Imagine entering one of the fastest-growing digital markets in the world – a space where mobile apps are reshaping how people shop, bank, learn, and connect.

Did you know? The mobile app market was worth over USD 250 billion in 2023, and it is on track to more than double by the end of this decade.

As more companies move toward mobile-first solutions, one of the biggest questions that naturally arises is: What does it actually take to build a mobile app, and how much does it cost? In fact, understanding the financial side of app development is essential for planning effectively, choosing features wisely, and ensuring your investment delivers long-term value.

This blog breaks down the key elements that shape mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia and helps you gain clarity on what to expect before starting your app.

Factors Impacting the Mobile App Development Cost in Saudi Arabia

The cost of mobile app development varies based on the scope, technical requirements, and level of customization required for the project. These elements determine the amount of work involved, the expertise required, and the time needed to build the app.

1. App Complexity

Simple Apps

Simple apps include basic screens, straightforward navigation, and minimal features, which makes them easier to develop and test. As a result, the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia generally ranges from SAR 25,000 to SAR 60,000, depending on design and functionality.

Mid-Level Apps

Mid-level apps involve moderate features such as APIs, dashboards, or enhanced UI elements, which require more development hours. Therefore, the cost in Saudi Arabia typically falls between SAR 60,000 and SAR 150,000, based on feature depth.

Complex Apps

Complex apps include advanced capabilities, real-time processing, or extensive backend systems, requiring specialized expertise and longer build time. Consequently, the mobile application development cost estimate ranges from SAR 150,000 to SAR 400,000 or more, depending on the level of customization.

2. Features

Core Features

Core features include essential elements such as login screens, basic content sections, and standard user interactions that form the foundation of the mobile app development services in Saudi Arabia. Due to their lower complexity, integrating these features usually costs SAR 20,000 to SAR 80,000 as per the number of modules.

Advanced Features

Advanced features involve capabilities like AI-driven tools, real-time chat, geolocation, or secure payments that require additional engineering effort. As a result, adding these features in Saudi Arabia generally increases costs to SAR 80,000 to SAR 250,000 or more, depending on technical requirements.

3. Design Requirements

Basic Design

Basic design includes standard layouts and simple UI elements that do not demand extensive customization. As a result, the design cost in Saudi Arabia often ranges from SAR 8,000 to SAR 20,000 as per the number of screens.

Custom UI/UX Design

Custom design involves tailored layouts, animations, and brand-specific elements that enhance the user experience but require more creative effort. Consequently, design costs in Saudi Arabia usually fall between SAR 20,000 and SAR 60,000 based on complexity.

4. Development Platform

Native App Development

Native apps are built specifically for either iOS or Android that offer superior performance but require separate codebases. Thereby, native development in Saudi Arabia typically costs SAR 100,000 to SAR 300,000 per platform, depending on app size.

Cross-Platform App Development

Cross-platform apps use a single codebase to support both iOS and Android, reducing development time and effort. As a result, the hybrid app development cost in Saudi Arabia usually ranges from SAR 70,000 to SAR 180,000 based on the framework and features.

5. Backend Development Needs

Basic Backend

A basic backend handles simple data storage and user management with limited integrations. Therefore, backend setup in Saudi Arabia typically costs SAR 15,000 to SAR 50,000 on a scale basis.

Advanced Backend

An advanced backend supports large databases, multiple user roles, and dynamic operations that require sophisticated architecture. Due to this, the mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia often ranges from SAR 50,000 to SAR 180,000, depending on performance needs.

6. Third-Party Integrations

Standard Integrations

Standard integrations include tools such as maps, emails, or SMS services that are quick to configure. In Saudi Arabia, these integrations usually add SAR 5,000 to SAR 20,000 to the project, based on the number of APIs.

Complex Integrations

Complex integrations involve secure payment gateways, ERP systems, or custom APIs that require extensive testing. As a result, these may increase the cost in Saudi Arabia by SAR 20,000 to SAR 80,000 or more, depending on integration depth.

7. Security Requirements

Basic Security Measures

Basic security includes data encryption, secure logins, and compliance with standard guidelines, ensuring user information is protected. Due to this, the cost in Saudi Arabia typically ranges from SAR 10,000 to SAR 30,000 as per the implementation level.

Advanced Security Features

Advanced security covers biometrics, multi-layered authentication, and high-level encryption needed for sensitive applications. Consequently, the cost in Saudi Arabia often increases by SAR 30,000 to SAR 120,000, depending on security standards.

8. Testing and Quality Assurance

Functional Testing

Functional testing ensures every feature operates as intended under various conditions through regular validation cycles. In Saudi Arabia, this stage usually costs SAR 8,000 to SAR 25,000, based on the number of test cases.

Comprehensive QA

Comprehensive QA includes performance checks, security testing, and usability reviews to ensure smooth operations across devices. As a result, QA in Saudi Arabia generally ranges from SAR 25,000 to SAR 80,000, depending on coverage.

9. Developer Expertise

Junior to Mid-Level Developers

Junior and mid-level developers handle straightforward tasks and smaller modules with moderate supervision. As a result, one can hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia as per their experience level and skillset at the cost of SAR 80 to SAR 180 per hour.

Senior-Level Developers

Senior developers work on complex logic, system architecture, and high-level integrations that require advanced expertise. Therefore, their hourly rates in Saudi Arabia often range from SAR 180 to SAR 400, based on specialization.

10. Maintenance and Updates

Regular Updates

Regular updates include minor improvements, bug fixes, and feature refinements to maintain usability over time. In Saudi Arabia, these updates typically cost SAR 15,000 to SAR 40,000 annually, depending on app size.

Long-Term Maintenance

Long-term maintenance covers performance monitoring, security enhancements, and technology upgrades to keep the app stable. Consequently, annual maintenance in Saudi Arabia usually ranges from SAR 40,000 to SAR 120,000, based on complexity.

Conclusion

The cost of mobile app development is shaped by various factors, including the complexity of the app, the features it includes, the design requirements, and the technologies used. These elements play a crucial role in determining the overall budget, and understanding them helps businesses make strategic decisions to keep costs manageable while achieving the desired functionality.

If you are an organization looking to build high-quality mobile applications without exceeding your budget, ZimbleCode offers a compelling solution. With a proven track record in delivering customized app development services, ZimbleCode combines technical expertise, innovative design, and cost-effectiveness to create apps that meet both business goals and budgetary constraints. Their focus on efficiency and scalability makes them an excellent choice for businesses looking to develop mobile apps at a reasonable cost, without compromising on quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the average cost to develop a mobile app in Saudi Arabia?

The average cost to develop a mobile app in Saudi Arabia ranges from SAR 25,000 to SAR 500,000+, depending on app complexity, features, platform, and development approach.

Q2. What factors affect mobile app development cost in Saudi Arabia?

Key factors include app type, number of features, UI/UX design, iOS or Android platform, backend integrations, third-party APIs, and ongoing maintenance requirements.

Q3. Is it cheaper to build a cross-platform app in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, cross-platform development using frameworks like Flutter or React Native is usually more cost-effective than building separate native apps for iOS and Android.

Q4. Do Saudi mobile app development companies provide post-launch support?

Most professional mobile app development companies in Saudi Arabia offer post-launch support, including bug fixes, performance optimization, updates, and feature enhancements.

Q5. How long does it take to develop a mobile app in Saudi Arabia?

Mobile app development timelines typically range from 2–4 months for simple apps and 6–9 months for complex or enterprise-level apps, depending on scope.