10 Best Practices Followed by the Best App Development Agency in Saudi Arabia

With 48.1 million mobile connections in a country of  35.3 million people, Saudi Arabia isn’t just mobile-first; it’s mobile-dominant. By 2024, smartphone penetration hit 97% (CITC), and mobile apps became the primary way people in the Kingdom shop, pay, connect, and do business. Add to that a 99% internet penetration rate, and you’re looking at a market that’s not only digitally engaged but actively driving the future of tech. It is a great time for companies in Saudi Arabia to invest in mobile applications and increase their business profits. In order to do so, they need the best app development agencies in Saudi Arabia.

As the Kingdom moves toward a cashless, app-driven economy under Vision 2030, mobile apps are more than just a business extension—they’re the frontline of customer experience. As per Statista, with $32 million in expected app revenue this year, the opportunity in mobile app development is massive.

So, what sets the best app development agencies apart in Saudi Arabia? Here are 10 best practices that matter Mobile app development can be an intimidating process, especially if you don’t know much about it. That is why, in this article, we have laid out the 10 best practices followed by the best app development agency in Saudi Arabia that are like a reference or guide to the development process:

1. Market Research  

The best agencies don’t start with code, they start with context. They dig into user behavior, local trends, and competitor analysis. In a country where digital payment usage grew 22%, understanding what users expect from apps like speed, ease, and Arabic-language support is critical. If you don’t do your research before starting the development process, there is no chance for your app to be successful. There are several components that must be analyzed. The first one is identifying the target audience. Once you know your prospective users, you can start figuring out how your mobile app can help them with their needs. Your app should offer them something and make their life easier. You also have to research if there is an app with similar functions and features as yours. Failure to do the right research will only result in wastage of a lot of time and money creating an app that no one wants or needs.

2. Choosing the Right Development Method  

Different apps are built in different ways. You will have to make a decision about what app you want – native, web-based, or hybrid. Each development method has its own sets of pros and cons. The decision will depend on what type of app you are creating. For example, if you are developing a mobile app, you will need a flawless user experience. So, you will be better off with a native app. However, these apps can be expensive and can be developed only for one platform at a time. So, if you want to launch your mobile app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store simultaneously, you should go for hybrid development that offers cross-platform development and is less expensive. Web apps are best suited for apps that aren’t restricted for distribution to the app stores.

3.Platform Strategy Aligned with Audience  

Great agencies build apps where your users are. Android dominates in affordability, while iOS appeals to the premium market. To make this decision, you need to go back to your target market research and find out the devices most commonly used by your prospective users. If you have the money and resources, you can also decide to develop an app for both platforms. Many businesses now opt to launch cross-platform apps to cover both efficiently, especially as monthly app orders rise by 25%, proving users are interacting frequently.

4. Compliance with App Store Guidelines  

When you are developing an app, it is important to follow the guidelines of the operating system. You have to go through the best practices and regulations for Google Play Store and Apple Store, even if you are working on just one of these platforms right now. Failure to follow their regulation can get your app rejected from the store. So, if you want to avoid delays or any other issues, you have to figure this out.

5. Security from Day One  

In the early development stages, security is not much of a concern, but it will be for your final product. Your app will be storing a lot of data as well as sensitive information. Also, it will host information about your users and your company. Depending on what your app is, you might be collecting payment information like credit cards along with other details such as phone numbers or home addresses. You are responsible for the safety of this data and that is why you must prioritize security. If your mobile app is not secure, the user won’t provide you with the information. In case your security gets breaches, it will damage your brand to an extent where it will be tough for you to recover. The development agency has to use encryption and other tactics such as two-factor authentication (2FA) for protecting the sensitive info.

6. Continuous QA

QA have to be an integral part of the development process. Waiting for the app to finish to test its performance is a bad tactic. By then, everything is done and it will be too much work to make any changes. Identifying and fixing problems will become much more complex. It is best to test the progress frequently. Hire testers and get direct feedback from them along with crashes, bugs, and other error reports.

7. Design-Driven Development  

The job of a developer and a designer is very different. A developer will be more technical while the designer will be more creative. But, this doesn’t mean that the developer can put blinders on while developing the app. They must understand how the design will work so that they can code the mobile app accordingly. The entire team, along with the developer and designer, have to work together and be on the same page. Using a tool or a board for organising all the thoughts and design elements will make the development easier.

8. Build Around a Strong Core  

Your mobile app must have a robust core from the start. Create a list that includes all the important features you need for your mobile app. These will be used for core coding. All the other functionalities and features are built around this core and can be added as plugins in the later development stages. Also, adding plugins at the end of the core code will make the app much lighter and make the app faster and easier to maintain.

9. User Experience is Everything  

Saudi users expect speed, clarity, and elegance. As mentioned before, a developer can’t work with a blinder. They must have the final product in mind while coding. There are reasons why people prefer apps over websites and those are – speed, convenience, and experience. So, it is important to make sure that all the time, funds, and efforts are invested to make a better user experience from the starting stage.

10. Post-Launch Support & Updates  

The development process isn’t finished after the launch. After that, the app will need regular maintenance and constant improvement. Planning for this ahead will help you save a lot of time, effort, and money in the future.

Final Thoughts  

Saudi Arabia is on the fast track to a fully digital future, and mobile apps are central to this transformation. Mobile app development is more than about designing and developing beautiful apps – it is about creating a functional app that users can engage with and that brings value to the business. With the above-mentioned best practices, you will be able to do exactly the same!At Ewaantech, we don’t just build apps, we build digital experiences backed by strategy and insight. Ready to launch your next app? Let’s talk.