How much does it cost to build an ecommerce website in the United Arab Emirates?

Aspiring to build websites that load in under 1 second.

In UAE, the costs of an eCommerce website can range anywhere from AED 5,000 to AED 300,000+.

● If you’re a startup looking for a quality 5-10 page website, the cost will go between AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
● Mid-sized 10-30 page website will cost up to AED 15,000 to AED 25,000.
● High-complexity eCommerce websites cost from AED 25,000 upwards.

But which factors influence website development expenses? How to plan your budget to get your eCommerce platform up and running on the first shot without costly mistakes?

What to consider when assessing the cost of an eCommerce website

Without a clear budget, you can easily end up overspending. We will break down our eCommerce cost analysis into the following major expenses:

• Ecommerce platform type
• Domain name
• Hosting
• Developers' time
• Design
• SSL certification
• Features and functionality
• Content
• SEO
• Maintenance

Answering the following questions can help you determine your eCommerce website costs upfront:

Ecommerce platform vs custom development: which one do I need??

Choosing the best way to start an online shopping business is not easy. There’s plenty of platforms for online commerce. However, not all of them are capable of handling the increased traffic. Open source eCommerce website development platforms are not as secure and flexible as customized websites. Custom development can deliver solutions powered by voice recognition, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and a headless eCommerce approach. A well-designed website will show your customers that you take them seriously.

Costs involved: Most basic eCommerce website templates cost up to AED 1,000 but installation and customization can cost up to AED 7,000.

How much will a domain name cost?

A domain is your company’s online house. It could be purchased for a period of 1 year after which you will have to renew it.

Costs involved: AED 20 – AED 200/per annum depending on .com, .net, .ae etc.

Will I need support for hosting?

If yes, use an appropriately-priced host. If no, look at free hosting options. Most SaaS platforms offer some level of hosting, although it can be limited in the amount of storage, traffic, and even the number of orders. Because ecommerce websites are meant to generate revenue, it is advisable to have hosts that offer support.

Costs involved: AED 400 onwards.

How much does it cost to hire developers?

A good cost analysis should also include the allocation of developers' time. Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise, experience, location, and market conditions.

Costs involved: AED 7,000 + depending on developer rates and skills.

What kind of web design do I need?

If you want to distinguish yourself from your competition, go for world-class design. If you simply want to sell and compete, go with something more affordable. Good UX design is a roadmap for your clients to make a quick purchase in one go, however, it will increase the final cost of your website.

Costs involved: UX design typically costs up to AED 35,000 - AED 55,000.

What SSL certificate should I use?

SSL stands for “Secure Sockets Layer.” SSL certificates are used to establish a secure, encrypted connection. Without SSL a web store will be vulnerable to hackers. The biggest reason to pay for an SSL certificate instead of going with a free version is liability protection. This means that in the event of a data breach, you are insured based on your warranty level.

Costs involved: SSL certificate from globally reputed brands starts from AED 914/year and upwards.

What features do I need?

Functionality is of key importance. A typical site should integrate the following features:

• Registration
• Navigation
• Reviews
• Flexible check out
• Multiple payment options

Create a list of features your online store needs. Customizing advanced features will naturally require a bigger budget.

Costs involved: AED 18,000 to AED 185,000 (initial investment).

What kind of content should I create?

As marketing mavens say, content is king. For an online store, you’ll need product images and descriptions. The cost of copywriting is directly proportional to the number of pages.

Costs involved: Visual elements of an ecommerce website typically cost from AED 1,800 to AED 7,500. As to copywriting, expect to pay from AED 200 to AED 1,800 per page or article.

What kind of SEO work for a higher Google ranking do I need?

If you want to beat all of your competitors, you'll need a lot of SEO support. If you're just looking to compete, basic SEO may suit your needs.

Costs involved: AED 1,100 - AED 5,500 per month.

Do I need website maintenance?

Keep in mind that your website will require continuous investment for improving the functionality when initial development gets completed. Just like your health can fall apart without a healthy diet, regular workouts, and check-ups, so can your website. Ecommerce sites need routine maintenance to ensure that all of the components are working properly. The cost of maintenance is again dependent on the features and functionality.

Costs involved: AED 3,000 to AED 30,000 per month.

How to lay a solid foundation for the future of your business?

Ecommerce is one of the best ways to make money online. Statista predicts almost 5 billion digital buyers in 2022, a figure likely to reach 6.5 billion by 2023. Most successful eCommerce stores pay off their initial investment in the first year or less.