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Let's Map Out Your Courier App.Remember the times when sending something as simple as a wristwatch from one city to another meant loads of paperwork, verifications, and hours or even days of waiting? Even with every courier company promising “secure delivery”, concerns always lingered, like, “what if it gets damaged?” or even worse, “what if it never makes it to the destination?”
Even thinking about it feels like a nightmare. Thankfully, time has changed now. Everything happens with a few taps today. A few taps, and your package is already on the route, taking you along through your mobile phone so that you can easily track how and where it has reached so far.
In the UAE, where everything moves almost at the speed of light, there is no longer any room to accept delays, especially when it comes to delivering goods. That’s where courier apps like Zajel completely change the entire scene.
Zajel has turned out to be the most trusted and preferred courier app in the UAE with its remarkable record of performance, real-time parcel tracking, and secure service. And if you are one of those who want to provide people with that same sense of relief and transparency, then what are you waiting for?
Let’s read our guide to see how to build an on demand courier app like Zajel, and the factors you need to consider to make it stand out in places like the UAE.
Why Zajel is a Leading Courier App in the UAE?
Zajel is not just a random company name that you spot normally on parcels; it is a symbol of trust that has been in the UAE since 2008. One thing about Zajel is that it started as a local courier service and has now become one of the country’s most tech-driven logistics networks.
It covers every type of courier service that businesses and people rely on every day. By every type, it means from domestic and international shipping to corporate logistics and cash-on-delivery services.
However, the real part is how this courier app combines technology with reliability. It provides users with proper options to track every move of their delivery in real time, turning what was once known as uneasy moments of waiting into assurance.
How does Zajel stand out?
- Real-time parcel tracking that keeps users in the loop.
- Instant deliveries across the UAE and globally.
- Secure handling and regulatory compliance.
- A smooth user experience designed to avoid confusion.
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Discuss Your Idea Today.Market Opportunity for Courier Apps in the UAE
We are living in the 21st century, where everything can be done right from the comfort of your home. Sending and receiving things from one place to another isn’t an exception anymore. Everyone nowadays prefers to make purchases online rather than stepping out and actually going to the market. With that being said, it is no wonder that the courier industry in the UAE is skyrocketing.
This is the right time for people looking for opportunities to step into this industry and build an on demand courier app that provides users with comfort and a sense of security to build long-term trust.
Have a look at what’s fueling the market:
- The CEP market in the UAE is valued at $1.31 billion in 2025, and is going to reach approximately $1.92 billion by 2030.
- The growth in e-commerce is also pretty noticeable. The online retail market in the UAE has hit AED 32.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach AED 50.6 billion by the year 2029. This shows that quick deliveries have become a part of everyday life as more people are leaning towards shopping online.
- Even cross-border logistics are catching a fast pace. According to Grand View Research, the cross-border e-commerce logistics market across the Middle East is also expanding really fast. It has grown from $11.8 million to $47.3 million from 2024 to 2030, at a CAGR of 26.6%. And as expected, the UAE stands at the center of that transformation in its role as a regional logistics hub.
All of these studies show that courier services are not optional anymore. They have successfully become the core of the modern customer experience. And this is exactly where on demand courier apps like Zajel are setting new standards.
What are the Core Features of a Courier App Like Zajel?
Every great courier app has a few things in common. It makes sending and receiving parcels effortless with speed and peace of mind.
From users booking a pickup to courier managing a timely delivery, and admins keeping track of everything behind the scenes of every operation, every single feature has to work in sync to provide a reliable experience to everyone involved.
Let’s see what makes an on demand courier app like Zajel truly stand out the most:
Customer-Side Features
An on demand courier app heavily relies on a positive customer experience. Each step should feel simple and transparent in order to make your app successful.
This is how Zajel makes sure to build trust and positivity among customers by providing the following features:
- Quick Sign-Up: A smooth registration process via phone number, email, or social media.
- Instant Booking of Pickup: Provides a specific time slot and a scheduled pickup booking system.
- Flexible Payments: Let’s you choose between multiple payment methods like cards, e-wallets, or COD.
- Push Notifications: Get alerts for every step. Pickup, delivery status, and delivery completion are presented right in front of your eyes.
- Proof of Delivery: Receive delivery confirmation through a signature or photo of your parcel at the destination.
Courier/Driver Features
Couriers are the ones playing a huge role in delivering assets door to door every day. That’s why an on demand courier app must consider every possibility to make their daily tasks effortless. The easier it is to navigate routes and confirm deliveries, the smoother the overall cycle will be.
See how Zajel allows its drivers to stay focused:
- Job Requests: Receive all the details of the new tasks, like pickup/drop-off location and time.
- Smart Navigation System: Built-in GPS to analyse routes and get traffic updates right away.
- Delivery Confirmation: Upload evidence through pictures, barcodes, or e-signatures.
- Earnings Dashboard: Keep track of completed deliveries and daily earnings.
- In-App Chat Feature: Easily communicate with customers and the dispatch team.
Admin and Operations Features
There is always a strong admin panel that keeps everything in sync and functioning properly in a courier app.
