Table of Contents

    Key Takeaways

    • Apps like Soudfa succeed because they focus on serious, value-driven matchmaking, serving users who want meaningful relationships instead of casual swiping.

    • Developing an app like Soudfa requires strong research, trust-focused UI/UX, scalable technology, and matching logic built around cultural values.

    • Features such as profile verification, privacy controls, and compatibility-based matching help build user trust and long-term engagement.

    • The cost of building a Soudfa-style app can go from $20,000-$90,000+, depending on complexity, but investing early in security and scalability prevents growth issues later.

    • Monetization works best through subscriptions, boosts, and verification-based upgrades that respect user intent and trust.

    Ever felt like the digital dating world is a bit too "swipe-heavy" and a little too shallow?

    You aren't alone.

    In a sea of endless scrolling, many people are searching for something deeper, a connection that respects their culture, values, and dreams for the future.

    That’s exactly why apps like Soudfa have seen such explosive success.

    They didn’t just build another dating platform; they built a digital home for intentional matchmaking.

    If you’ve been sitting on a vision to create a space where meaningful relationships actually flourish, you’re in the right place.

    Building a platform of this scale might feel like a mountain to climb, but it’s all about the right strategy.

    In this blog, we’re going to pull back the curtain on how to develop an app like Soudfa, from the "must-have" features to the hurdles you'll need to jump over to win your users' hearts.

    Let’s get started:

    Overview of Soudfa Dating App 

    Soudfa is a popular dating app for Arab and muslim people, popular among people who are looking for more than casual flings. 

    It is a mission-driven platform where faith and family values take center stage. 

    From supporting nikah goals to offering discreet misyar options, every feature is designed with cultural intelligence. 

    You get total control, think private albums and verified profiles, ensuring a journey that is as respectful as it is romantic. 

    When you look at how to create a dating app for Arab people like Soudfa, you see they’ve mastered one thing perfectly: understanding the pulse of the community.

    With 10 million-plus users across the Middle East and Europe, Soudfa blends modern tech with deep-rooted traditions.

    It gives people a way to meet that feels natural, safe, and, most importantly, aligned with their cultural values.

    The app is present on both Android & iOS to download. 

    Whether it’s the blurring of photos for privacy or detailed filters for family background, it’s built for those who want more than a temporary "hello."

    If you want to create a dating app that resonates, you need to look at Soudfa as the gold standard for intentionality.

    Why Invest in Developing an App like Soudfa?

    The short answer is: Market demand for intentionality.

    Generic dating apps are failing cultural niches that value marriage over casual swiping, creating a massive opening for a platform that prioritizes "Halal" matchmaking.

    By building a safe space specifically for Muslim and Arab communities, you’re tapping into a massive, loyal audience that mainstream apps often overlook.

    This isn't just about filling a social gap; it’s about a strategic business move, so let’s get into the actual benefits this serves for you as an investor:

    Reason #1: Huge Revenue Potential

    When you develop an app like Soudfa, you aren’t just selling swipes; you’re selling a life-changing result. 

    Users are highly motivated to pay for premium features that ensure safety and success, turning a high-intent audience into a consistent, scalable goldmine for your business.

    Reason #2: Growing Demand for Niche Dating App

    Mainstream platforms are too noisy and often miss the mark on cultural nuances. 

    To develop a niche dating app is to give a specific community exactly what they’re craving: a space where they don’t have to explain their values because the app already understands them.

    Reason #3: Rapid Brand Loyalty

    Trust is the ultimate currency in matchmaking. 

    If you build an app like Soudfa that successfully leads to a marriage, you’ve earned a lifelong advocate. 

    This organic word-of-mouth creates a powerful, self-sustaining ecosystem that slashes your long-term marketing costs.

    Reason #4: Untapped Global Market Reach

    The opportunity to create a dating app for Arab people like Soudfa spans continents, from Riyadh to London. 

    This massive, underserved demographic is looking for modern tech that respects tradition, offering you a clear path to dominate a global market with very little direct competition.

    So, these are some of the top reasons to spend your money on developing a dating app like Soudfa for Arab and Muslim people. 

    As we are done with “Why,’’ time to know “How.”

    Our experts help you plan, design, and launch faster

    How to Develop a Dating App Like Soudfa? 

    A simple answer can be achieved by blending modern technology with deep cultural respect. 

