Most people in the Kingdom use Android phones daily. 2026 Stats confirm that Android holds 76% of the mobile market share in the country. Start-ups can easily reach the largest number of customers with this platform.
The standard range for Android app development cost in Saudi Arabia around SAR 75,000 and SAR 400,000. Simple projects like MVPs are usually more budget-friendly as they’re faster to build. On the other hand, enterprise Android applications for big businesses require a much larger budget and more time.
Specific local needs will also change your final price. For instance, adding RTL support is vital for an Arabic-first experience. You also need to meet SAMA compliance standards if your app processes any financial data. A custom mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia can help you use these features to grow your brand.
In this blog, we will look at the cost to develop android app in Saudi Arabia for different industries, from ecommerce to fintech. We also explain the right features to save money while reaching more users.
How Much Does Android App Development Cost in Saudi Arabia? [Breakdown by Complexity]
The cost to build an Android app in Saudi Arabia depends mainly on the complexity tier and the time needed to finish it. Most projects fall into three main categories based on their business goals.
| App Type | Cost (SAR) | Timeline |
| Basic/MVP | 30,000-80,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Medium Complexity | 80,000-250,000 | 3-6 months |
| Complex/Enterprise | 250,000-900,000+ | 6-12+ months |
Simple Android Apps (MVP)
An MVP is a testing app that focuses to solve a specific problem. They usually include a basic login screen and simple user profiles. Because of limited features, the native Android development cost stays low for these projects. You can gather feedback without spending a large amount of money at once.
Medium-Complexity Android Apps
Medium apps usually include secure payment systems for online shopping. They also use GPS features to help users find locations or track deliveries. They often connect to external services. Therefore, backend work increases. To build these features well, you need a team that understands local payment rules and mapping tools.
Complex / Enterprise Android Apps
Large organizations opt for complex apps. These projects often include advanced AI or machine learning features to predict user needs. To handle real-time data and thousands of users, they require a lot of testing and high-level security. The cost is higher because of the detailed technical work. Companies often use enterprise app development services to manage scale and compliance.
Calculate Your Android App Budget
Tekrevol provides precise cost estimates for Saudi businesses.
Get a QuoteWhy Android App Development Costs Differ in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Android development market has specific needs that make prices different from those in other countries. While you might find lower rates abroad, developing an app in Saudi Arabia involves unique local steps. Therefore, the cost reflects the high quality and local rules required for success.
Arabic UI Requirements
A major part of the Android app development cost in Saudi Arabia comes from the Arabic RTL UI needs. Unlike usual app with English first design, Arabic language read from right to left. This means every button, image, and menu must be mirrored to look correct. Creating a smooth RTL experience requires extra design and testing time. If you ignore this, your app will feel broken to local customers.
Local Compliance & Data Hosting
To keep your business safe, you must follow Saudi compliance app development rules. Laws like the PDPL require you to store sensitive user data on servers inside the Kingdom. The price of local cloud services are more expensive than global ones. Furthermore, you must conduct regular security audits to protect your brand from big fines and build trust with your audience.
Saudi Payment Gateways
Adding local payment options is vital for any commercial app. Most shoppers in the Kingdom prefer using Mada or STC Pay for their daily purchases. Integrating these specific gateways requires specialized technical work. While it rises the cost, local payment gateways make your checkout process fast and secure.
Higher Developer Rates
Developer rates are higher in Saudi Arabia compared to South Asia. Hiring app developers in Saudi Arabia brings regional experience and platform knowledge. Many work on regulated apps. Therefore, planning and review time increase. This pushes overall Android app pricing upward.
Factors Driving Android App Development Cost in KSA
Android app development cost in KSA is the sum of many technical parts. From design to testing, each stage requires specific features. Therefore, total pricing changes.
UI/UX Design
Arabic Android app design must follow Material Design rules. Because of this, the Android UI UX cost for Saudi Arabia includes a layout that works for both English and Arabic speakers. This means flipping every button and image for RTL support. You can pick the right mobile app development frameworks for Saudia Arab to keep costs low.
