Kuwait’s economy has transformed from one reliant on traditional business to one that focuses on mobile technology as part of its transition to a post-COVID world; the government has led the charge through digital initiatives, innovations in the private sector, and a rapidly growing culture of entrepreneurship. With over 90% of the population using mobile devices, and as part of its Vision 2035 plan which calls for the continued digital transformation of the entire nation, companies are no longer just using mobile apps as additional business tools; they are now fundamental components of every business’s infrastructure.
Because of the increase in demand for mobile applications created by consumers (with employers as the main source of the demand), businesses in industries such as FinTech, healthcare, logistics and retail are investing large sums of money into developing secure, scalable and high-performing mobile apps. Kuwait’s demand for mobile app development has created a rapidly growing market that is home to numerous strong mobile app developers as well as some of the most prestigious global technology firms providing enterprise-level solutions.
1. Appinventiv
As a globally recognised mobile application development company with a significant presence in Kuwait, Appinventiv creates enterprise-level, secure and scalable mobile applications for small and medium-sized businesses, fast-growing start-ups and heavily regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare and logistics.
Appinventiv’s capabilities include an extensive spectrum of mobile app development services in Kuwait that include product strategy, UX/UI design, native or hybrid application development, backend development, cloud computing (AWS and Microsoft Azure) and support following the launch of the application. Its experience building large-scale future-ready applications has resulted in Appinventiv being the preferred technology partner for many companies that are undergoing digital transformations.
Best for: Enterprise and fast-growing start-ups creating scalable and compliant mobile applications in heavily regulated industries.
2. TCS
TCS is one of the oldest IT solution companies in the Middle East region. TCS provides IT Service Providers with an extensive set of services including Mobile Application Development for Enterprise environments.
TCS builds Mobile Applications that can be fully integrated into Enterprise systems (existing, cloud based and core business processes) in both IOS and Android formats. The Company emphasizes security, stability and long-term maintainability providing the right application for complex and highly regulated IT environments. In addition, TCS’s solid understanding of Local Regulatory Standards further supports their place in the Enterprise Mobility segment.
Ideal For: Government Agencies; and Large Enterprises; needing stringent compliance; and having operational requirements.
3. Appikr Labs
Appikr Labs is a mobile application development company located in Kuwait, focused on providing services to Startup Companies, Early Stage Ventures and Small to Mid Sized Enterprises. Appikr Labs excels at quickly and cost effectively developing mobile applications while maintaining usability and core functionality.
Appikr Labs offers Native and Hybrid Application Development, UI/UX Design and Post Launch Optimization. Appikr Labs provides a technology partnership to entrepreneurs and product teams developing MVP’s and proof of concept for new digital products.
Ideal For: First time Founders, Start-Ups and SMBs needing Agile and Budget-Friendly Application Solutions.
4. IBM
IBM is an established company in Kuwait specializing in the development of On-Demand Service Based and Marketplace Mobile Applications. IBM builds scalable platforms that can support real-time user interaction and the capability to process large transaction volumes.
IBM develops and creates “SaaS” products for specific Industries; Logistics, Delivery / Order / Booking and Supply Chain Management” as well as quick and executed to market strategies. A defined Technical Platform for the company to support growth by way of “scalable solutions”.
Target: Businesses developing and/or scaling an “on demand” or marketplace platform.
5. Blocktunix
Blocktunix applies IBM technical expertise using blockchain and WEB3 technologies, allowing organizations to develop mobile applications on a decentralized, trusted and secure infrastructure.
Blocktunix offers mobile application development allowing for: blockchain applications, development of “smart contracts” for cross-platform development, and back-end systems for mobile applications. Organizations creating future-proof and/or digital products that utilize Decentralized technologies will find Blocktunix to be an excellent partner.
Targets: Organizations in the Web3 marketplace, financial technology, and organizations that develop mobile applications utilizing blockchain technology.
6. Emstell Technology Consulting
Emstell Technology Consulting integrates custom mobile application development with digital/systems strategy consulting, ensuring that all applications are aligned to implemented business objectives and achieving operational synergies.
The services of Emstell Technology Consulting include: custom development of Mobile Applications, Systems Integration, Cloud Hosting, and ongoing technical consulting services. Organizations that view their mobile applications as part of their Digital Ecosystem and develop on a holistic basis (rather than as independent products) will find an “Emstell Technology Consultant” to be an ideal business partner.
Targets: Organizations requiring both a strategic plan and execution for developing a complete business support system including; complex systems integration.
7. HyperLink InfoSystem
HyperLink provides global Mobile application development services, based on a hybrid platform, and operates out of Kuwait. HyperLink provides services from basic mobile business applications to enterprise mobility platforms.
Hyperlink offers the following services:
- Native and Cross-Platform Application Development
- Emerging Technologies – Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and IoT
- Solutions provided using its global development capability
Hyperlink is usually selected as a cost-effective foreign development partner when seeking scalability.
