Apps built from scratch
Custom app development in the UAE
MetaGate Information Technology designs and develops custom apps in Dubai from scratch, for ideas that don't fit a ready-made model: every screen, feature and integration is built around your business, for iPhone, Android and the web. Custom apps are priced after a free consultation and usually take 3 to 4 months or more.
- 6-month free warranty
- Usually 3 to 4 months or more
- Full code ownership
What is a custom app?
A custom app is designed and developed from zero around one idea. Nothing is reused from a template: the user journey, screens, features, data and integrations are planned for your business, so the app can do exactly what you need and grow with you.
Choose a custom app when your idea is new, when it needs features a ready-made app doesn't cover, or when it must connect deeply to your existing systems. If your idea fits a known model, such as a booking app, a store app or a marketplace, a ready-made base is faster and costs less.
We start with a free consultation with a business development expert to shape the idea for the local market and agree on a first version, then design, develop, test and publish the app.
Who it's for
When a custom app is the right choice
- 01
A new idea with no ready-made model
Your app does something new, so there is no tested base to start from and every flow has to be designed for your users.
- 02
Features a ready-made app can't cover
Special rules, calculations, workflows or user roles that would be forced or limited inside a template.
- 03
Integration with your systems
The app must work with your ERP, accounting, inventory or other internal systems, or with special devices and services.
- 04
Plans for large growth
You expect many users or many features over time and want a structure designed for that from the start.
What you get
What you get with a custom app
Product study and design
A detailed study of the customer journey, then a brand identity and UI/UX design for every screen.
Apps and control panel
iPhone, Android and web apps as needed, plus a control panel built around how your team works.
Launch and support
Testing, publishing on the App Store and Google Play, a launch plan and a free 6-month warranty.
Built around your business
- User roles and permissions designed for your team.
- Integrations with payment, maps and your internal systems.
- A first version (MVP) to launch sooner, then new features.
- Arabic and English, with more languages when needed.
- Scalable code that is easy to extend later.
- Full ownership of the source code after delivery.
- Every part tested before delivery.
- Ongoing updates and maintenance after launch.
Ways to build it
How we build a custom app
A custom app has no fixed starting price: the scope decides it. Starting with a focused first version keeps the cost and the timeline under control.
Custom app built from scratch
- Price
- After a free consultation
- Timeline
- 3 to 4 months or more
Priced after a free consultation and fixed in the contract before work starts. Read ready-made vs custom apps and how long app development takes.
How we work
How we deliver your project
- Present the idea and discuss it with the team
- Shape the idea around the business scenario and the local market
- A detailed project study, including the customer journey from start to finish
- Logo and visual identity design
- User interface and user experience design (UI/UX)
- App development in modern languages (built from scratch or from ready-made projects)
- App testing and quality assurance
- Publishing the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play
- Launch with a proven, carefully planned marketing strategy
- Maintenance, updates and follow-up
Questions about this app type
Clear answers about app design and development with MetaGate
How much does a custom app cost in the UAE?
A custom app has no fixed starting price at MetaGate, because it is built from scratch around your idea. The price depends on the number of screens and features, user roles, integrations with other systems and the platforms you need. We set the exact price after a free consultation and fix it in the contract before work starts.
When should I choose a custom app instead of a ready-made one?
Choose a custom app when your idea is new, when it needs features or rules a ready-made app doesn't cover, when it must integrate with your own systems, or when you plan for large growth. If your idea fits a known model such as a store, booking or marketplace app, a ready-made base is faster and costs less.
How long does it take to build a custom app?
A custom app usually takes 3 to 4 months or more, depending on its size. To launch sooner, we recommend starting with a first version that has the core features and adding the rest in later updates.
Can I start with a smaller first version?
Yes, and we recommend it. A first version (MVP) with the core features lets you launch sooner, test the idea with real users and spend on the features they actually need.
Will I own the code of my custom app?
Yes. You get full ownership of the source code once the project is delivered, so you can host, change and develop the app with any team you choose.
What happens after the custom app is launched?
You get a free 6-month warranty after launch with technical support. After that, we can continue with updates, new features and maintenance, and train your team to manage the app.
Have an app idea? Let's talk it through
Book a free consultation with a business development expert to discuss your idea, refine it and plan its launch.
Before you start