    It isn’t just about copying features, it’s about creating a secure, high-trust ecosystem that feels like a natural extension of your community’s values. 

    Let’s pull back the curtain and look at the step-by-step roadmap to turning this vision into a reality:

    Step 1: Deep-Dive Market Research & Niche Definition

    Before you even think about the code, you need to understand who you are building for. 

    The Arab and Muslim world is vast, with varying relationship goals like Zawaj or Nikah. You aren't just looking for "users"; you’re looking for a community. 

    To create a dating app like Soudfa, you must define your Unique Selling Proposition. Spend time researching the specific pain points of singles in your target region. 

    By focusing on shared religious values and cultural nuances early on, you set the foundation for an app that feels like it was made specifically for them.

    Step 2: Architecting the "Trust-First" UI/UX Design

    In a matrimonial app, the interface shouldn't just be pretty; it needs to feel safe.

    When you invest in professional UI/UX design services, you are designing a virtual meeting place that should feel as comfortable as a family living room. 

    For an app like Soudfa, this means designing features like "blurred profile pictures" or "discreet browsing mode." 

    Your design should be clean and respectful, avoiding the frantic feel of typical swipe apps.

    Every transition should encourage intentionality, ensuring users feel they are in a premium, secure environment.

    Step 3: Selecting a Robust & Scalable Tech Stack

    Now we get to the "dating app tech stack, the engine of your app." 

    To handle millions of messages and thousands of real-time matches, your backend needs to be strong. 

    If you want to build an app like Soudfa, we recommend using a cross-platform framework like Flutter or React Native. 

    This allows you to launch on both iOS and Android with a single codebase, saving you time and money without sacrificing performance. 

    You’ll need a secure cloud home like AWS to ensure that when your user base explodes, your app doesn't lag or crash during those crucial late-night conversations.

    Step 4: Developing the Intelligent Matchmaking Algorithm

    This is where the magic happens. 

    Unlike casual dating, a marriage app needs an algorithm that weighs "values" over "vibes." 

    To develop an app like Soudfa effectively, your code needs to calculate compatibility based on deep metrics: religious practice, lifestyle habits, and family expectations. 

    You can use Machine Learning to study user behavior. If someone constantly skips certain traits, the app should learn. 

    The goal is to present "The One" rather than "The Many," increasing the chances of successful marriages that become your best marketing.

    Step 5: Implementing Rigorous Security & Verification

    Trust is your ultimate currency. If your app is filled with bots, your real users will vanish. 

    You must implement a multi-layered verification system to make a dating app like Soudfa successful. 

    Start with mobile OTP checks, then go a step further with AI-powered facial recognition. Require a "liveness" selfie during sign-up to match the profile photo. 

    This eliminates "catfishing" and ensures every "Salam" comes from a real person. 

    Adding manual moderation for bios cleanses the environment, making your app a gold standard for safety.

    Step 6: Post-Launch Growth & Maintenance

    The secret to longevity is never staying stagnant. Once you create an app like Soudfa, you need to keep it polished and bug-free. 

    This is where mobile app maintenance services become your best friend. 

    You’ll need to monitor user feedback constantly, release regular updates to stay compatible with new OS versions, and tweak your algorithm based on real-world data. 

    Post-launch is also about scaling your marketing and community management to ensure that "Salam" keeps turning into "I do" for thousands of new members every day.

    So, these are some steps to build a dating app like Soudfa. Now, let’s get to know the features part as well.

    Top Features To Have in An App like Soudfa

    Dating app features are one of those elements that can either attract your audience or push them away within the first few interactions on the app.

    That’s why your app, like Soudfa, needs to focus on trust, compatibility, and meaningful features rather than superficial engagement. 

    When planning for such features, the goal should be simple: help users feel safe, understood, and confident enough to start having real conversations that could turn into lasting relationships. 