Targets: Businesses seeking a foreign partner, who can provide a competitive price to market and scalable resources.
8. Wipro
Wipro are experts in developing mobile applications that are integrated with SaaS and consulting for enterprise software systems. The company specializes in hybrid applications that integrate with ERP, POS, and Cloud infrastructures.
Wipro follow a structured development process on all applications maintained and developed through their company, which is ideal for organizations developing applications with extensive technology “dependencies” and multiple systems integrated.
Targets: Businesses requiring highly integrated mobile applications as part of their total digital ecology.
9. HCL technologies
HCL technologies is a web and mobile application development firm providing services to small and medium-sized businesses and brands in the region from their location in Kuwait. HCL technologies provides only the most trustworthy applications with superior designs that meet or exceed both client and customer needs.
HCL technologies’s services include; Utility Development, UI/UX Design and Support/Maintenance. Consequently, clients of HCL technologies can expect consistent performance from their applications and a long life for their applications.
Targets: Small/mid-size businesses; Retail Brands; and Mobile Applications offering services to consumers.
10. Smacware
Smacware is a digital solutions provider located in Kuwait. MMC combines Mobile Application Development with Branding/Branding Strategy and Design and has a comprehensive holistic view of whether the application will function correctly and if it will resonate with a great “brand” and consumers/prospects that may engage with it.
Smacware provides the following services for Branding/Branding Strategy and Design:
- Custom Mobile Application Development (Enterprise Level Solutions)
- UX-centric Design and Development
- Customer-centric Digital Application Development with the definite goal of using a Mobile Application will drive both consumer and branding engagement.
The reason for this view is that the construct of a mobile-first economy and Kuwait’s Vision 2035 Roadmap have necessitated that mobile apps are now a core business component, rather than just an additional digital solution. Companies from regulated industries such as FinTech and HealthCare to fast-growing start-ups and on-demand companies, are steadily investing in secure, scalable and compliant mobile solutions and this has warranted companies in Kuwait needing to select the right mobile app development partner based upon their unique industry requirements for required expertise, compliance requirements, scalability needs, and partner longevity. The companies below represent a nice mix of global leaders, regional specialists, and local experts who can support the growth of the digital ecosystem in Kuwait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much time would it take to develop a mobile app in Kuwait?
The time required to develop a mobile app in Kuwait is dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to the complexity of the application build, the features implemented into the app and the number of compliance requirements. Simple MVPs or utility apps could typically take 3-4 months to develop, mid-level apps might take anywhere from 4-6 months to develop, and enterprise-level or regulated apps could take 6-9 months (or beyond) to develop once factoring in time spent for security testing and compliance validation.
2. How much does it cost to develop a mobile app in Kuwait?
The total cost to develop a mobile application in Kuwait will vary based upon the build scope, mobile platform(s) used, and technical requirements. For example, simple utility applications generally start in the range of $20,000 to $35,000; mid-scale applications will typically cost between $40,000 to $80,000; and applications developed to support enterprise, FinTech and/or healthcare needs typically exceed $100,000 in total cost to develop, when factoring in compliance, integrations and scalability.
3. What regulatory compliance standards do mobile applications in Kuwait need to meet?
Mobile applications operating in Kuwait must comply with local (to Kuwait) data protection and hosting laws, as well as all cybersecurity and encryption standards required under Kuwaiti law. Additionally, any mobile application operating in Kuwait that is subject to a regulated environment, such as finance and healthcare, must comply with any specific regulations that govern how the application manages and handles financial and/or healthcare data. Regardless of whether a mobile application is developed for a regulated or non-regulated environment, many organizations in Kuwait seek mobile app developers that have experience developing applications in regulated environments to mitigate potential legal and operational risks.
4. Where should a business select a local vs. national mobile app developer in Kuwait?
Generally speaking, mobile app developers that are located and operate from within the boundaries of Kuwait will generally have greater understanding related to compliance issues, local laws, etc. and therefore it would provide the business with on-going support by the developer following the launch of the app and ongoing maintenance/support of the app. National mobile application developers would generally be larger organizations that can better assist the business with application scalability and enterprise level capabilities and provide a greater scope of technical expertise. In many cases, businesses will select a developer that has a combination of local compliance knowledge/experience and the ability to deliver globally delivered technical standards.
5. What industries are driving mobile application demand in Kuwait?
Currently, the industries that have the highest demand for mobile applications in Kuwait are FinTech and digital payments, healthcare and telemedicine, logistics and supply chain, retail and e-commerce, and government and public sector.
6. Is post-launch support for mobile applications important?
Post-launch support for a mobile application is important to the business. On-going support is necessary to ensure that the mobile application is stable, continues to performs at optimal levels, is kept secure through updates and that users have new features added to the app as a result of user usage patterns. Long-term maintenance and scalability are typically the highest priorities of enterprise level businesses when selecting a partner to develop a mobile application.
