Hidden Costs in Developing a Delivery App Like Aramex: What Businesses in UAE Should Know
Introduction: The Illusion of “Fixed Cost” in App Development
When it comes to delivery app development in the UAE, most businesses begin with a single question — “How much will it cost to build an app like Aramex?” While many mobile app development companies in Dubai or offshore development firms may quote a “fixed cost,” the reality is more complex. App development isn’t a one-time expense. It’s an ongoing investment that includes hidden costs most businesses overlook.
From technical upgrades and data storage to marketing and compliance, several “invisible” costs can add up quickly. Understanding these early helps you plan better and avoid budget shocks later.
Core Development Costs vs. Hidden Technical Costs
The core development cost includes designing, coding, testing, and deploying your delivery app. These are predictable and usually quoted upfront by your app development company.
However, there are hidden technical costs — for example:
Optimizing the app for both iOS and Android platforms
Building admin panels, driver dashboards, and tracking systems
API integrations for payments, maps, or delivery tracking
Scalability upgrades as user traffic grows
If you’re hiring a full stack developer in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, ensure they outline these backend complexities clearly. What looks like a small addition (say, live tracking or route optimization) can increase your total delivery app development cost significantly.
Infrastructure and Cloud Hosting Costs
Every courier delivery app needs a strong backend infrastructure to handle real-time tracking, order data, and customer management. This involves:
Cloud hosting (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
Database storage and maintenance
Bandwidth for handling thousands of requests per minute
These costs grow with your user base. While small startups may spend a few hundred dirhams monthly, established logistics apps in the UAE may see cloud costs rise into the thousands. Choosing the right hosting plan early is crucial for managing long-term expenses.
Compliance, Security & Data Privacy Costs
In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, logistics and delivery apps must follow strict data protection and cybersecurity regulations.
To ensure compliance, your app needs:
Secure payment gateways (PCI DSS compliance)
Encrypted user data storage
Two-factor authentication and GDPR alignment for global users
These add-on security features often come with licensing fees or higher development time. But they’re essential for maintaining user trust — especially when dealing with sensitive delivery and payment information.
Maintenance, Upgrades & Post-Launch Expenses
Launching your app is just the beginning. After going live, you’ll need:
Regular updates to fix bugs or improve UI
Performance monitoring tools
New feature additions (like wallet payments or push notifications)
Compatibility upgrades with new phone models or OS versions
This ongoing app maintenance can cost 15–25% of your initial development price each year. Most mobile app development companies in the UAE offer post-launch support packages — consider them an investment, not an expense.
Third-Party Integrations and Licensing Fees
To make your delivery app user-friendly, you’ll rely on third-party APIs — for maps, messaging, or payments. For example:
Google Maps for route tracking
Twilio or Firebase for SMS and push notifications
Stripe or PayTabs for secure payments
Each of these comes with licensing or usage-based fees, which grow as your app scales. These costs are often not included in your initial development estimate but are vital for smooth functionality.
Operational & Support Costs
Running a logistics app in the UAE means you’ll need a dedicated team for customer support, operations, and app monitoring. This includes:
Live chat or helpdesk tools
Support staff salaries
Driver onboarding and management systems
Many businesses overlook these when calculating their delivery app pricing guide. But without operational support, even the best-built app can suffer in user satisfaction.
Localization & Multi-Region Optimization
If you plan to expand your delivery app across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or other GCC countries, you’ll need to localize your app.
This means:
Multi-language support (Arabic, English, etc.)
Region-based currency, taxes, and delivery charges
Country-specific regulations
Localization isn’t just translation — it’s customization for each region’s needs. This step can add up to 10–15% more to your on-demand delivery app development cost, but it ensures your app feels native to every market you enter.
Marketing, Branding & App Launch Expenses
Even a perfectly built delivery app won’t succeed without visibility.
Budget for:
App Store Optimization (ASO)
Digital marketing and paid ads
Influencer promotions or brand campaigns
Launch events or PR activities
Marketing often costs as much as (or more than) the initial app build. Partnering with a mobile app development company in Dubai that also offers branding or marketing support can give you a head start.
Strategic Takeaway: Planning for the “Invisible” 30%
When you plan your Aramex-like app development cost, assume that around 30% of your total budget will go toward hidden or post-launch expenses.
This includes everything from cloud hosting and API fees to compliance and upgrades.
By understanding these invisible costs upfront, you can make smarter financial decisions and ensure your delivery app development remains sustainable in the long run.
Whether you hire a mobile app developer in Dubai or an offshore development company, transparency and long-term planning will help you avoid surprises and build a delivery app that grows seamlessly with your business.