Building a website in Dubai can be one of the smartest moves for your business—but how much should it really cost? While you’ll find a wide range of pricing online, from as low as AED 500 to upwards of AED 50,000, the true cost depends on multiple factors like functionality, design, platform, and support.
In this article, we break down what goes into website pricing in Dubai and what you need to consider before investing. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or established brand, this guide will help you make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary expenses.
1. Domain & Hosting – Your Website’s Foundation
Every website starts with two essentials: a domain name and web hosting.
- Domain Name (AED 40 – AED 100/year):
This is your website’s address (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Local domains like .ae may cost slightly more but help with local SEO. - Hosting (AED 200 – AED 2,000/year):
Hosting is where your website lives online. Shared hosting is cheaper but slower. For better performance and security, consider VPS or managed WordPress hosting.
Pro Tip: Choose a reliable host with local or regional servers to ensure faster load times in the UAE.
2. Design & Development – Custom vs Template
This is where most of your budget goes, and rightly so—it’s what your visitors see and interact with.
- Basic Website with Template (AED 1,500 – AED 4,000):
Great for startups or personal brands. You’ll get a pre-designed layout, a few pages (Home, About, Contact), and basic customization. - Custom-Designed Website (AED 5,000 – AED 15,000+):
For businesses that need a unique look, special features, or complex integrations. A custom WordPress site, for example, offers more scalability and control.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look at the price. Ask whether the site will be mobile-responsive, optimized for speed, and easy to update later.
3. Functionality – Adding the Features You Need
Beyond pages and design, you may need certain features:
Feature | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
E-commerce (WooCommerce) | AED 3,000 – AED 12,000 |
Booking System | AED 1,500 – AED 5,000 |
Multilingual Setup | AED 1,000 – AED 3,000 |
SEO Optimization | AED 500 – AED 3,000 |
Pro Tip: Think long-term. It’s better to invest upfront in features that improve user experience and sales than to bolt them on later.
4. Content Creation – Copy, Images & More
A beautiful website needs great content.
- Copywriting (AED 500 – AED 2,500):
Clear, persuasive content improves engagement and conversions. - Photography or Stock Images (AED 200 – AED 2,000):
Custom photography gives your brand a unique identity but comes at a cost. Stock images are more budget-friendly.
Pro Tip: Avoid generic stock photos. Even minor tweaks (like color filters or overlays) can help maintain brand consistency.
5. Ongoing Maintenance – The Often-Ignored Cost
Launching your site is just the beginning.
- Monthly Maintenance (AED 200 – AED 800):
Includes updates, backups, performance checks, and security scans. - Annual Maintenance Packages (AED 2,000 – AED 6,000):
Ideal if you want peace of mind with regular support and performance optimization.
Pro Tip: Always ask if your developer offers a maintenance plan. An outdated or broken website can hurt your credibility and SEO.
6. Freelancer vs Agency – Who Should You Hire in Dubai?
- Freelancer (Lower Cost):
Flexible, affordable, and ideal for small projects. But may lack ongoing support and a team-based approach. - Web Agency (Higher Cost):
Offers end-to-end solutions, better project management, and a team of designers, developers, and marketers.
At Dynamic Web Lab, we blend the flexibility of a freelancer with the strength of an agency—delivering high-quality, scalable websites with ongoing support.
Conclusion: What’s the Real Cost?
If you’re looking for a basic website in Dubai, expect to pay around AED 2,500 – AED 5,000. For a professional, feature-rich business website, the range is typically AED 8,000 – AED 20,000+, depending on your requirements.
It’s not just about the cost—it’s about the value. A cheap website that doesn’t convert or grow with your business is more expensive in the long run.
Need a Website Built for Your Dubai-Based Business?
At Dynamic Web Lab, we specialize in WordPress-powered websites that are fast, scalable, and designed to convert. Whether you’re a small business or a growing brand, we’ll help you build a website that works as hard as you do.
? Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized quote.