Talabat like food delivery app development cost falls between AED 69,730 to AED 275,250 based on app complexity, features and development team you choose.
But here’s the real question:
How do you build the next big thing in food delivery?
Whether you’re a startup dreaming of disrupting the market or an established brand planning to scale, knowing the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat involved is your first step to success.
This article will break down what goes into that budget — from core features and design to the tech stack and hidden development costs.
Why Businesses Want to Replicate Talabat's Success
It's essential to evaluate the advantages of entering the market before investing your time and resources in developing an on-demand food delivery app. Talabat has become a key leader in the online food delivery market across the MENA region.
Its journey from a small startup in Kuwait to a dominant force across multiple countries has inspired entrepreneurs and businesses to replicate its blueprint for success.
The Market Growth is Highly Promising
The graph below highlights Talabat’s strong market presence that holds 76% share of the UAE’s online food delivery market.
These figures highlight a competitive but lucrative space for new entrants.
Planning to launch your meal delivery app? It's the right time to make your mark in this fast-expanding market.
Understanding Talabat Like Food Delivery App Development Cost
As mentioned earlier, the cost to build a mobile app like Talabat can range from AED 69,650 to AED 275,300 or more. This variation depends on several factors such as app complexity, the number of features, the location of the development company and other technical considerations.
An app with a highly complex interface and a comprehensive feature set will cost significantly more than a basic app with limited functionality.
Let’s explore a rough estimate of Talabat app development cost based on different complexity levels:
| App Complexity | Estimated Food Delivery App Development Cost (in AED) | Approx. Timeline |
| Basic App | AED 69,730 – AED 110,000 | 2 – 3 months |
| Mid-Level App | AED 110,000 – AED 190,000 | 3 – 5 months |
| Advanced App | AED 190,000 – AED 275,250+ | 5 – 8 months |
Key Factors Influencing the Cost to Build a Food Delivery App Like Talabat
Creating an app like Talabat involves several factors that determine the overall food delivery app development cost. Gaining a clear understanding of each of these elements will help you estimate the budget more accurately.
Let’s take a closer look at the key factors that impact the cost of developing a Talabat-like app:
App Platform
The choice of app platform—whether Android, iOS or cross-platform—significantly affects the overall cost of developing a food delivery app like Talabat. Each platform comes with its own set of development requirements and building the app for multiple platforms simultaneously can considerably increase overall Talabat app development cost.
Here's a quick breakdown of the average GCC food delivery app costs based on platform selection:
| App Platforms | Average App Development Costs (In AED) |
| Android | AED 75,000 – AED 140,000 |
| iOS | AED 85,000 – AED 150,000 |
| Cross-Platform | AED 100,000 – AED 180,000 |
Location of Development Team
The location of your dedicated app development team is a key factor that affects the overall cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat.
For example;
Hiring a top mobile app development company in the UAE can be a cost-effective option with average hourly rates ranging between $30 to $60.
In contrast, companies based in the US or UK typically charge significantly more with hourly rates ranging from $100 to $200. Choosing a development partner in regions with lower operational costs can help you stay within budget while still ensuring high-quality output.
Compliance and Security Standards
Other factors that impact the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat are compliance and security standards. Mobile app development for restaurants requires strict adherence to regional data protection laws (like GDPR in Europe or PDPL in the UAE) and secure payment processing protocols (PCI-DSS compliance).
Meeting these standards demands additional development time and costs for implementing encryption, secure APIs and audit systems.
Third-Party Integrations
Integrating third-party services such as;
Payment gateways (Stripe & PayPal)
Real-time tracking (Google Maps & Mapbox)
SMS/email services (Twilio & SendGrid)
Social logins (Google Facebook) increase functionality.
It also adds to licensing fees and integration time that impact the overall cost of food ordering app development like Talabat.
Backend Infrastructure and Scalability
Another factor that influence the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat is backend infrastructure and scalability. A robust backend to support order management, user authentication, driver allocation and real time tracking is essential. Choosing cloud solutions like AWS or Azure or GCP also comes with recurring costs based on usage and storage.
Development Team Structure and Costs
Your development team's size and structure greatly influence the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat. Building a Talabat-like app typically requires a cross-functional team to handle full cycle mobile app development stages.
Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for food delivery app development based on dedicated development team and the average hourly rates in AED:
| Role | Average Hourly Rate (AED) | Estimated Monthly Cost (Full-Time) |
| Project Manager | AED 150 – AED 220 | AED 24,000 – AED 35,200 |
| UI/UX Designer | AED 110 – AED 180 | AED 17,600 – AED 28,800 |
| Frontend Developer | AED 130 – AED 220 | AED 20,800 – AED 35,200 |
| Backend Developer | AED 145 – AED 240 | AED 23,200 – AED 37,600 |
| QA Engineer | AED 110 – AED 165 | AED 17,600 – AED 26,400 |
| DevOps Specialist | AED 145 – AED 255 | AED 23,200 – AED 40,800 |
Based on the hiring location of your development partner and the required features, you can easily calculate the food delivery app development cost using the formula.
(Features x time) x Hourly Rate = Food Delivery Development Cost
On average, the cost of making a food delivery app near Abu Dhabi can range from $18,000 to $49,000 and many more.
Features
The features you choose to include in your Talabat-like app directly influence food delivery app development cost and time. The more complex features mean a higher budget.
Must-Have Features of Food Delivery App Like Talabat
Talabat has been one of the most popular food delivery services in the Middle East's online meal delivery market for over a decade thanks to its features. Here are several key features you should consider when building a food delivery app like Talabat.
Customer-Side Panel
This is the front-facing panel of the food delivery app where users interact the most. It should offer a seamless and intuitive experience to attract and retain customers.
Here are the key features from the customer’s perspective to build an app like Talabat:
- User Registration/Login: Easy sign-up/log in using email, phone number, or social media accounts. Option for OTP verification for enhanced security.
- Restaurant Listings: A comprehensive list of nearby or available restaurants based on location. Filters and sorting options (by cuisine, rating, delivery time, etc.) help improve user experience.
- Menu Browsing: Customers should be able to view detailed menus, including dish names, prices, descriptions, and images.
- Real-Time Order Tracking: Allows users to track their order status in real-time—from restaurant acceptance to food preparation to delivery.
- Secure Payment Options: You need a food app with payment integration: credit/debit cards, digital wallets, cash on delivery and regional methods.
- Discounts and Promo Codes: Users should be able to apply promotional codes or avail loyalty discounts during checkout.
- Order History and Reordering: Saves previous orders for quick reordering, making it convenient for regular users.
- Push Notifications: Real-time alerts on order status, exclusive deals and app updates keep users engaged and informed.
- Ratings and Reviews: Users should be able to review restaurants and dishes that help others make informed choices.
- Customer Support Chat: In-app chat or helpdesk integration for resolving issues related to orders or payments or refunds.
2. Restaurant Side Panel
Restaurant partners use this panel to manage orders, menus and overall operations. It should be easy to use and provide the tools needed to manage delivery logistics efficiently.
Here are the key features from the restaurant’s perspective to build an app like Talabat:
- Restaurant Registration/Login: Secure registration and profile creation such as uploading business details, licenses and bank info.
- Menu Management: Easy interface to add, edit or remove dishes, update prices and manage availability (e.g., out-of-stock items).
- Order Management: Real-time notifications of incoming orders with options to accept or prepare or reject. You must include time tracking and estimated preparation time.
- Dashboard and Analytics: A comprehensive dashboard showing order statistics, revenue and customer reviews.
- Promotions & Deals: Ability to create special deals, discounts, or featured meals to attract more customers.
- Delivery Management: Assign deliveries to available delivery personnel or integrate with the app’s logistics system.
- Support and Dispute Handling: Direct access to customer service to resolve payment or service-related issues.
3. Delivery Personnel Panel
This module is dedicated to couriers or delivery agents who ensure the food reaches customers on time. It should be optimized for efficiency, real-time updates and ease of navigation.
Here are basic features from the delivery personnel’s perspective to create a food delivery platform like Talabat:
- Driver Registration/Login: Ensure secure onboarding through identity verification, background checks and detailed vehicle information.
- Order Notifications: Real-time alerts for new delivery assignments with order details, pickup and drop-off locations.
- Route Optimization: GPS integration for the shortest and fastest route to the restaurant and customer location. Integration with Google Maps or similar services.
- Delivery Status Update: Ability to update order status: picked up, en route, delivered or delayed.
- Earnings Dashboard: View daily or weekly or monthly earnings, incentives and completed delivery history.
- In-App Chat or Call: Connect with customers or restaurants in case of issues with the order or address.
- Availability Toggle: A feature to mark themselves as available or unavailable for deliveries.
- Ratings and Reviews: Drivers can be rated by customers and restaurants and vice versa. A performance scorecard can also be included.
- SOS/Emergency Button: For security and safety, especially in case of accidents or issues during delivery.