    Feature Area

    Feature

    Why It Matters

    User Access

    Secure Sign-Up & Login

    Phone and email verification help keep fake profiles out and build early trust

    Profiles

    Detailed User Profiles

    More depth means better matches, fewer random connections

    Matchmaking

    Compatibility-Based Matching

    Matches users based on values, preferences, and intentions—not just photos

    Discovery

    Smart Search Filters

    Let's users narrow matches by age, location, education, and lifestyle choices

    Communication

    Private In-App Messaging

    Encourages respectful conversations in a safe, controlled environment

    Safety

    Profile Verification

    Adds authenticity and reassures users they’re talking to real people

    Privacy

    Visibility & Control Settings

    Users decide what information they want to share and with whom

    Moderation

    Report & Block Options

    Keeps the platform respectful and community-driven

    Engagement

    Real-Time Notifications

    Alerts users about new matches and messages without feeling spammy

    Localization

    Language & Cultural Support

    Makes the experience feel familiar and culturally relevant

    Monetization

    Premium Memberships

    Unlocks advanced filters, visibility boosts, and priority matches

    Admin Control

    Admin Dashboard

    Helps manage users, content, reports, and platform performance

    Building these features and ensuring they function seamlessly isn’t simple, which is why partnering with a top mobile app development company becomes essential.

    How Much Does it Cost to Develop an App like Soudfa? 

    There isn’t a fixed price tag. But the cost to develop a dating app like Soudfa for Arab and muslim people can go from $20,000-$90,000+

    Basic dating apps with profiles, swiping, and chat tend to cost less. Whereas, fully loaded apps with custom AI matchmaking or advanced security can push the app cost further. 

    These estimates reflect industry norms for a full cycle of design, development, testing, and deployment. 

    Here’s a quick breakdown of your cost to develop a dating app:

    App Complexity Level

    Estimated Cost Range

    What’s Included

    Basic Dating App

    $20,000 – $35,000

    User profiles, basic matchmaking, swipe feature, one-to-one chat, simple UI

    Mid-Level Dating App

    $40,000 – $60,000

    Advanced filters, location-based matching, social login, better UI/UX, and moderation tools

    Advanced Dating App

    $70,000 – $90,000+

    AI matchmaking, enhanced privacy controls, verification layers, premium features, scalability support

    Note: This is just an estimate that we share with you. For a better understanding, you can connect with an expert company and hire dedicated developers as per your business needs. 

    But, yes, moving forward, knowing just cost isn’t enough… let’s get to know different challenges one may face while creating a dating app like Soudfa. 

    What Are the Top Challenges in Developing a Dating App Like Soudfa? 

    Building a dating app like Soudfa is not as easy as you might think. 

    Any big app that you try to replicate always comes with an audience that is culturally sensitive and trust-driven. 

    Let’s get to know different dating app development challenges most founders run into, and how you can tackle them right away: 

    Challenge #1: Establishing Absolute User Trust

    When you create an app like Soudfa, your biggest hurdle is convincing users that your platform is a safe space for serious marriage intentions. 

    If the community senses even a hint of "casual dating" or lack of privacy, they will leave your platform as quickly as they joined.

    The Solution

    As you know, security in dating apps is one of the biggest concerns of users. So, implement a multi-layered verification system that includes AI-based "liveness" selfie checks and manual profile reviews. 

    You should also offer "Privacy Shield" features, such as blurred photos that only reveal to matches, giving your users total control over their identity.

    Challenge #2: Preventing the "Fake Profile" Epidemic

    One of the most common challenges while creating an app like Soudfa is the influx of bots and scammers who target high-intent users. 

    Nothing kills the user experience faster than a series of conversations with "catfish" accounts or automated spam bots.

    The Solution

    Integrate mandatory mobile OTP (One-Time Password) verification and social media linking during the onboarding process. 

    When you build an app like Soudfa, use AI-identity verification and AI-driven behavioral analysis to flag accounts that send too many identical messages or exhibit "non-human" activity patterns.

    Challenge #3: Balancing Tradition with Modern UI/UX

    To make an app like Soudfa successful, the design must feel modern but never disrespectful. 

    The challenge is creating an interface that is as sleek as Tinder but as serious and intentional as a family introduction.

    The Solution

    Focus on a "Respectful UX" by replacing the rapid "swipe" mechanic with detailed profile cards that highlight values, faith practices, and family goals. 

    Use a warm, calm color palette and ensure that your UI/UX design services prioritize scannability so users focus on the bio, not just the photo.

    Challenge #4: Designing a Values-Based Matching Algorithm

    Generic algorithms focus on location and hobbies, but for a matrimonial app, these are secondary. 

    The technical challenge is building a system that calculates compatibility based on religious denominations, lifestyle choices, and future family visions.

    The Solution

    Develop a weighted dating app matching algorithm that allows users to prioritize their "deal-breakers" (like frequency of prayer or dietary habits). 

