How much does an ecommerce website cost in Dubai in 2026? A template-based store starts at around AED 5,000, a professionally built Shopify or WooCommerce store typically costs AED 12,000 to AED 30,000, and a fully custom ecommerce platform runs from AED 35,000 to AED 120,000 and beyond — before 5% VAT. On top of the build, expect monthly running costs: a Shopify plan from about AED 88/month, card processing of roughly 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction, and BNPL fees if you offer Tabby or Tamara at checkout.
Those are ranges, not quotes. What you actually pay depends on the platform, product count, Arabic requirements, payment gateway choice, and how much of the work the agency does for you.
How much does an ecommerce website cost in Dubai in 2026?
What UAE agencies published in 2026:
| Approach | Build cost (AED) | Typical monthly running cost (AED) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Template/DIY store | 5,000–12,000 | 90–400 (plan + domain) | Testing a single product or MVP |
| Shopify (agency-built) | 12,000–30,000 | 250–1,500 + transaction fees | Most Dubai retailers and DTC brands |
| WooCommerce (agency-built) | 12,000–30,000 | 150–600 (hosting, plugins, SSL) | Stores that want full ownership of the code |
| Custom platform | 35,000–120,000+ | 500–3,000 (maintenance contracts) | High-volume stores, marketplaces, complex integrations |
What drives the cost of an ecommerce site in Dubai?
Payment gateway setup and transaction fees. This is the Dubai-specific line item that surprises newcomers. Shopify Payments is only in limited early access in the UAE, so most Shopify stores connect a third-party gateway — Telr, Tap, Stripe or PayTabs — and pay both the gateway's fee and Shopify's additional third-party transaction fee (2% on Basic, 1% on Grow, 0.6% on Advanced). Published UAE gateway rates as of 2026: Telr from around 2.69% + AED 1, PayTabs 2.85% + AED 1, Stripe 2.9% + AED 1, Tap 2.75% + AED 1. You also need a UAE trade licence with an ecommerce activity before a gateway will approve your store — budget the licence separately, because no build quote includes it.
Bilingual Arabic (AR/EN). Proper Arabic means professionally translated copy plus right-to-left (RTL) layout adjustments — not a translate toggle. Arabic translation and RTL work is a key reason bilingual stores sit at the top of every price band.
Product volume and operations. A catalogue of 50 simple products is a different project from 5,000 SKUs with variants, filters, VAT-correct invoicing and courier integrations (Aramex, Fetchr). Cash-on-delivery workflows, still common in the UAE, add order-management logic a card-only checkout does not need.
Content and design effort. Copywriting, premium product photography, and a custom design system each add a line that cheap quotes quietly omit. Always ask what is included before comparing headlines.
When does custom development beat Shopify?
Shopify wins on speed and predictable cost for standard catalogues — which is why most Dubai agencies quote it first. Custom development earns its premium when checkout or pricing logic is genuinely unusual: rental models, made-to-order configurators, multi-vendor marketplaces, or B2B tiered pricing that fights Shopify's cart model.
What are the hidden recurring costs after launch?
The build invoice is only the first bill. These are the recurring costs Dubai merchants report in 2026 — ask any agency to itemise them before you sign: platform fees, card processing of roughly 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction, buy-now-pay-later fees, maintenance and security, and marketing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an ecommerce website cost in Dubai in 2026?
A professionally built Shopify or WooCommerce store costs AED 12,000 to AED 30,000. Template builds start around AED 5,000; custom platforms run AED 35,000 to AED 120,000+, plus 5% VAT.
What is the monthly cost of running a Shopify store in the UAE?
Around AED 88 to AED 1,466 for the plan (Basic to Advanced, annual billing), plus card processing of roughly 2.5% to 3.5% per transaction through a UAE gateway like Telr or PayTabs, plus Shopify's extra third-party fee depending on the plan.
Do I need a trade licence to sell online in Dubai?
Yes. You need a UAE trade licence that includes an ecommerce activity — mainland or free zone — before a payment gateway will approve your store. The licence cost is separate from the website build.
How long does it take to build an ecommerce website in Dubai?
Four to ten weeks for a professional Shopify or WooCommerce store; eight to fourteen weeks for a solid bilingual build; three to nine months for custom platforms.
Conclusion
Budgeting an ecommerce website in Dubai in 2026 comes down to two numbers: the build (AED 5,000 to AED 120,000+ depending on approach) and the monthly run rate (plan fees, card processing, BNPL if you offer it, and maintenance). The cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest store once Arabic, integrations, content and a year of running costs are counted.
