App quotes in Saudi Arabia vary enormously, from a few thousand riyals to several hundred thousand. Most of the difference comes from three things: who builds it, how much it has to do, and how well it handles Arabic, payments and ZATCA.
Typical prices in 2026
From our own service menu, for an app built by our team:
- A focused first version (sign-up, the main screens, payments and an admin panel): an estimated $400 to $1,000, about SAR 1,500 to 3,750, in six to eight weeks.
- A business app with several roles, bookings, notifications and reports: usually $1,000 to $3,000 (SAR 3,750 to 11,250).
- A marketplace or delivery platform with customer, provider and driver apps: $3,000 and up.
Agencies based in Riyadh or Dubai often quote several times these figures, mostly because of local salaries. What you should compare is what's included, and who owns the code at the end.
What adds to the cost in Saudi Arabia
Arabic, done properly. Arabic runs right to left, so menus, lists, numbers and icons all flip. Designing both languages properly from the start takes more time than translating at the end, and is much cheaper than fixing it later.
Payments. mada, Apple Pay, STC Pay and cards, through a Saudi payment gateway, each set up and tested. Buy-now-pay-later like Tamara or Tabby adds a little more.
ZATCA e-invoicing. If the app sells, its invoices must follow ZATCA's rules. Connecting it to invoicing software like Hisaabii is far cheaper than building compliance yourself. See our plain guide to phase 2.
Data rules. Some sectors need customer data kept in Saudi Arabia under the Personal Data Protection Law, which affects hosting.
Costs after launch
- Store accounts: Apple's developer programme is $99 a year; Google Play is a one-off $25.
- Hosting, maps, SMS and notifications: often SAR 50 to 400 a month for a new app, growing with users.
- Updates and support: a care plan is usually $20 to $60 (SAR 75 to 225) a month.
Where we fit
We've worked in Riyadh since 2019, and our own products run in Saudi shops, salons and restaurants every day. See our app development in Riyadh page, or tell us about your app for a fixed quote.