Here is a detailed cost breakdown for food delivery app development based on features:
| Feature | Description | Average Cost (AED) |
| User Registration & Login | Sign up/login via email, phone, or social media accounts. | AED 2,500 – AED 5,000 |
| Browse Restaurants & Menus | Display restaurants and their menus with descriptions and photos. | AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 |
| Search & Filters | Search functionality with filters for cuisine, price, ratings, etc. | AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 |
| Order Placement | Add items to cart and place orders for delivery. | AED 3,500 – AED 7,000 |
| Real-Time Order Tracking | Track the status of orders in real-time from kitchen to delivery. | AED 4,000 – AED 8,000 |
| Multiple Payment Options | Allow payments via credit/debit cards or wallets or cash on delivery. | AED 3,000 – AED 6,000 |
Tech Stacks Required to Build an App like Talabat
One of the most important factors that impact the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat is tech stacks. You'll need a robust technology stack for the backend, frontend and mobile app development to build food delivery platform UAE.
Here’s a breakdown of the key technologies to build a mobile app:
1. Mobile App Development
Native iOS App:
- Language: Swift
- IDE: Xcode
- Framework: UIKit, SwiftUI
Native Android App:
- Language: Kotlin
- IDE: Android Studio
- Framework: Jetpack
- Cross-platform (for both iOS & Android)
- Framework: Flutter or React Native
2. Backend Development
- Programming Language: Node.js, Java, Python
- Framework: Express.js, Spring Boot, Django/Flask
3. Database: MySQL or PostgreSQL and MongoDB or Cassandra
4. APIs: Stripe, Razorpay, PayPal, Google Maps API
5. Cloud Infrastructure: AWS, GCP, or Microsoft Azure, Cloudflare or AWS CloudFront
6. Security
- JWT (JSON Web Tokens) or OAuth 2.0 (for user authentication)
- SSL/TLS (for secure data transmission)
- Data Encryption (to protect sensitive data)
7. DevOps & CI/CD: Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI, Git
8. Testing: JUnit (for Java) | Mocha/Chai (for Node.js) | PyTest (for Python) | Appium (cross-platform testing) | JUnit or Espresso (for Android) | XCTest (for iOS)
This technology stack will allow you to build a scalable, secure and feature-rich food delivery app like Talabat. You'll need a team of developers proficient in these technologies to create the entire ecosystem.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Solutions
When planning to develop a Talabat-like food delivery app, one of the most critical decisions is choosing between a custom solution or an off-the-shelf (white-label) platform. Your choice will directly impact food delivery app development costs, scalability and business flexibility.
Custom App Development
Custom development involves building your app from scratch which is customized to your business model, customer journey and branding.
Estimated Cost Range:
- AED 183,500 – AED 550,500+ (depending on complexity, features, and team location)
Here are several pros and cons of custom food delivery app development:
| Pros | Cons |
| Customized user experience and unique branding | Higher initial investment |
| Easy scalability and future feature expansion | Longer development time (3–6+ months) |
| Seamless third-party integrations | |
| Full ownership of code and IP | |
| Better long-term ROI |
Off-the-Shelf / White-Label Solutions
These are ready made platforms that can be rebranded and slightly customized for your business. They offer a faster and more affordable way to launch your app.
Estimated Cost Range:
- AED 36,700 – AED 146,800 (one-time or setup fee)
- AED 1,835 – AED 11,000/month (licensing, support and hosting)
Here are pros and cons of off-the-shelf/white-label solutions:
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster time-to-market (2–6 weeks) | Limited customization and branding |
| Lower upfront costs | Ongoing subscription or licensing fees |
| Basic functionality ready out-of-the-box | Scaling or modifying features can be difficult |
| Dependency on vendor for updates and support |
Hidden Costs of White-Label Apps vs. Bespoke Development
White-label platforms appear budget-friendly upfront. But they often involve hidden long-term costs that can outweigh initial savings.
Hidden Costs of White-Label Apps
Hidden costs factors of white-label apps along with approximate budget are shown in table below:
| Hidden Cost Area | Details | Estimated Cost in AED |
| Recurring Fees | Monthly or yearly payments for licensing, support, and maintenance. | AED 22,000 – AED 130,000/year |
| Customization Add-ons | Any new features outside the template can cost extra. | AED 5,500 – AED 36,700+ per feature |
| Vendor Lock-in | Migration to another platform can be costly or even impossible. | Upto AED 100,000 |
| Limited Integrations | Limited API access or integration capabilities unless you pay more. | AED 7,000+ |
Here is a final comparison table between custom food delivery app vs. white-label app like Talabat:
| Criteria | Custom App | White-Label App |
| Initial Cost | AED 183,500 – AED 550,500+ | AED 36,700 – AED 146,800 |
| Time to Market | 3–6+ months | 2–6 weeks |
| Ownership | Full | Licensed |
| Recurring Fees | None | AED 1,835 – AED 11,000/month |
| Scalability | High | Limited |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower over time | Higher due to vendor fees |
Now that you have an estimated cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat. It’s time to explore the process of mobile app development for restaurant.
