Last year, a clinic owner in Abu Dhabi spent AED 18,000 on a website that still doesn’t rank on Google. Why? They signed a contract without asking if the developer would optimize for local Arabic search terms. Six months later, they’re paying another developer to fix what should’ve been done upfront.
This isn’t rare. I’ve seen restaurants in Dubai waste six figures on apps that never launched, and real estate agencies in Sharjah get hit with surprise fees after launch. A contract is just paper if it doesn’t protect you from these risks. Here’s what to ask before signing.
Who Owns the Website After It’s Built?
This isn’t about trust — it’s about clarity. I’ve had clients come to me after their developer refused to hand over the site code or domain. One hotel booking platform in Dubai was stuck paying their agency AED 1,500/month just to keep their own website online.
Ask:
- •Will I own the source code and content?
- •Who renews the domain and hosting after launch?
- •Can I move the website to another developer later?
A contract should explicitly state that ownership transfers to you once the project is paid in full. If the developer hesitates, walk away.
Will This Website Actually Bring Me More Customers?
A developer might promise “modern design” or “cutting-edge tech” — but what does that mean for your bottom line? Last year, I worked with a furniture store in Ajman that had a beautiful Shopify site. No one was buying. Why? The checkout didn’t accept UAE cash-on-delivery, which 60% of their customers prefer.
Your contract should tie features to outcomes. For example:
- •If it’s a restaurant site: “Online reservation system that reduces no-shows by 30%”
- •If it’s an e-commerce store: “Integration with local payment gateways like PayTabs and Telr”
- •If it’s a service business: “Lead capture forms that auto-forward to your CRM”
If they can’t explain how a feature grows your revenue, it’s fluff.
How Long Will It Take, and What Happens If They Miss the Deadline?
I once built a Ramadan promotion site for a supermarket chain in Kuwait. The client wanted it live in 4 weeks — we agreed on a simple design to meet the timeline. Two weeks in, they kept adding features: a loyalty program, Arabic/English switcher, real-time inventory. It launched late. They were upset.
Delays happen. The key is to define “done” upfront. Ask:
- •What’s the exact delivery date for the first draft?
- •What’s considered a delay — and what’s a change request?
- •Will you pay extra if they miss the deadline?
One of my clients in Ras Al Khaimah insisted on a penalty clause for late delivery. We still finished on time — but having the conversation upfront kept everyone honest.
What’s Not Included in the Price?
A law firm in Dubai signed a “AED 9,500 website” contract — then paid another AED 4,000 for content writing, photo editing, and SSL certificates. The developer didn’t mention those costs until halfway through the project.
Ask for a breakdown:
- •Design and development hours
- •Stock photos or custom illustrations
- •Third-party tools (e.g. CRM integrations)
- •Ongoing maintenance
Most UAE business websites cost between AED 8,000–25,000, but hidden fees can push that higher. If they say “all-inclusive,” ask for a written list of what that includes.
What Happens After Launch?
A limo service in Abu Dhabi paid AED 14,000 for a site — then got charged AED 2,000/month for basic updates. Their contract said nothing about post-launch support.
Decide what you need:
- •Who fixes bugs after launch?
- •How do you request changes (e.g. updating prices or photos)?
- •Is there a maintenance fee — and what does it cover?
At my agency, I offer 3 months of free support for minor fixes. But if a client wants big changes — like adding a booking system a year later — that’s a new project.
I Once Had a Client Who Changed Their Mind 10 Times. Here’s What Happened.
A real estate agency in Dubai wanted a property listing site. We agreed on a 10-week timeline. By week 6, they’d changed the color scheme 3 times, added a mortgage calculator, and wanted to switch from Arabic/English to include Urdu too.
We renegotiated the timeline and budget. The site eventually launched — and now automates their listings, saving them 15 hours a week. But it cost 25% more than the original quote.
Scope creep kills projects. Your contract should define:
- •How many revisions are included
- •What counts as a “change request”
- •How extra costs are calculated
If they say “we’ll handle it as it comes,” you’re gambling with your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic website cost in UAE?
Most small business websites (5–10 pages) cost AED 8,000–15,000. E-commerce sites or custom tools like booking systems start at AED 18,000. I’ve seen offshore agencies underbid by 40%, but 70% of those clients end up paying more later for fixes.
How long does a website take to build?
Simple sites take 4–6 weeks. Complex projects (like real estate platforms with automated listings) take 10–14 weeks. If someone promises “in 2 weeks,” they’re skipping testing or using pre-made templates.
Do I need a bilingual Arabic/English website?
Yes, if you serve both audiences. I’ve seen clinics in Al Ain lose 40% of potential patients because their English-only site didn’t show up in Arabic Google searches.
What payment gateways work with UAE websites?
Your site should accept Visa/Mastercard, Apple Pay, and local options like PayTabs, Telr, or Cash on Delivery. If you sell to businesses, integrate with networks like ZATCA for tax compliance.
Let’s Avoid Costly Mistakes Together
I’ve helped 40+ UAE businesses avoid contract pitfalls — from a clinic in Abu Dhabi that now gets 200+ monthly bookings, to a logistics firm that automated their quotes and cut admin work by 50%.
If you’re ready to build a website that actually grows your business, book a free consultation. I’ll help you ask the right questions — before you sign anything.