Cost to Build an App Like Absher in Saudi Arabia

Key Takeaways

• The average cost to build an app like Absher ranges from SAR 90,000 to SAR 750,000+ ($25,000 to $200,000+).

• The development cost for apps like Absher varies based on features, security needs, integrations, and long-term scalability requirements.

• Development costs can be optimized through MVP-based planning, agile development, cross-platform solutions, and experienced technical teams.

• Essential Absher-like app features focus on secure access, digital services, real-time tracking, multilingual support, and strong data protection.

• Building a unified government services app requires careful planning, secure systems, seamless integrations, and a reliable development partner.

The digital innovation is rapidly increasing in Saudi Arabia as a part of its Vision 2030 goals. The country is focusing on using technology to improve services and save time for all.

Today, discussing the cost to build an app like Absher is becoming more common among government bodies, enterprises, and startups planning such service platforms.

Apps like Absher show how a single app can manage multiple services while offering speed, safety, and easy access. For business planning to build a similar app, the average development cost ranges from SAR 90,000 to SAR 750,000+ ($25,000 to $200,000+).

In this blog, we will discuss everything related to the Absher like app development cost, features to use, and more. This will help you set budgets and choose a reliable partner for future success.

Overview of the Absher App

Absher is a government-owned mobile app in Saudi Arabia that offers a wide range of public services in one secure platform. The mobile app was launched in 2015 to help citizens, residents, and visitors complete important tasks without visiting government offices.

The app works by connecting users to official government systems through a verified login process. Hence, this ensures safe access to personal services.

Absher provides services related to residency, passports, traffic, employment, civil status, and payments. Users can renew documents, book appointments, pay fees, and track service requests directly from their mobile devices. 

The app supports both Arabic and English, making it easy to use for a diverse user base.

Today, Absher has over 10M+ downloads on the Play Store and processes millions of transactions every month. Its high adoption rate and wide service coverage encourages business to invest in a government services app like Absher.

Cost to Build an App Like Absher

The cost to develop an app like Absher depends on the app’s size, features, security level, and technology used. Being a large govt platform, Absher clone app development cost ranges from SAR 90,000 to SAR 750,000+ ($25,000 to $200,000+). However, businesses can plan a similar solution in phases based on budget and goals.

A basic version of the government service app focuses on limited services and simple user flows. However, if there is scope to invest more, a mid-level app offers features like better design and stronger security.

On the other hand, an advanced app like Absher includes multiple services, high-level security, real-time updates, and the ability to handle a large user base. However, each level requires different development time, team size, and effort, which directly affects the cost to build a service app like Absher.

Below is a general cost comparison based on app complexity.

Moreover, going through this table will resolve your query on how much does it cost to create an app like Absher.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Develop an App Like Absher

Developing an app like Absher is a large and strategic project that requires a skilled app and web development company in Saudi Arabia. Unlike regular mobile apps, such platforms manage multiple services, sensitive data, and a very large user base.

The total development cost to develop a service app like Absher depends on several key factors. To help businesses understand this clearly, each factor is explained below with equal focus and balanced detail.

1. Scope of Features and Services

The scope of features is the primary factor that affects the cost to create an app like Absher. A platform with limited services, like basic user access and information display, requires less development effort.

However, an app that offers multiple services like document renewal, appointment booking, fee payments, and service tracking becomes more complex. Each service needs separate logic, backend support, testing, and maintenance.

As features increase, development time, team size, and testing effort also grow. Businesses can control costs by prioritizing essential services first and expanding later as a phased development approach helps manage budgets.

2. App Design and User Experience

User experience plays a major role in determining development cost. Apps like Absher must be simple and easy to use for a wide audience, including users with different age groups and technical skills.

Designing clear navigation, readable screens, and smooth user flows requires time and expertise. In addition, such apps often support multiple languages and accessibility standards. This increases design complexity and app testing needs.

While high-quality design raises initial costs, it improves user satisfaction, reduces support issues, and increases long-term adoption. For businesses, investing in a reliable user experience results in better engagement and trust.

3. Security and Data Protection

Mobile app security is a critical factor when it comes to discuss cost to create a government services app like Absher. These platforms handle sensitive personal and official data, which must be protected at all levels.

Meeting Saudi Arabia’s data protection and digital security regulations also adds to development and testing efforts. Security planning, implementation, and audits increase upfront cost but reduce risks significantly.

Businesses that invest in strong security avoid data breaches, legal issues, and reputation damage. In the long run, proper security saves costs by preventing major operational and compliance problems.

4. Backend Development and Scalability

The backend is the backbone of an app like Absher. It handles user requests, data processing, service delivery, and system performance. Since such apps serve millions of users, the backend must be scalable and reliable.