How to Build a Food Delivery App Like Talabat?
Start with market research to create an app like Talabat. It's crucial to connect with the best company to develop a Talabat clone app in UAE. Ensure that the business aligns with your vision, has a successful track record and offers comprehensive services from concept to launch.
Let’s walk through the essential steps involved in developing a successful food delivery app.
1. Conduct Thorough Market Research
Start by analyzing the food delivery landscape in your target region. Few things you need to do in research stage:
- Understand user preferences
- Study your competitors
- Identify gaps in existing services
- Explore emerging trends like contactless delivery or AI-based recommendations.
This will help you tailor your app to meet real market demands.
2. Define Your Business Model
Choose the business model that suits your goals. You could opt for:
- Order-only model (connecting restaurants and customers)
- Order and delivery model (offering delivery services as well)
- Full-stack model (managing everything from order to delivery)
Clarify your target audience, service region and partnership strategy with restaurants and delivery agents.
3. Plan a Revenue Strategy
Decide how you’ll make money. Common monetization models for food delivery apps like Talabat are:
- Delivery charges
- Commission from partner restaurants
- Subscription plans for users or restaurants
- In-app advertising and promotions
4. Hire an Experienced App Development Team
Partner with the best company to develop a Talabat clone app in UAE. Hire top #1 mobile app developers with proven expertise in developing food delivery platforms.
Make sure they offer end-to-end services – UI/UX design, front & back-end development, API integration, testing and maintenance.
5. Build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Start small. An MVP allows you to test your concept without investing heavily upfront. Focus on essential features like:
- User registration & profile
- Restaurant listings
- Menu browsing
- Order placement & tracking
- Payment integration
- Ratings and reviews
- Admin panel for app management
6. Test the App Thoroughly
Before launching, run rigorous QA and usability tests. You can also conduct a soft launch or beta release in a limited region to gather early user feedback and make improvements.
7. Launch the Final Version
Once the app is stable and optimized, move forward with a full-scale launch. Promote it across social media, food blogs, influencers and online ads. Offer attractive deals to onboard users and partner restaurants in the early days.
Here is a breakdown of cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat based on development stages:
| Development Stage | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Discovery & Market Research | AED 7,340 – AED 18,350 |
| Business Model & Strategy | AED 3,670 – AED 11,010 |
| UI/UX Design | AED 11,010 – AED 36,700 |
| App Development (Frontend + Backend) | AED 73,400 – AED 183,500 |
| MVP Development | AED 55,050 – AED 110,100 |
| Testing & QA | AED 11,010 – AED 25,690 |
| Deployment & Launch | AED 3,670 – AED 11,010 |
| Post-Launch Support | AED 3,670 – AED 18,350/month |
How Does an App Like Talabat Make Money?
Food delivery platforms like Talabat have revolutionized the way people order meals and daily essentials. Curious about how these platforms generate revenue? Here are the major revenue streams:
1. Commission Fees
Talabat charges restaurants a commission fee on each order placed through its app. This can range from 15% to 35% depending on factors like location, exclusivity and promotional arrangements. It's one of the biggest income sources for the platform.
2. Delivery Charges
For orders that are fulfilled using Talabat’s own delivery fleet (as opposed to the restaurant’s), users pay a delivery fee. This amount can vary based on distance, demand (surge pricing) or subscription status. A portion of all this fee goes to Talabat.
3. Advertising and Promotions
Restaurants can pay to be featured at the top of search results, in banners or on the homepage. These sponsored listings help increase visibility and sales. In-app promotions and banner ads are an additional stream of income.
4. Subscription Models
Talabat may offer a subscription service (like Talabat Pro) which gives users perks like free delivery or exclusive discounts. Users pay a monthly or annual fee for these benefits which add to the app’s recurring revenue.
Hopefully, you’ve understood the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat and explored revenue-generating strategies. It’s now time to focus on key tips to help you surpass competitors like Talabat in the food delivery space.
How to Build a Food Delivery App That Outshines Competitors Like Talabat?