Frontend Development
Frontend builds the app face that users see and touch on their screens. Therefore, the choice of tech matters a lot for your budget. Many experts use Kotlin Android development cost as a baseline for quality. While Java is older, Kotlin is faster and more secure for new projects. You should check out the Android app development frameworks to see which tool fits your budget.
Backend Development & APIs
The backend stores your data and connects all the features. For startups, using Firebase is a good way to save money. However, as you grow, the Firebase pricing might increase. Most backends also require API integration services to connect to maps or local payment tools. Because of these needs, the Android backend cost in Saudi Arabia is often the most expensive.
Android App Testing & QA
Android QA testing cost covers finding and fixing bugs before users see them. Another big factor is device fragmentation, which means mobile app testing in KSA on many phone brands. In Saudi Arabia, users own many different Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo devices. This variety increases the Android device testing cost because the code must work on every screen size.
Google Play Store Publishing & Compliance
You must pay a small fee to Google to launch the app. The Google Play Store cost in Saudi Arabia includes a one-time Play Console fee of $25. This is much cheaper than the yearly fee for Apple. Furthermore, you must follow Android app publishing fees to avoid getting your app removed. Proper planning here prevents delays during the final launch.
Industry-Specific Android App Development Costs in Saudi Arabia
The type of business you run heavily dictates your total investment. In the Saudi market, some industries require niche features like secure wallets or live maps. Consequently, Android app pricing changes based on these unique technical needs. Below is a helpful table showing the typical costs for various sectors in 2026.
| Industry | Cost (SAR) | Key Features |
| E-Commerce | 112,500-562,500 | Payments, catalog |
| Delivery /On Demand | 150,000-300,000 | GPS, driver apps |
| Fintech | 250,000-600,000 | KYC, wallets |
| Healthcare | 150,000-300,000 | Telemedicine |
eCommerce Android App
The Android ecommerce app cost for KSA depends on how many products you want to sell. You need a clear product catalog so users can find items easily. Furthermore, your app must connect to local payment gateways to process orders. Many ecommerce app developers also add delivery APIs to track packages in real time.
On-Demand / Delivery Android App
Building a delivery app for Android in Saudi Arabia requires creating two separate experiences. You need one app for the customers and another one for the drivers. Real-time tracking is a must so users can see their food or package on a map. An on-demand app development company will help you sync these two apps perfectly.
Fintech / Wallet Android App
The fintech Android app cost in Saudi Arabia is often higher due to strict safety rules. These apps need heavy security to protect money and personal data. Fintech software development services must follow SAMA compliance and include KYC tools to verify user identities.
Healthcare Android Apps
Healthcare apps often include video calls for telemedicine appointments. They must also store private medical records very safely. Because of these high-tech needs, the price can vary a lot based on features. Choosing expert healthcare app development services helps you build a tool that doctors and patients can trust.
Need industry-specific app pricing?
Tekrevol provides accurate Android app development cost estimates for Saudi industries.
Consult our expertsiOS vs Android App Development Cost in Saudi Arabia
The Android vs iOS app cost Saudi Arabia comparison shows that both platforms need a similar budget. However, the work required for each is different. While the software tools for Android are free, the work to support many phones changes your costs.
| Feature | Android | iOS (iPhone) |
| Market Share | ~76% | ~24% |
| Testing Work | High (Many phones) | Low ( Few Phone) |
| Testing Work | SAR 95(Once) | SAR 375 (Every year) |
| Store Fee | 150,000-300,000 | Telemedicine |
Development and Testing Effort
Building an Android app often takes more time than building an iPhone app. This is because Android runs on hundreds of different phones, like Samsung and Xiaomi. Consequently, developers spend more on Android device testing costs to make sure the app works on every screen.
In contrast, iOS app development services focus on only a few Apple devices. This makes the testing phase shorter. Even though testing is faster on iOS, Android development is cheaper than iOS because Google has lower publishing fees.
