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.

App Type	Cost Range (AED)	Features
Basic Ewallet App	90,000–150,000	Core features like user registration, fund transfers, and QR code payments.
Mid-Level Ewallet App	150,000–300,000	Loyalty rewards, multi-currency support, and enhanced UI/UX design.
Advanced Ewallet App	300,000–550,000	AI-based fraud detection, blockchain integration, and third-party services.

Choosing the right balance between features and budget is key.

Working with a trusted app 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.

Feature	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
User Registration & Authentication	10,000–20,000	UAE laws require robust KYC compliance for apps.
Multi-Currency Support	20,000–50,000	Necessary for expats and tourists using various currencies.
Local Payment Gateway Integration	15,000–30,000	Integrate gateways like Payfort, Network International, or local UAE banks.
Loyalty Programs	20,000–40,000	Popular in Dubai’s retail-heavy markets to attract users.

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:

Design Aspect	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Basic Design	15,000–25,000	Minimalistic but functional UI.
Advanced UI/UX Design	30,000–60,000	Customized for premium appeal and cultural preferences in the UAE.

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.

Compliance Area	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Data Security Standards (PDPL)	10,000–25,000	Essential to avoid penalties for non-compliance.
PCI DSS Certification	20,000–50,000	Required for payment data handling.

4. Payment Gateway Integrations

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

Integration	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Local Gateways (Payfort, Network)	15,000–30,000	Tailored solutions for UAE transactions.
Global Gateways (PayPal, Stripe)	10,000–20,000	Additional support for international users.

5. Technology Stack

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

Technology	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Blockchain for Security	40,000–70,000	Popular for secure transactions in the UAE market.
AI for Fraud Detection	30,000–50,000	Enhances trust by identifying fraudulent activity.

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.

Team Type	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
UAE-Based Team	100,000–200,000	Provides familiarity with local regulations and audience preferences.
Offshore Team	50,000–150,000	Cost-effective but may require additional coordination.

7. Testing and Quality Assurance

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

Testing Type	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Manual Testing	10,000–20,000	Basic functionality and usability tests.
Automated Testing	20,000–40,000	Ensures scalability and performance under high loads.

8. Hosting and Maintenance

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

Service	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Cloud Hosting (AWS, Azure)	5,000–15,000/year	Necessary for secure and scalable infrastructure.
Regular Maintenance	20,000–40,000/year	Includes updates for compliance and new features.

9. Marketing and Localization

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

Service	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Localization (Arabic Support)	10,000–30,000	Required for UAE’s multilingual audience.
Digital Marketing Campaigns	20,000–50,000	Targeted campaigns to attract users.

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.

Feature	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Utility Payment Integration	15,000–30,000	Payments for DEWA, Etisalat, or Salik recharges.
VAT Calculation	10,000–20,000	Includes UAE’s specific VAT calculation for transactions.

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.

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Regulatory Approvals	10,000–30,000	Includes fees for licensing and compliance audits.
Data Encryption Standards	5,000–15,000	Implementation of government-mandated encryption protocols.

2. Security Enhancements

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Biometric Authentication	20,000–40,000	Popular in cities like Dubai, where advanced authentication is a norm.
Real-Time Fraud Detection	15,000–30,000	Uses AI to monitor suspicious activities instantly.

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.

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Custom APIs for Local Gateways	15,000–25,000	Tailored for compatibility with UAE payment systems.

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.

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Cloud Auto-Scaling Setup	10,000–20,000	Ensures seamless performance during high traffic periods like Dubai Shopping Festival.

5. Localization Challenges

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Arabic Language Optimization	5,000–15,000	Ensures a culturally appropriate and grammatically correct interface.
Right-to-Left (RTL) Design Support	10,000–20,000	For proper display of Arabic text and interface elements.

6. App Store Fees

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Apple App Store Fee	~399/year	Required for UAE app listings on iOS.
Google Play Store Fee	~99/year	For publishing on Android devices in the UAE.

7. Testing for Local Devices

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Device Compatibility Testing	5,000–10,000	Covers popular devices in the UAE, like Samsung, iPhone, and Huawei.

8. Post-Launch Maintenance

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Bug Fixes and Updates	15,000–30,000/year	Regular updates to meet user expectations and comply with new regulations.
Feature Additions	20,000–50,000/year	Adding new features based on market trends and user feedback.

9. Marketing & User Acquisition

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

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Social Media Advertising	10,000–25,000/month	Campaigns on platforms like Instagram, widely used in the UAE.
App Store Optimization (ASO)	5,000–15,000	Optimizes visibility on app stores.

