Cost to Build an eWallet App in UAE

Thinking about the cost to develop ewallet app in the UAE?

Whether it’s for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other major cities, you’re probably wondering, “How much does it cost to develop ewallet app here?”

The answer? It can range anywhere from AED 90,000 to AED 550,000.

The exact number depends on factors like your app’s design, features, and compliance with UAE’s regulatory standards.

With the growing demand for seamless and secure payment solutions in the UAE, creating an ewallet app is a promising investment, but only if done right.

Want to know what shapes this cost and how you can maximize your budget?

Let’s dive in!

Should You Develop an Ewallet App?

Is it worth developing an ewallet app in the UAE? Absolutely. Here are three compelling reasons, backed by facts:

1. Growing Demand for Digital Payments

The UAE is leading the charge in digital transformation. According to a report by Statista, digital payment transactions in the UAE exceeded AED 200 billion in 2023, and this number is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% over the next five years.

People in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi prefer cashless transactions for convenience and safety. An ewallet app positions you perfectly in this growing market.

2. Government Support for Cashless Society

The UAE government is actively promoting digital payment solutions as part of its “Smart Dubai” initiative.

Policies and incentives for businesses adopting cashless payments ensure a supportive environment for your ewallet app development.

3. Market Competition and Differentiation

Top ewallet apps like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Payit dominate the UAE market. However, there’s room for innovation. Features like loyalty programs, bill-splitting, or integration with local banks can help your app carve a niche.

The question isn’t whether to develop an ewallet app, it’s how soon you should start. With the right strategy, you can tap into a lucrative and rapidly expanding market.

Average Cost to Develop an Ewallet App in the UAE

On average, the cost to develop ewallet app in the UAE ranges between AED 90,000 and AED 550,000, depending on the app’s complexity, features, and the expertise of your development team.

Choosing the right balance between features and budget is key.

Working with a trustedapp development company can ensure cost efficiency and high-quality outcomes.

 Ready to learn what impacts these costs? Let’s dive deeper.

Factors That Affect Ewallet App Development Cost in the UAE

The ewallet app development cost in the UAE depends on several critical factors. Let’s explore these in detail, with cost impacts specific to this region.

1. App Features and Functionality

The more features you include, the higher the cost.

In the UAE, specific features like multi-currency wallets (for AED, USD, and EUR) or integrations with local banks and payment gateways are essential.

2. App Design

UAE users expect sleek, high-end designs.

For example, in Dubai, where luxury dominates, intuitive UI/UX with Arabic language support is often mandatory.

Here’s a breakdown of UI/UX design cost:

3. Compliance with UAE Regulations

Meeting local data protection laws like the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) can add to the cost but is non-negotiable.

4. Payment Gateway Integrations

UAE’s payment ecosystem is unique, requiring integration with local services. Here’s what cost for payment gateway:

5. Technology Stack

Using advanced technology like blockchain or AI for fraud detection can influence costs.

6. Development Team Location

Development costs vary based on the location of your team. Hiring a UAE-based team may cost more but ensures local expertise.

7. Testing and Quality Assurance

Comprehensive testing is critical to ensure a flawless user experience in UAE’s diverse market.

8. Hosting and Maintenance

Your app’s long-term success depends on reliable hosting and regular updates to meet UAE-specific demands.

9. Marketing and Localization

Marketing your app in UAE cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah requires localization efforts.

10. Custom Features for UAE Market

Adding features tailored to UAE users, such as bill payment integration for DEWA or Salik recharge, can increase costs.

Understanding these factors helps you allocate your budget efficiently while targeting UAE’s unique market needs. Let’s also uncover the hidden costs you should prepare for.

Hidden Factors & Costs in Ewallet App Development in the UAE

While the obvious costs in ewallet app development are straightforward, hidden factors can often inflate your budget.

Below, we detail these hidden elements specific to the UAE and their potential cost impacts.

1. Compliance Costs

Staying compliant with UAE laws such as the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and regulations like Central Bank’s Payment Systems Framework can incur additional expenses.

2. Security Enhancements

UAE consumers demand high-security standards. Adding advanced security measures to build trust may increase costs.

3. Custom Payment Gateway Integration

Although integrating standard payment gateways is common, working with local UAE-specific providers like Payfort or Network International may require customization.

4. Scalability for Peak Usage

In a market like Dubai, where large-scale events and shopping seasons drive high app traffic, scalability planning is essential.

5. Localization Challenges

Supporting multiple languages (primarily Arabic and English) can make app development more complex.

6. App Store Fees

Publishing your app in app stores requires yearly subscription fees, which many overlook.

7. Testing for Local Devices

Ensuring compatibility across devices commonly used in the UAE market can add to testing costs.

8. Post-Launch Maintenance

The journey doesn’t end after launch. Ongoing support and maintenance are crucial for keeping your app competitive.

9. Marketing & User Acquisition

Targeting UAE’s competitive app market requires substantial marketing investment.

10. Unplanned Iterations

Feedback from early users often requires design and functionality tweaks.

By accounting for these hidden costs, you can avoid surprises and budget effectively for your ewallet app development in the UAE.

