The digital world is complicated and ever-changing. Every day, a new trend makes businesses worldwide face various challenges. It includes limited customer reach, low engagement, inefficient operations, data security issues, and competitive pressures.

How can businesses deal with these shortcomings?

The perfect answer to these challenges is mobile apps. They are effective solutions allowing companies to streamline their processes and engage with customers more deeply. Furthermore, they enable real-time communication, support data-driven decision-making, and foster brand loyalty through personalized experiences. Thus, mobile apps empower businesses to meet changing market demands, boost productivity, and maintain a competitive edge.

Market Statistics of Mobile App Development in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global business hub, and its readiness to embrace new technologies has made it a key market for mobile app development. According to a Statista report, global app market revenue reached $420.80 billion in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 8.83%. Considering the numbers, the specialists predict a projected market volume of $673.80 billion by 2027.

As Saudi Arabia continues to drive innovation, it has become essential for businesses to develop engaging mobile apps. It allows them to thrive in the digital landscape. But how much will developing a fully functional mobile app cost in 2024?

In this blog, we will discuss the average cost of mobile app development and the factors affecting it. So, let us get started!

Factors Affecting Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia

Let us explore the key elements that impact the cost of developing a mobile app in Saudi Arabia, which drive significant transformations across various business sectors.

1. APP TYPE

The type of mobile app you plan to develop is essential in determining the overall cost. Here is a brief overview of various app types and their estimated development costs:

• Healthcare App: These apps streamline patient-doctor interactions, allowing features like appointment scheduling, access to medical records, and virtual consultations. The cost to develop a healthcare app can range from $45,000 to $250,000, depending on the scope and complexity.
• Video Editing App: These apps enable users to create professional-grade videos, attracting a broader audience. Developing a video editing app can cost between $50,000 and $120,000, based on the feature set and design complexity.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) App: These apps offer flexible payment options at checkout, boosting customer experience and sales. The cost to develop a BNPL app varies from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on the complexity of payment integration and security.
• Content Streaming App: These apps provide a platform for streaming movies, TV shows, and original content, increasing customer engagement. The development cost for a content streaming app varies from $45,000 to $250,000, depending on the functionality and streaming technologies used.
• eSIM App: eSIM apps simplify acquiring and managing eSIMs for global connectivity, especially useful for travelers. The cost to develop an eSIM app can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on custom features and functionalities.
• On-Demand Flower Delivery App: These apps streamline the ordering process for floral arrangements, offering easy browsing and purchasing. Developing a flower delivery app can cost between $35,000 and $125,000, based on delivery integration and features.
• eCommerce App: eCommerce apps enhance brand visibility, customer engagement, and business growth through personalized product recommendations and seamless checkout processes. The development cost for an eCommerce app can range from $50,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on custom features and integrations.

2. LOCATION OF DEVELOPERS

The geographic location of the developers has a notable impact on the cost of developing a mobile app in Saudi Arabia.

• Freelance Developers: Hiring freelancers is a good choice for smaller-scale apps or projects with limited scope. The hourly rates for freelance app developers in Saudi Arabia typically range from $50-$150 or more, depending on their expertise and experience.
• Local Mobile App Development Companies: Local app development companies have a better understanding of the market and customer preferences. They have a team of experienced designers, developers, and project managers to handle projects. Depending on the project’s scale and complexity, it can cost between $35,000 and $125,000.
• Outsourcing: If you’re seeking cost-effective solutions, you might consider outsourcing your app development work to countries like India, Pakistan, or Eastern European nations. The labor costs in these areas are generally lower and can cost around $10,000 to $20,000 for a basic app.

3. APP PLATFORM

Your choice of platform—iOS, Android, or both—will affect the development cost. Let us take a look:

• Native App Development: Native apps are designed specifically for iOS or Android devices. The cost of developing a native app in Saudi Arabia can range from $20,000 to $2,00,000, depending on the app’s complexity and features.
• Hybrid App Development: Hybrid apps are designed to work on both iOS and Android platforms using cross-platform tools and frameworks. It is more affordable and can range from $10,000 to $100,000.
• Web App Development: Web apps are accessed through a browser, using standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is more cost-effective than native or hybrid development, and the price ranges from $ 4,000 to $40,000.

Conclusion

Developing a successful mobile app for the Saudi Arabian market can require a considerable investment. It can increase your business’s customer engagement, enhance brand visibility, and create new revenue streams.

However, you can make informed decisions and allocate your budget effectively by understanding the factors that influence development costs. You can partner with reliable app development companies in Saudi Arabia, like ZimbleCode. It will give you access to a diverse range of services at prices that are hard to beat in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How Long Does It Take to Develop a Mobile App in Saudi Arabia?

Developing a mobile app in Saudi Arabia varies based on the project’s complexity. A simple app might take 2 to 4 months to complete, whereas a more complex app could require 5 to 9 months or longer.

Q2. How to Lower Mobile App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia?

Planning efficiently and tapping local talent can minimize your mobile app development costs. You can also use open-source platforms, reuse existing code, prioritize must-have features, and choose cross-platform development.

Q3. What Is the Cost to Hire Dedicated Developers in Saudi Arabia?

The cost of hiring dedicated app developers in Saudi Arabia generally ranges from $15 to $25 per hour. However, this rate fluctuates based on factors like expertise, demand, and project specifics.