App

Before developing an app, the most crucial point is to understand two significant questions-

• What are the goals and objectives of creating a mobile app?
• What influential features do you want to integrate into your mobile app development process?

It would be best if you cared for your mobile app goals, and you will be taken to the expensive side of the development process. To avoid any situation of excessive budget for your app development, you can follow the SMART goal workflow-

2. Cross-Platform App Development

If your mobile software’s target audiences are Android and iOS, then go for cross-platform application development. Because it uses a single code base and needs one team of developers to run on both operating systems. The other benefits it holds are-

• Faster Development

  Since the app will be developed through a single code, the development process will be quicker by creating an app for each operating system.

• Stability in User Experience

  Well performance is essential for any mobile app. Developing your mobile app from a standard development team and a single code base will help in the same design and user experience.

• Third-Party Plugins

  The cross-platforms come with more accessible third-party plugins, enhancing the mobile app’s functionality. Remarkably, React Native is highly cooperative with third-party plugins like Google Maps.

The cost for cross-platform app development will be anywhere between SAR 56,309 to SAR 262,779 (USD 15,011 to USD 70,052).

3. MVP First Approach

Valuing the development of a minimum viable product is a considerable way to reduce the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia. Integrating simple and essential features into your mobile application will help you launch your app quickly to assemble user feedback and help test the market. The other benefits are-

• Reduce Risk

  Developing an MVP will reduce the risk of investing vigorously in an app that might not meet the market’s and user’s needs. With your mobile app’s basic version, you can test and refine the approach and idea of your application.

• Streamlines Development Process

  While developing an MVP mobile solution, it streamlined the development process by focusing on a limited set of features. Teams can work more coordinated and neglect the complexities of full-featured mobile solutions.

• Cost-Efficient

  Developing a full-featured mobile application will be more expensive because it includes all essential plus advanced features and functionality.

The average cost for MVP mobile software development is around SAR 75,079 to SAR 300,319 (USD 20,015 to USD 80,060).

4. Utilize the Agile Approach

The agile approach is the iterative approach for mobile development, focusing mainly on combination and flexibility. This involves breaking the project into small sprints, each with a specific goal and timeline. The perks of the agile approach in your mobile app development cost include:

• Cost-effective

  This approach divides the project into small sprints, which helps efficiently utilize the resources. This approach saves time that would be spent on less important tasks. Standard testing and constant iterations help find and fix bugs early by avoiding cost and time.

• Flexibility to Change

  The mobile application market is rapidly booming with new technologies, user preferences, and competition. Agile’s iterative approach helps teams to promptly adapt these new technologies by including feedback and new needs in each sprint.

• Elevate User Experience

  Unlike the traditional approach, where users are only part of the planning stage, the agile approach keeps the users from the planning stage to every stage of development.

Conclusion

A successful mobile app idea starts with a clear understanding of your target audience, the right features, and the right technology stack. But for any new entrepreneur or startup founder, one of the most important questions is: How much will it cost to build my app?

At aPurple, we’re a dedicated mobile app development company based in Saudi Arabia, with a strong track record of supporting startups and helping them grow. Our team focuses on:

• In-depth market analysist
• Custom strategies tailored to your goals
• Fast, effective development solutions
• Cutting-edge technologies that future-proof your app

So, what’s holding you back from turning your idea into reality?
Reach Out ustoday and let’s bring your mobile app vision to life.

Author

Mayur Panchal

Mayur Panchal is the CTO of aPurple. He is passionate about tech trends, clone apps, on-demand app solutions, and innovations across various domains. He loves to share his expertise through engaging content and inspiring others to discover the future of the IT world.