10. Unplanned Iterations

Feedback from early users often requires design and functionality tweaks.

Hidden Cost	Cost Impact (AED)	Details
Iterative Design Improvements	10,000–20,000	User-driven changes after initial feedback.

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.

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
International Payments	200,000–350,000	Essential for UAE expats and businesses.
Fraud Detection	30,000–50,000	Critical to meet UAE’s data protection laws.
Currency Conversion	20,000–40,000	Supports transactions in AED, USD, and more.

2. Apple Pay

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
NFC-Based Contactless Payments	150,000–250,000	Highly demanded in cities like Dubai for convenience.
Biometric Authentication	30,000–40,000	Adds advanced security using fingerprint or Face ID.

3. Samsung Pay

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Dual Payment Technology (NFC & MST)	200,000–350,000	Broad compatibility for UAE’s diverse device users.
Bank Integration	30,000–50,000	Partnerships with UAE banks like Emirates NBD.

4. Google Pay

A widely used platform offering smooth integration with Android devices.

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
One-Tap Payments	150,000–250,000	Simplifies transactions for busy UAE consumers.
Loyalty and Rewards Integration	20,000–40,000	Attracts UAE shoppers with cashback and offers.

5. Payit (FAB’s Ewallet)

A homegrown UAE app offering comprehensive local payment solutions.

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Bill Payments (DEWA, Etisalat)	100,000–200,000	Essential for UAE-specific needs.
Peer-to-Peer Transfers	20,000–30,000	User-friendly for daily transfers in AED.

6. Venmo

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Social Feed for Payments	150,000–250,000	Adds a social element to UAE’s digital payment scene.
Split-Bill Feature	20,000–30,000	Perfect for UAE’s dining and shared expenses culture.

7. Alipay

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
QR Code Payments	100,000–200,000	Useful for UAE’s retail-heavy markets like Dubai Mall.
E-Commerce Integration	30,000–50,000	Connects users with local and international stores.

8. Paytm

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Utility Bill Payments	120,000–200,000	Must-have for UAE users paying for DEWA, Etisalat.
Mobile Recharge Integration	10,000–20,000	Enables quick top-ups for prepaid plans.

9. Cash App

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

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Instant Transfers	100,000–150,000	Popular for seamless fund sharing in the UAE.
Bitcoin Support	20,000–30,000	Adds value for UAE’s growing cryptocurrency market.

10. Zelle

A bank-focused app offering direct transfers between accounts.

Features	Cost to Clone in UAE (AED)	Details
Direct Bank Transfers	120,000–250,000	Essential for UAE’s expat and business communities.
High-Security Standards	30,000–40,000	Aligns with UAE’s strict financial regulations.

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%.

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Open-Source Libraries	30,000–50,000	Avoids building common functionalities from scratch.
Ready-Made Payment Gateways	20,000–40,000	Use integrations like Payfort or Stripe instead of creating custom gateways.

2. Outsource Development to Experienced Teams

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Offshore Development	50,000–100,000	Lower hourly rates while ensuring access to skilled developers.
Hybrid Development Model	40,000–80,000	Combine UAE-based project managers with offshore developers.

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.

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
MVP (Minimum Viable Product)	50,000–100,000	Reduces initial costs by focusing on core features.

4. Leverage Cloud Services

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Cloud Hosting (AWS, Azure)	20,000–50,000/year	Scalable and cost-effective compared to physical server maintenance.

5. Localize Smartly

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Focused Localization	10,000–20,000	Optimize Arabic UI/UX and compliance initially; expand later as needed.

6. Automate Testing

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Automated Testing Tools	20,000–30,000	Saves cost on repetitive manual testing efforts.

7. Use Third-Party APIs

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Third-Party APIs for Payments	15,000–25,000	Integrations like Payfort or Telr simplify payment processing.
APIs for Fraud Detection	10,000–20,000	Pre-built fraud detection APIs save custom development time.

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.

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Cross-Platform Development	40,000–80,000	Reduces development time by targeting multiple platforms simultaneously.

9. Plan for Scalability

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

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Scalable Architecture	30,000–50,000	Avoids reworking backend systems during growth phases.

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.

Method	Potential Savings (AED)	Details
Expertise in Local Regulations	20,000–40,000	Reduces trial-and-error costs during development.
Streamlined Development Processes	30,000–50,000	Efficient workflows save time and resources.

 

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