A courier business can only work perfectly if the backend is well-organized. This is why Zajel’s management system pays close attention to precision and performance through essential admin features like:
- Fleet Management: Add and track drivers, vehicles, and delivery zones easily.
- Route Optimization: Assign the closest courier in the region to make fast deliveries.
- Pricing and Commission Control: Set up flexible pricing and manage cash-on-delivery commissions.
- Analytics Dashboard: Track key metrics like the success rate of a delivery to growth in revenue.
- Customer Support Tools: manage different queries, refunds, and feedback from everyone smoothly.
Advanced Features to Stay Ahead of Everyone
Above were the core features that one needs to develop a courier app like Zajel. But to make your on demand courier app one of a kind, you will have to look further than just covering the basics. The logistics market of the UAE is growing day by day, and so is the competition. So, to stay ahead of everyone, your app must offer something more that makes users go, “this app just gets it the right way.”
These are some of the advanced features that can absolutely act as a helping hand to make your app rise above the rest:
- Multi-Stop Deliveries: Allow couriers to complete multiple deliveries in one route. Saves time and fuel.
- AI Route Optimization: Use AI to predict traffic and weather, choosing the fastest and easiest delivery routes.
- Custom and Regulatory Integrations: Simplify cross-border shipping by automating customs documentation and clearance updates.
- E-Commerce API Integration: Connect directly with E-Commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento for scheduling deliveries.
- IoT-Based Tracking: Use smart sensors to monitor parcels in the meantime. Ideal for tempered or valuable items.
- Data and Analytics: Provide admins with insights into performance, user behavior, and delivery.
Once you mix advanced features with the core functionality, you are able to create an on demand courier app that builds trust, reflects intelligence, and provides speed that aligns properly with the UAE’s retail app market.
Steps to Create a Courier App Like Zajel
Building an on demand courier app like Zajel can look a bit intimidating, but to be honest, it’s definitely not rocket science. All you need is just proper planning, technology, and time.
So, if you are confused about where to actually take a step and what comes next, then don’t worry. We have created a step-by-step guide for you to go from “just an idea” to a fully scaled courier app in the UAE.
Market Research
The first step before building anything is learning and researching the market needs. Have a chat with local businesses and couriers and map out use cases, like same-day city runs, timely deliveries, bulk shipments for B2B retailers, and international shipping.
What you must do: Run multiple interviews and collect surveys. Map out what competitors are serving and what you can do additionally that counts as a profit.
Define Business Model
Decide what type of courier business you are building and how it will earn. A courier app can work in different lanes: domestic, international, B2B, or COD-focused, and each has its own criteria.
People and e-commerce owners highly depend on reliable delivery in the UAE, so it’s important to define who you want to serve:
- Everyday consumers.
- E-commerce stores.
- Corporate clients.
Take an example of Zajel. They began on a small scale, then grew to serve everyone by offering flexible models.
Plan MVP Features
It’s time to map out the features you want to include in your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Setting the foundation with an MVP helps in testing your idea in the real market without letting you spend a fortune on a complete application that might not work later.
It should be focused on solving one key problem: delivering a parcel from one point to another quickly and securely.
To make things easy, break your MVP into 3 layers:
- Customer side.
- Driver’s side.
- Admin side.
Last but not least, if you are thinking of serving businesses, don’t forget about adding a lightweight custom CRM, as it helps in managing and automating operations.
Select Tech Stack
It’s time to choose the right tech stack for your courier app to make it secure and fast enough to handle the UAE’s delivery expectations. Your preferred technology and tools decide how your app functions in the market.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you will need:
- Mobile App Development: React Native for cross-platform apps or Flutter for iOS or Android app development.
- Backend: Node.js or Python to handle live delivery updates.
- Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
- Maps and Navigation: Google Maps or Here Maps for real-time routing and location tracking.
- Payment gateways: PayTabs or Stripe for UAE transactions, along with the COD option.
- Hosting: AWS or Microsoft Azure for stable performance.
Hire or Partner With a Development Team
After finalizing your tech stack, it’s time to partner with a reliable team to work on building your on demand courier app. You can either go with an in-house team or partner with a mobile app development company in Dubai. Both bring their own perks to the work.
In-house team:
- Gives you control over design and development.
- Better coordination, but needs higher upfront investment.
Outsourcing:
- Ideal for faster development.
- Experienced in logistics app development.
- Familiar with the UAE’s tech system.
Design UI/UX and Build a Prototype
The UI/UX phase is where you will see how your courier app looks and feels. Before going into development, you will need a working prototype, something you can actually tap through.
Here’s how you can start:
- Sketch the user flow in the wireframes.
- Use Figma or Adobe XD to create a clickable prototype.
- Focus on simplicity. Avoid clutter and unnecessary steps.
- Localize for UAE users by supporting English and Arabic, prices in AED, and map layouts for different states of the UAE.
Develop an MVP
Once your prototype is done, the next step is to work on building your Minimum Viable Product for your on demand courier app like Zajel. Here, you have to focus on function rather than perfection.
This is how you can set the foundation:
- Start with core modules, like booking, tracking, notifications, and proof of delivery.
- Include Google Maps API and secure payment gateways.
