I went through this same process recently, so here is what the UAE market actually looks like right now.
Basic Business Website — AED 3,000 to AED 8,000
5 to 8 pages, contact form, mobile responsive. Good for small businesses that just need a solid online presence. Delivery is usually two to four weeks.
Small Business Website with CMS — AED 8,000 to AED 18,000
Includes a content management system, blog, and basic SEO setup. This is where most small to medium businesses end up.
Corporate Website — AED 15,000 to AED 30,000
Custom design, stronger branding, and CRM or tool integrations. Suitable for established businesses that want something beyond a template.
E-commerce Website — AED 8,000 to AED 50,000
Wide range because it depends on product count, payment gateways, and features. Local payment integrations like Telr or PayTabs add to the cost.
Custom or Enterprise Website — AED 50,000 and above
For businesses with complex workflows, API integrations, or large-scale platforms built from scratch.
A few things to keep in mind
If you need Arabic and English support, budget extra. Proper bilingual development is more involved than most people expect.
Annual maintenance typically costs around 10 to 15 percent of your development fee, and hosting, domain, and SSL are usually not included in the initial quote. Always ask for a full breakdown before committing.
Honestly, for a proper SME website in the UAE, do not go below AED 12,000 if you want something that actually performs and lasts.