Market Share in the Kingdom
Choosing a platform depends on who you want to reach. As per StatCounter Global Stats, Saudi Arabia has ery large market share of Android of about 76% in 2026. Therefore, you will reach more people if you build for Android first.
How Hiring Models Affect the Cost to Develop Android App in Saudi Arabia
The person or team you choose to hire is the biggest factor in your final bill. In Saudi Arabia, you have three main models: hiring an agency, finding a freelancer, or building your own team. Each path has a different hourly rate and offers different levels of support.
| Model | Cost (SAR/hr) | Pros | Cons |
| Saudi Agency | 150 – 450 | Quality, compliance | Higher cost |
| Freelancers | 70 – 180 | Cheaper | Management risk |
| In-House Team | 20k – 35k/month | Full control | High overhead |
A Saudi Agency
Working with a professional agency is often the safest choice for big projects. The Android developer hourly rate KSA for agencies covers a full team of experts. You get designers, developers, and testers who understand local laws. While the price is higher, the top mobile app development companies in Saudia Arab handle everything from start to finish.
Working with Freelancers
Freelancers are a good option if you have a very small budget. Their rates are much lower because they do not have big office costs. However, managing freelancers can be difficult if you are not a technical person. There is also a risk that the project might take longer than planned.
Building an In-House Team
Some companies prefer to have their own developers sitting in their office. This gives you total control over the daily work. But, this is the most expensive path because you must pay for salaries and office space. It also takes a long time to find and hire the right people. Most businesses only choose this if they plan to build many apps over several years.
Hidden & Ongoing Android App Costs in Saudi Arabia
The initial build is only the first step. To keep your software running, you must plan for post-launch Android costs. Most successful businesses in the Kingdom spend about 15% to 25% of their original budget every year on upkeep. These recurring fees ensure your app stays safe and useful for your customers.
App Maintenance Cost
A large part of your budget goes to Android app maintenance costs. This includes fixing small bugs that appear after many people start using the app. If you use mobile app support services, you can often get a monthly plan to cover these basic needs.
OS Updates
Google releases new versions of Android every year. Consequently, your app needs updates to work perfectly on the latest phones. If you skip these updates, your app might crash or become slow.
Feature Scaling
Additionally, as your business grows, you will need feature scaling to add new tools. Regular updates keep your users happy and help you stay ahead of the competition in the Saudi market.
Third-Party Fees
Finally, do not forget the cost of third-party tools. If you use special maps or SMS services, they usually charge a monthly fee based on your usage. Planning for these extra costs early helps you run a healthy and profitable business in the Kingdom.
Android App Monetisation & ROI Considerations
Choosing the right Android app revenue models is a vital part to cover your investment. In the Saudi market, users have high standards for quality and are willing to pay for apps that provide real value.
Ads vs Subscriptions
Many businesses use in-app ads to make money. This works well for apps like news or social tools. GrandView Research shows that the in-app purchase market in Saudi Arabia is growing at 16.9% annually.
However, the latest app monetization trends show that Saudi users now prefer the “freemium” model. In this model, people use basic features for free but pay a subscription fee for premium ones.
Local User Behavior and ROI
The way people use apps in the Kingdom affects your return on investment (ROI). Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of app downloads per person in the world. On average, a Saudi app user spends about $95 (SAR 356) per order on shopping apps. This is much higher than the average spent on mobile websites.
Break-Even Timelines
By targeting peak times like Ramadan, you can reach your break-even point faster. On average, a well-managed app in KSA can recover its initial costs within 12 to 18 months. Planning your Android app monetization budget around these local cycles ensures your business stays profitable for the long term.
Conclusion
The Android app development cost in Saudi Arabia is an investment. While a basic app cost might start at SAR 30,000, most successful business applications cross SAR 400,000. Remember, your final price changes based on features like SAMA compliance and RTL support.
Success in the Saudi market requires cultural alignment. To win over local users and ensure your project meets government rules, partner with a skilled Android app development company as TekRevol. We help you launch a secure, high-performing app that grows with your business.
Launch Industry-leading App
Tekrevol builds winning Android apps for modern Saudi businesses.
Claim Your Spot