- Connect customer, driver, and admin panels for real-time data updates.
- Keep your backend lightweight. Use Node.js or Laravel for building an early concept.
Test and Update
It’s time to test your newly developed concept from pickup to drop-off. A courier app only takes the lead when every step feels safe and smooth for everyone.
What to test before making a launch?
- Test complete delivery flows.
- Real-time GPS accuracy.
- Verify payment gateways for easy transactions.
- Test for COD.
- Run load tests to check how your system is performing during busy hours.
- Catch and fix bugs right away before they turn into a big deal.
Launch Pilot in a Specific Region
Before you launch your courier app across the UAE or globally, start with a pilot launch in one region like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Testing your app within a small circle provides you with a clear map of how it performs.
A small-scale launch also allows you to identify issues early and make tweaks without additional pressure from a large user base.
Collect Feedback and Scale
The real work begins after your MVP is live. This is the ongoing stage where user feedback becomes the biggest tool to polish your courier app and keep it growing for the future.
- Collect insights from everyone and see what works well and what is causing hurdles.
- Track performance metrics like delivery time and app crashes.
- Use gathered data to fix bugs, update UI, and add features that users need.
Once everything runs smoothly, expand your courier app to other UAE regions, add more couriers, and introduce advanced automation or AI features.
How Much Does it Cost to Build an On-Demand Courier App?
Development of an on demand courier app like Zajel also comes along with its own investment plans. The total budget depends on which version you choose to build.
Let’s give you a quick overview of the cost breakdown to show you what your investment might look like:
Cost and Timeline for an MVP
An MVP is the best option to test your idea with minimum investment.
| Phase | Timeline | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Discovery and Planning | 2–3 weeks | AED 7,000 – AED 18,000 |
| MVP Development | 3–4 months | AED 37,000 – AED 110,000 |
| Testing and QA | 2–3 weeks | AED 11,000 – AED 22,000 |
Best for startups that want to test market response in a specific UAE region before scaling.
Cost and Timeline for a Basic Version
A basic version of a courier app includes all the features of an MVP plus some extra options.
| Phase | Timeline | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Discovery and Design | 3–4 weeks | AED 15,000 – AED 26,000 |
| Development | 4–5 months | AED 55,000 – AED 150,000 |
| Testing and Launch | 3–4 weeks | AED 15,000 – AED 30,000 |
Ideal for small logistics startups looking to launch across different UAE cities.
Cost and Timeline for a Mid-Level App
A mid-level version is for those businesses that want to compete with platforms like Zajel, optimized with multiple features.
| Phase | Timeline | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Research and Design | 4–5 weeks | AED 22,000 – AED 40,000 |
| Development | 5–6 months | AED 92,000 – AED 220,000 |
| Testing and Refinement | 1 month | AED 26,000 – AED 44,000 |
Cost and Timeline for an Advanced-Level App
If you are aiming to create an enterprise-level on demand courier app, this is where you spend on advanced logistics tech, like AI-driven dispatch and predictive delivery analytics.
| Phase | Timeline | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Discovery and Prototyping | 1–1.5 months | AED 30,000 – AED 55,000 |
| Development | 6–9 months | AED 147,000 – AED 370,000 |
| Testing and Optimization | 1.5–2 months | AED 37,000 – AED 70,000 |
Ideal for large-scale logistics businesses aiming to dominate across the UAE and GCC region.
Legal and Compliance Factors to Consider in the UAE
The courier services and logistics industry in the UAE is strictly monitored for data and customer protection, and handling of deliveries. Even if you fail a single compliance, it can result in facing penalties or delaying the launch of your courier app. So, before your application takes a stride in the UAE, you must make sure to tick the following checkpoints:
- Courier Licensing:
Register your business and get a courier service license from TDRA or the relevant local authority of the UAE.
- Data Protection Laws:
The UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) makes sure that the information of the user is stored and processed safely. Make sure that your app complies with it and follows GDPR laws for additional security.
- Customs and Cross-Border Shipping Rules:
You will need your app to align with the Federal Customs Authority rules of the UAE if your app is also handling international deliveries.
- Insurance for Shipments:
In order to gain the trust of the users, make sure to offer insurance for lost or damaged parcels and comply with the courier and logistics guidelines of the UAE.
How TekRevol Can Help in Building the Next Zajel For You?
So, we have now seen how important and powerful an on demand courier app can be when built the right way, and that’s exactly what TekRevol is best at.
We help everyone, from startups to enterprise-level businesses, in building smarter and scalable courier apps that keep UAE businesses running at a fast pace. And about our skills? Well, we go more than just design and code. What we do is align technology with strategy, user trust, and compliance.
Here’s how our team helps you stay ahead of everyone:
- Expertise in developing on demand courier apps made for the UAE and GCC markets.
- Compliant with the UAE courier licensing, PDPL, and customs laws.
- Skilled in AI route optimization and IoT tracking.
- Focused on creating a smooth user experience and localization, with English, Arabic, and AED support.
So, if you have read this far and are ready to get your own courier app like Zajel, then partnering with TekRevol is the best thing you can do.
Get Your Version of Zajel With Us.
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