    By using machine learning to track which profiles a user spends time on, the app can learn to suggest partners who share deep-seated cultural values.

    Challenge #5: Ensuring Long-Term Scalability & Performance

    As your community grows from thousands to millions of users, your backend will face immense pressure. 

    High-resolution photo uploads and thousands of concurrent real-time chats can lead to lag, which is a major deal-breaker for users in the middle of a deep conversation.

    The Solution

    Use a cloud-native architecture like AWS or Google Cloud that offers auto-scaling capabilities to handle traffic spikes effortlessly. 

    When you make a dating app like Soudfa, utilize a cross-platform framework like Flutter to ensure a high-performance experience on both iOS and Android with a single codebase.

    Since we’ve already explored the challenges in depth, it’s the perfect time to shift focus and understand how this app can generate revenue.

    How Apps Like Soudfa Make Money?

    Building a community is beautiful, but a sustainable business needs a clear revenue strategy.

    When you start an online dating business, you aren’t just selling "matches", you’re selling a premium, secure pathway to a life partner.

    Here is how the top players in the niche monetize their platforms without compromising user trust:

    • Tiered Subscription Models: Offer a "Freemium" experience where basic browsing is free, but users pay for "Premium" or "VIP" tiers to unlock unlimited messages, advanced filters, or the ability to see who liked their profile.

    • In-App Boosts & Microtransactions: Allow users to make one-time purchases to "Boost" their profile to the top of the search results for a few hours or send "Super Salams" to stand out in a crowded inbox.

    • Identity Verification Fees: Since trust is a major pain point, you can offer an expedited "Verified Badge" for a small one-time fee, ensuring users that the person they are talking to is 100% real. This can be a unique monetization model for your dating app

    • Cultural Concierge Services: For users who want a more traditional experience, you can offer "Matchmaker" services where a human consultant helps curate their matches, similar to high-end matrimonial services.

    • Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with wedding planners, jewelry brands, or halal travel agencies to offer relevant, non-intrusive advertisements or affiliate deals that actually help users plan their future.

    So, these are some of the top ways through which your dating app like Soudfa, can make money, 

    Now, to leverage these models and ensure success in the market, you need the help of top mobile app development companies. This is what our next section is about. 

    How JPLoft Can Help You Develop a Dating App Like Soudfa? 

    Here’s the thing: Building a culturally aligned dating app in the market where apps like Soudfa already existed is a hard task to complete. 

    You need clarity, sensitivity, and a team that understands how real users think. That’s where JPLoft steps in. 

    As a trusted dating app development company, JPLoft helps you shape your idea into a secure, scalable, and purpose-driven platform.

    With a company like JPLoft, you get guidance from day one, from defining the right feature set to designing flows that respect privacy and intent. 

    The team focuses on clean UI, strong moderation systems, and smart matching logic that fits your audience. 

    Whether you’re planning an AI-powered dating app or a niche platform, experienced developers bring the clarity and technical expertise needed to launch a dating app that truly stands out.

    Let JPLoft help you move forward with confidence and a clear product vision.

    You can launch a platform built for real connections

    Conclusion 

    Building a dating app like Soudfa is not about chasing trends or copying swipe mechanics. It’s about understanding people, values, and intent. 

    When you choose to build an app like Soudfa, you’re committing to trust, privacy, and meaningful connections from day one. 

    From research and design to matchmaking logic and security, every decision shapes how safe and respected users feel on your platform. 

    The opportunity is big, but so is the responsibility. 

    With the right strategy, features, and development partner, you can create a space that goes beyond matches and actually helps people build real relationships. 

    If you approach it with clarity and cultural awareness, your app won’t just attract users. It will earn loyalty.

    FAQs

    On average, it takes 4 to 6 months to create an app like Soudfa, depending on features, security layers, and platform scope.

    To build an app like Soudfa, start with deep market research, focus on cultural values, prioritize privacy and trust, design intentional features, and build a secure, scalable platform.

    The price for developing one such app like Soudfa can go from $20,000-$90,000+. This price can increase or decrease as per the growing requirements, changing project needs & more.

    AI isn’t mandatory at launch, but it becomes valuable for smarter matching, fraud detection, and improving long-term engagement.

    It requires a deeper focus on privacy, verification, and cultural values. Generic dating logic usually fails in this space.

    You should work with an experienced team that understands both technology and cultural sensitivity, not just app development.