Cheap vs Custom Websites in the UAE: When AED 500 Is Enough
How to decide between a low-cost starter website and a custom website in Dubai — what each includes, the hidden costs, and the signs you've outgrown a starter site.
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Website prices in the UAE range from a few hundred dirhams to six figures. Both ends can be the right choice. What matters is what your business needs the website to do.
The difference
| Starter website (from AED 500) | Custom website | |
|---|---|---|
| Pages | One page, several sections | Many pages and templates |
| Design | Proven layout with your branding | Designed from scratch |
| Features | WhatsApp, form, maps, basic SEO | Bookings, payments, portals, integrations |
| Content | You provide it | Often includes strategy and copy |
| Timeline | About a week | Weeks to months |
| Best for | Getting online and getting enquiries | Growing, ranking and selling online |
A starter website is enough when…
- You mainly need people to find you and message you
- You offer a handful of services
- Your customers come from referrals, Instagram or Google Maps
- You need to look credible this week
You need custom when…
- You want to rank for many search terms with dedicated pages
- You sell online or take bookings and payments
- You need Arabic and English versions
- You need a customer portal, dashboard or integration with your CRM or accounting
- Your brand needs to stand out in a competitive market
Hidden costs to ask about
- Domain renewal and hosting
- Who owns the website and the domain
- Charges for edits after launch
- Whether SSL and backups are included
Start small, grow later
Many businesses start with a AED 500 website and upgrade to a custom site once enquiries grow. Read how much a website costs in Dubai.
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Get your business online for AED 500
A mobile-friendly one-page website with WhatsApp and call buttons, an enquiry form, Google Maps, basic SEO and SSL, ready in about 5 working days. See what's included.
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