Up next, we’ll explore the most popular ewallet apps and what it takes to clone them!

Popular Ewallet Apps & Cost to Clone Them in the UAE

Creating an ewallet app in the UAE that stands out requires understanding the competition.

Here are some of the most popular ewallet apps globally and what it might cost to clone them, tailored for the UAE market.

1. PayPal

A widely trusted app for international payments, offering secure transfers and multi-currency support.

2. Apple Pay

Known for its seamless integration with iOS devices and contactless payments.

3. Samsung Pay

Popular for its compatibility with both NFC and MST payment systems.

4. Google Pay

A widely used platform offering smooth integration with Android devices.

5. Payit (FAB’s Ewallet)

A homegrown UAE app offering comprehensive local payment solutions.

6. Venmo

A social payment app known for its split-bill feature.

7. Alipay

A major player in Asia, with extensive features for e-commerce and QR-based payments.

8. Paytm

An all-in-one solution for payments, recharges, and shopping.

9. Cash App

A simple yet powerful app focusing on peer-to-peer payments.

10. Zelle

A bank-focused app offering direct transfers between accounts.

Cloning an ewallet app is more than just replicating features. To succeed in the UAE market, you must localize your app, integrating features like DEWA payments, Arabic language support, and multi-currency functionality. 

Here’s How to Minimize Development Costs for an Ewallet App in the UAE

Building an ewallet app in the UAE doesn’t have to break the bank.

By making smart decisions during development, you can significantly reduce costs while maintaining quality.

Here’s how:

1. Choose a Pre-Built Framework

Using pre-built frameworks or ready-made solutions can save time and money. For example, leveraging open-source platforms or APIs can reduce development time by 20-30%.

2. Outsource Development to Experienced Teams

Hiring an offshore development team with expertise in ewallet apps can significantly cut costs without compromising quality.

3. Prioritize Must-Have Features

Instead of building all features at once, focus on essential functionalities for the initial launch. Additional features can be added in later updates.

4. Leverage Cloud Services

Using cloud-based infrastructure like AWS or Azure eliminates the need for expensive on-premise servers and ensures scalability.

5. Localize Smartly

While localization is essential in the UAE, prioritize critical areas like Arabic support and compliance first to avoid overextending the budget.

6. Automate Testing

Automation reduces manual testing efforts and ensures quicker deployment with fewer bugs.

7. Use Third-Party APIs

Third-party APIs provide ready-made functionalities, reducing the need for custom development.

8. Opt for Cross-Platform Development

Instead of building separate apps for iOS and Android, use frameworks like Flutter or React Native for cross-platform compatibility.

9. Plan for Scalability

By building scalable architecture from the beginning, you can avoid costly restructuring when the app grows.

10. Partner with an Expert Development Company

Working with a specialized ewallet app development company in the UAE, like eBizneeds, ensures cost efficiency and high-quality results.

Cutting costs doesn’t mean compromising quality. By following these methods, you can save up to 30-50% on your overall ewallet app development cost in the UAE while ensuring a top-notch product.

eBizneeds – Here to Help You Build an Ewallet App in the UAE

Looking for a trusted partner to develop your ewallet app in the UAE?

At eBizneeds, we specialize in creating secure, feature-rich, and scalable ewallet applications tailored for the UAE market.

Whether it’s multi-currency support, compliance with UAE regulations, or seamless payment gateway integrations like Payfort and Network International, we’ve got you covered.

Our team ensures:

• Cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.

• Expertise in local compliance and regulations.

• End-to-end support from ideation to post-launch maintenance.

Ready to bring your vision to life?

Partner with eBizneeds, your trusted ewallet app development company. Let’s create an app that sets you apart in the UAE’s competitive market!

Conclusion

Developing an ewallet app in the UAE is an excellent investment, given the rapid growth of digital payments and the government’s push toward a cashless society.

While the cost to develop ewallet app can range from AED 90,000 to AED 550,000, understanding the factors that influence this cost, like features, compliance, and localization, helps you plan effectively.

By focusing on smart cost-saving strategies, such as using pre-built frameworks, leveraging APIs, and prioritizing features for the local market, you can build a high-quality app without overspending.

Whether you’re targeting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or the entire UAE, success lies in offering a user-friendly, secure, and culturally tailored app.

FAQs

How much does it cost to develop an ewallet app in the UAE?

The cost typically ranges from AED 90,000 to AED 550,000, depending on app complexity, features, and team location.

What are the essential features of an ewallet app in the UAE?

Key features include multi-currency support, local payment gateway integration, Arabic language support, and compliance with UAE regulations like the PDPL.

How long does it take to develop an ewallet app?

On average, it takes 4 to 9 months to build an ewallet app, depending on its complexity and features.

Can I integrate UAE-specific payment options like DEWA or Salik?

Yes, integrating local utility payments, Salik recharges, and telecom bill payments is a must-have feature for UAE users.

How do I choose the right development company for my ewallet app?

Look for a company with expertise in the UAE market, experience in building ewallet apps, and a proven track record of delivering secure and scalable solutions, like eBizneeds.