Build an app that surpasses competitors like Talabat includes not only matching their offerings but also integrating their unique features that differentiate your app. By combining the power of artificial intelligence with other next-generation functionalities, you can provide a superior user experience that both attracts and retains customers.
Here's how you can set your app apart and offers more than the standard features seen in existing platforms:
- AI-Powered Personalization: Deliver tailored recommendations and offers based on user behavior and preferences.
- Faster and More Accurate Delivery: Optimize delivery routes and ETAs using real-time GPS and smart algorithms.
- Seamless Multi-Platform Experience: Ensure consistent functionality across mobile, web, wearables, and voice assistants.
- Advanced Payment & Checkout Options: Support digital wallets, crypto, split payments and one-click checkout.
- Sustainability Features: Offer eco-friendly options like plastic-free packaging and carbon footprint tracking.
- Integrated Reviews & Social Features: Enable food reviews, photos and social sharing within the app.
- Hyperlocal Focus: Highlight local eateries, home chefs and area-specific deals for community relevance.
- Customer Support & Engagement: Provide instant chatbot support, loyalty rewards and proactive engagement.
- Integration with Fitness & Health Apps: Sync with health trackers to offer meal recommendations aligned with fitness goals.
- Cloud Kitchen Partnerships: Partner with ghost kitchens to offer exclusive, scalable culinary options.
How to Reduce Talabat-Like Food Delivery App Development Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Developing a food delivery app like Talabat is a smart business move in today’s on-demand economy. Cost can be a significant barrier. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to sacrifice quality to stay within budget.
Here are effective strategies to reduce the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat while still maintaining quality standards:
1. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Instead of launching a full-featured app from day one, focus on developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that includes only the core features:
- User registration/login
- Restaurant listings
- Menu browsing
- Order Placement
- Payment integration
- Order tracking
This not only reduces the upfront investment but also allows you to validate your idea, gather feedback and scale gradually based on real user data.
2. Outsource App Development
Outsourcing your app development to an experienced offshore or nearshore team can significantly cut cost of making a food delivery app near abu dhabi while maintaining high standards. It allows your internal teams to focus on other key areas like marketing and operations.
Plus, you get access to a global talent pool with expertise in food delivery platforms.
Bonus Tip: Choose a team with a proven track record in building similar apps. Ask for case studies or a trial period to assess quality.
3. Use Open-Source Tools and Frameworks
There are plenty of reliable open-source libraries and SDKs available for food delivery app functionalities such as:
- Map integration
- Push notifications
- Payment gateways
- Backend management tools
Leveraging these mobile app development tools and technologies avoids the need to build everything from scratch which saves both time and money.
4. Opt for Cross-Platform Development
Go for cross-platform frameworks like Flutter or React Native Instead of developing separate apps for iOS and Android. These frameworks allow developers to write one codebase that runs on both platforms which cut development time and cost nearly in half without compromising user experience.
5. Streamline Your UI/UX Design
While design is important, complex interfaces can drive up GCC food delivery app cost. Focus on an intuitive UI/UX design that meets users’ expectations. Use pre-built design systems and UI kits to cut down on custom design work while still delivering a professional look.
Challenges You Can Face When Build an App like Talabat
Talabat like food ordering app development comes with its own set of challenges that can impact both development timelines and overall cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat.
One of the major hurdles is integrating multiple features such as real-time order tracking, secure payment gateways and seamless user interfaces while ensuring the app remains responsive and bug-free across devices.
Logistics coordination is another complexity. Managing restaurants, delivery agents and customers in real time requires a robust backend infrastructure. Additionally, maintaining data security and complying with regulations like GDPR or local food delivery guidelines can add legal and technical layers to the project.
Scalability is also a concern if you’re planning to serve multiple cities or countries. All these factors influence the cost of making a food delivery app near Abu Dhabi which makes it essential to work with a skilled development team to avoid costly pitfalls down the road.
So, it’s recommended that you get in touch with a reliable mobile app development company in Dubai like VLink.
How Can VLink Help You Build a Profitable Food Delivery App in the Middle East?
At VLink, we combine deep industry expertise with next-generation technology to help you build a high-performing, scalable food delivery app tailored for the Middle Eastern market. From seamless integration of real-time tracking to secure payments — we deliver feature-rich real time food delivery solutions that meet local expectations.
Our agile development approach ensures faster time-to-market that helps you reduce the cost to build a food delivery app like Talabat without compromising on quality. Plus, our post-launch support guarantees long-term success.
Contact us to get a personalized quote for Talabat like food delivery app development cost.
Shivisha Patel
Nikhil Khandelwal VP Engineering