Building a strong backend involves server setup, database design, cloud infrastructure, and performance optimization. These elements increase development cost but ensure the app can handle high traffic without downtime.

A scalable backend allows future growth without rebuilding the system. For businesses, this is a long-term investment that supports stability and reduces future redevelopment expenses.

5. Integration with External Systems

Apps like Absher depend on integration with multiple external systems. These may include payment gateways, identity verification services, notification tools, and government databases.

Each integration requires secure connections and experienced AI development services in Saudi Arabia for AI-powered APIs. The complexity of integrations directly affects the Absher clone app development cost.

Businesses should clearly define required integrations during planning. Limiting integrations in the initial phase helps control costs and speeds up launch, while additional connections can be added later as the platform grows.

6. Platform and Technology Choice

The choice of platform and technology stack has a direct impact on Absher like app development cost. Building an app for a single platform, such as Android or iOS, is less expensive than developing for both.

However, large-scale apps usually need multi-platform support to reach all users. Technology selection also matters. Modern app development frameworks, cloud solutions, and secure architectures may increase initial cost but offer better performance and scalability.

Choosing the right technology reduces maintenance effort and supports future updates. Businesses benefit by selecting technologies that align with long-term goals rather than focusing only on short-term savings.

7. Development Team and Expertise

The cost to make an app like Absher also depends on the development team’s size and experience. Such projects require skilled developers, designers, testers, project managers, and security experts.

Experienced teams may charge higher rates but deliver better quality and fewer errors. A professional development partner helps streamline processes, avoid rework, and meet quality standards.

Inexperienced teams may seem cost-effective initially, but can increase expenses due to delays and fixes. For businesses, choosing the right team ensures efficient development, predictable costs, and a reliable final product.

8. Testing, Maintenance, and Ongoing Support

Testing and maintenance are ongoing cost factors that businesses must plan for. Testing ensures the app works smoothly across devices, platforms, and real-life scenarios.

Performance testing and security testing are especially important for high-usage apps like Absher. After launch, regular updates, bug fixes, and security patches are required to keep the app stable and secure.

Costs for app maintenance services are recurring but essential for long-term success. Businesses that plan for ongoing support avoid sudden expenses and ensure the app continues to deliver value as user needs and technologies change.

Hidden Factors Impacting the Development Cost

When planning the budget for an app like Absher, businesses often focus only on visible development costs such as design, features, and technology. 

However, several hidden factors can quietly increase the total cost if they are not planned early. Let’s discover them.

► Requirement Changes

One major hidden factor is requirement changes during development. As the project progresses, new ideas, feature changes, or compliance updates may arise. Even small changes can affect backend logic, user flows, and testing efforts.

► Data Migration & System Readiness

Another overlooked factor is data migration and system readiness. If the app needs to move data from existing systems or connect with outdated platforms, additional work is required. Cleaning, structuring, and validating data takes time and often needs custom solutions.

► Performance Optimization

Performance optimization is also a hidden cost driver. Apps serving large user bases must perform smoothly during peak usage. Load testing, server tuning, and response-time improvements require extra development and infrastructure investment.

► User Training & Onboarding

User training and onboarding can also impact the cost to develop a service app like Absher. Even the best-designed app may require tutorials, help sections, or support materials. Creating user guides and in-app help adds to development effort but improves adoption.

► Scalability Planning

Another factor is long-term scalability planning. If scalability is not considered early, businesses may need expensive system changes later. Planning for future growth from the start increases initial cost slightly but avoids major redevelopment expenses in the future.

► Compliance Updates

Lastly, post-launch support and compliance updates often go unnoticed. Security updates, system upgrades, and regulatory changes require ongoing development efforts. Businesses that plan for these hidden costs early are better prepared to manage budgets and ensure the long-term success of their app.

Essential Features for an App Like Absher

An app like Absher is designed to deliver multiple services through one secure and easy-to-use platform. For businesses or government bodies planning a similar app, choosing the right set of features is critical. 

Below, we discuss the essential mobile app features required.

1. Digital ID & Documents

This feature allows users to store, access, and manage digital versions of official documents in one secure place. It reduces paperwork, speeds up verification, and improves service access across multiple government departments.

2. Job Services

Job services enable users to manage employment-related tasks such as job status updates, work permits, and employer details. This helps streamline workforce management and ensures accurate records for both users and authorities.

3. Government Service Integration

Government service integration connects the app with multiple public departments. It allows users to access different services from one platform, reducing manual processes, improving efficiency, and saving time for citizens and businesses.

4. Digital Crime Reporting

Digital crime reporting allows users to report incidents directly through the app. It improves response time, reduces paperwork, and creates a secure channel for submitting complaints and tracking case updates.

