App development is one of the most lucrative ventures of the decade. And if you especially talk about Dubai, it is one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the world. According to the World Bank Index, Dubai and UAE are the easiest to enter for business. The region gives you business setup opportunities like mainland and free zone entities.
If you are an aspiring appreneur planning to invest in the domain, here is a quick guide from expert mobile application developers in Dubai covering the business and technical aspects of the venture.
How to start an app-based business in Dubai
Starting with business aspects, if you wish to operate commercially and hire a team, you’ll be required to get a commercial license and choose from diverse business setup options: mainland entity or free zone entity.
Tax on personal income, businesses and value addition functions is under 5%.
For the technical part, here is a quick rundown of steps you’ll have to follow.
1. Decide an App Niche
Choosing the right app niche in Dubai is a pivotal decision that demands thorough market research. Allocate 2-4 weeks for comprehensive research, analyzing market gaps, competition and user needs.
Top 7 niches offering exponential growth in Dubai include healthcare, real estate, corporate law and taxation, oil and gas, education, gaming, hospitality and travel.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of this step include determining the potential user base size, identifying competitors’ strengths and weaknesses and understanding the unique requirements of the Dubai audience.
This initial investment of time and effort will lay the foundation for a well-informed app concept that resonates with the specific demands of the local market.
2. Decide an App Platform
Opting for the appropriate app platform, whether iOS, Android or cross-platform, requires careful consideration of your target audience in Dubai. This decision-making process may span 1-2 weeks, factoring in platform preferences and development costs.
KPIs include evaluating the prevalence of iOS and Android users in Dubai, understanding user behavior patterns and estimating the financial implications of platform-specific development.
By aligning your app with the dominant platforms in the region, you ensure maximum accessibility and engagement among your target users.
If you wish to go native, Android development is cheaper than iOS. However, if you’d like to develop for two platforms at the price of one, then consider investing in cross platform app development.
3. Find a Team of Developers:
Assembling a skilled team of developers is a critical step in the app development journey. This process involves sourcing, interviewing and onboarding, typically taking 4-8 weeks.
KPIs for this phase include assessing the technical expertise of potential team members, reviewing their portfolios and ensuring cultural alignment with the Dubai business landscape.
Building a proficient development team from the outset sets the stage for a successful collaboration and the timely execution of subsequent development stages.
When hiring a team, you have to weigh different hiring arrangements. For example, you can hire a team in-house, then pay them benefits and wages. Your second option is outsourcing your app development project to an app development company in Dubai. Third option is to hire an on-demand development team via staff augmentation model. This way, you work with an IT staff augmentation agency, for example CMOLDS and Techlancers Middle East. Create a team and pay hourly – instead of paying wages and benefits.
4. Design the UI and UX of App
Crafting an appealing and user-friendly interface is paramount for app success. The UI/UX design phase, lasting 4-6 weeks, involves creating prototypes and gathering user feedback.
KPIs include the effectiveness of design elements in enhancing user experience, the consistency of design across various screens and adherence to brand guidelines.
This phase’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that the final product aligns seamlessly with user expectations and establishes a strong visual identity.
5. Code the App
The coding phase, where designs transform into functional code, is a substantial undertaking requiring 8-12 weeks. The timeline depends on the complexity of the app.
KPIs include programming for backend, front end and API integration, then assessing the quality of the code, adherence to coding standards and achieving key development milestones.
This phase represents the heart of the app creation process, demanding precision and collaboration from the development team to translate conceptual designs into a fully operational application.
6. Test the App’s Performance
Thorough testing is imperative to guarantee the app’s flawless functionality. The testing phase, spanning 4-6 weeks, involves identifying and resolving bugs, ensuring cross-device compatibility and optimizing performance.
KPIs include the number of identified and addressed bugs, user satisfaction with the app’s responsiveness and its seamless performance across diverse devices.
Rigorous testing is a safeguard against potential issues, ensuring a polished and reliable final product.
7. Launch the App
The app launch is a pivotal moment requiring careful coordination and strategic planning. Submitting the app to app stores and executing marketing efforts may span 2-4 weeks.
KPIs include successful app store submissions, initial user downloads and media coverage. This phase marks the transition from development to deployment, necessitating a well-executed launch strategy to capture the attention of the target audience and generate early user traction.
8. Market the App
Implementing a robust marketing strategy is essential for driving user acquisition and engagement. The marketing phase, extending over 12-16 weeks, involves various channels and campaigns.
KPIs include user acquisition rates, conversion rates and return on investment from marketing initiatives. This extended timeline allows for comprehensive pre-launch, launch and post-launch marketing efforts, ensuring sustained user interest and adoption in the competitive app landscape of Dubai.
9. Maintain and Update the App
Continuous maintenance and updates are the lifeblood of a successful app-based business. Regular monitoring and addressing user feedback demand ongoing efforts and may necessitate a dedicated team.
KPIs include app stability, user engagement metrics and positive reviews. This sustained focus on maintenance and updates ensures that the app remains relevant, competitive and aligned with evolving user expectations in the dynamic Dubai market.
Ongoing attention to user feedback and technological advancements positions the app for long-term success.
Conclusion
The success of an app development venture lies in an epic app idea and its right execution. Make sure to create a business plan with timelines and budget allocation. When development starts, strictly monitor the timeline and milestone achievement for efficient project management.
