Cost & Pricing Guides
Why One Dubai Founder Got Quotes for AED 85K, AED 340K, and AED 1.1M - For the Same App
Jul 01, 2026
Introduction
A founder approaches three software companies with the same project brief and receives three completely different proposals: AED 85,000, AED 340,000, and AED 1.1 million. At first glance, this seems unreasonable. However, in software development, the same app can be interpreted in very different ways. Understanding why pricing varies is critical before choosing a vendor.
The Problem: "Same App" Doesn't Mean Same Scope
Many project briefs describe business goals rather than technical requirements. One vendor may estimate only the visible features. Another may include scalability, security, testing, DevOps, analytics, and future growth considerations. A third may be pricing a full enterprise architecture designed to support thousands of users. As a result, all three quotes can be technically correct.
The Solution: Compare Deliverables, Not Just Price
When reviewing proposals, compare: ● Feature scope ● UI/UX design quality ● Infrastructure planning ● Security requirements ● Testing coverage ● Post-launch support ● Scalability planning A lower quote may exclude critical components that become expensive later. A higher quote may include long-term architecture and operational planning. The goal is understanding value, not simply selecting the cheapest option.
Real Numbers
Industry studies consistently show that software defects discovered after launch can cost up to 30 times more to fix compared to issues identified during development and testing. This is one reason experienced teams often charge higher rates.
UAE-Specific Security Considerations
Dubai businesses increasingly prioritize reliability, security, and long-term scalability, especially for customer-facing applications and digital platforms.
Why FortyFi
FortyFi focuses on transparent scoping, realistic budgeting, and development strategies aligned with business goals.
FAQ
Q: Is the cheapest quote always risky? Not always, but it often excludes important deliverables. Q: How should proposals be compared? Compare scope, quality, support, and scalability—not just price.
CTA
Received conflicting software quotes? Message FortyFi for an independent project assessment.