5. Visa Services

Visa services help users apply for, renew, and manage visa-related requests digitally. This feature reduces physical visits, speeds up approvals, and offers clear visibility into application status and requirements.

6. Profile Management

Profile management enables users to view and update personal information in one place. It ensures data accuracy across services and improves user experience by reducing repeated data entry.

7. Status Tracking

Status tracking allows users to monitor the progress of applications and service requests in real time. It increases transparency, reduces follow-ups, and keeps users informed at every stage.

8. Multi-Lingual Support

Multi-lingual support makes the app accessible to a diverse user base. Offering services in multiple languages improves usability, user confidence, and adoption across different communities.

9. Analytics & Reporting

Analytics and reporting provide insights into app usage, service performance, and user behavior. This helps authorities and businesses improve services, plan resources, and make data-driven decisions.

10. User Authentication

User authentication ensures secure access to the app through verified login methods. It protects sensitive information, prevents unauthorized access, and builds user trust in the platform.

Best Practices to Optimize the Cost of Development

Building a government services app like Absher requires a smart balance between quality and budget. While such platforms are complex, businesses can optimize development costs by following the right practices.

Here are possible ways adopted by a genuine app or software development company in Saudi Arabia for better optimization.

A. Begin with MVP

Starting with an MVP (minimum viable product) helps organizations focus only on essential services. It reduces initial development cost, shortens launch time, and lowers risk.

This development approach allows users to validate features early and gather feedback. However, this prevents overinvestment, supports better planning, and ensures budgets are spent on vital functions.

B. Hire Expert Developers

Hiring an expert development team ensures strong architecture, secure code, and efficient workflows. Skilled developers understand complex government platforms and avoid costly mistakes.

They deliver better quality in less time, reduce rework, and manage risks effectively. Although the cost to hire dedicated developers could be higher, they provide efficient work with quality, which reduces overall development costs.

C. Choose Agile Development

Agile development divides the project into smaller, manageable stages. Each phase includes planning, development, testing, and review. This method allows quick changes, early issue detection, and continuous improvement.

Agile reduces wasted effort, controls scope changes, and keeps costs predictable. It also improves collaboration between stakeholders and developers. Hence, ensuring the app meets business goals efficiently without unnecessary budget pressure.

D. Automate Testing

Automated testing helps verify app functionality, performance, and security at every development stage. It reduces dependence on manual testing, saves time, and improves accuracy. Automated tests detect bugs early, when fixes are cheaper.

This practice lowers post-launch issues, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures consistent app quality across updates, devices, and user scenarios. However, this supports long-term scalability and regulatory compliance needs.

E. Develop Cross-Platform App

Cross-platform app development uses a single codebase for multiple platforms. It reduces development time, lowers resource requirements, and simplifies maintenance.

This approach cuts costs, speeds updates, and ensures a consistent user experience. However, it is ideal for government service applications with easier scaling and long-term operational benefits.

F. Prioritize Core Features

Prioritizing core features helps control scope and development expenses. By focusing on essential services first, businesses avoid unnecessary complexity. This approach ensures faster launch, clearer workflows, and better resource use.

Non-essential features can be added later based on real user needs. Feature prioritization reduces waste, improves ROI, and keeps development aligned with strategic objectives while supporting scalability and platform growth.

Why Choose JPLoft to Build an App Like Absher?

Choosing the right mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia is most important when building a government services app like Absher. JPLoft brings proven experience in developing secure, scalable, and user-friendly digital platforms. Our solutions are customized for complex business and public sector needs.

The team understands the importance of data security, system reliability, and regulatory compliance to ensure high operational standards. At JPLoft, we focus on building apps that are easy to use while handling multiple services under one platform.

Our experts use modern technologies like Node.js, Flutter, and agile practices to control costs, reduce risks, and ensure timely delivery. With a strong focus on quality, performance, and future scalability, JPLoft helps businesses and government organizations turn complex service requirements into powerful digital solutions.

Upto now, you must be clear about how much does it cost to build an app like Absher. So, get a reliable partner and begin your journey now.

Conclusion

Building an app like Absher is a strategic investment for governments and businesses aiming to deliver digital services. As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 journey, such platforms play a vital role in improving accessibility and user satisfaction.

The cost to make an app like Absher depends on many factors and usually ranges from SAR 90,000 to SAR 750,000+ ($25,000 to $200,000+). With proper planning, phased development, and the right technical partner, organizations can manage costs while still delivering a high-quality solution.

Focusing on core features, strong security, and user-friendly design ensures long-term success and trust among users. Hidden costs and ongoing maintenance should also be planned early to avoid budget surprises.

By choosing an experienced development partner, businesses can confidently turn complex service ideas into reliable digital platforms. A well-built Absher-like app not only improves service delivery but also supports growth and innovation in the long run.