How Much Does Branding Cost in Dubai? 2025 Pricing Guide

If you're launching a business in Dubai or rebranding an existing one, you've probably asked yourself: "How much should I budget for branding?" It's one of the most common questions we hear from clients across the UAE, and understandably so—branding costs can vary wildly, from AED 5,000 to well over AED 200,000.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down exactly what you can expect to pay for professional branding services in Dubai in 2025. We'll cover everything from logo design to complete brand identity systems, explain what factors influence pricing, and help you determine the right investment level for your business stage and goals.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

Before we dive into specific numbers, it's crucial to understand the difference between a logo and a complete brand identity—because this is where much of the price variation comes from.

Logo Design vs. Brand Identity

A logo is a single mark or wordmark that represents your business. It's the Apple apple, the Nike swoosh, or the golden arches of McDonald's. A good logo is memorable, versatile, and timeless—but it's just one piece of the puzzle.

Brand identity, on the other hand, is the complete visual system that defines how your business presents itself everywhere. It includes:

• ✓ Logo design (primary mark, variations, submarks)
• ✓ Color palette (primary, secondary, and accent colors)
• ✓ Typography system (fonts for headlines, body text, and UI)
• ✓ Photography and imagery style guidelines
• ✓ Graphic elements (patterns, icons, illustrations)
• ✓ Brand guidelines documentation
• ✓ Applications across touchpoints (business cards, letterheads, digital assets)

In Dubai's competitive market, where businesses need to stand out among thousands of competitors, a comprehensive brand identity is often the better investment than a standalone logo.

Dubai Branding Costs by Service Type

Here's a detailed breakdown of what different branding services typically cost in Dubai in 2025. These are market averages based on professional agencies and studios (not freelancers or automated logo generators).

1. Logo Design Only: AED 5,000 - AED 25,000

If you only need a logo (not recommended for most businesses, but sometimes appropriate), expect to pay:

2. Basic Brand Identity: AED 15,000 - AED 40,000

This is the sweet spot for most startups and small businesses in Dubai. You get a complete visual system without breaking the bank.

3. Comprehensive Branding: AED 50,000 - AED 120,000

This tier is for businesses serious about building a premium brand in the UAE market. It includes strategic positioning, extensive research, and comprehensive design across all touchpoints.

4. Enterprise Rebrand: AED 150,000 - AED 500,000+

Large companies, established corporations, and multi-location businesses typically invest at this level. These projects involve extensive stakeholder management, market research, and implementation across dozens or hundreds of touchpoints.

Enterprise rebranding projects typically include:

• ✓ Comprehensive brand audits and market research
• ✓ Stakeholder workshops and alignment sessions
• ✓ Sub-brand architecture (if you have multiple products/services)
• ✓ Complete visual identity system redesign
• ✓ Extensive touchpoint design (potentially 50+ applications)
• ✓ Internal rollout planning and training
• ✓ Vendor coordination and quality control
• ✓ 6-12 months post-launch support
• ✓ Timeline: 4-9 months

What Affects Branding Costs in Dubai?

Not all branding projects at the same "level" cost the same. Here are the key factors that influence final pricing:

1. Agency Experience & Reputation

Award-winning agencies with international portfolios charge premium rates (often 2-3x more than newer studios). You're paying for proven expertise, established processes, and portfolio credibility. However, smaller specialized studios like SAGE by Azraq often deliver comparable quality at more accessible prices.

2. Project Complexity

Simple, focused businesses (e.g., a coffee shop) require less strategic complexity than multi-service enterprises (e.g., a holding company with 5 different business units). More complexity = more strategy work = higher cost.

3. Number of Deliverables

A basic package might include 10-15 designed assets. A comprehensive package could include 50+ touchpoints:

• • Stationery (cards, letterhead, envelopes, folders)
• • Digital (social templates, email signatures, Zoom backgrounds)
• • Marketing (brochures, one-pagers, presentation decks)
• • Packaging (if applicable)
• • Environmental (signage, vehicle graphics)
• • Apparel (uniforms, branded clothing)

4. Bilingual Requirements (Arabic + English)

Creating cohesive Arabic and English brand systems adds 20-30% to project costs. This includes Arabic typography selection, RTL (right-to-left) layout adaptations, and cultural considerations for the UAE and MENA markets. Worth it if you're targeting local Emirati customers.

5. Timeline & Rush Fees

Standard timelines (8-12 weeks) are priced normally. If you need delivery in 4-6 weeks, expect a 25-40% rush fee. Some agencies won't accept rush projects at all to maintain quality.

6. Revisions & Changes

Most packages include 2-3 rounds of revisions. Unlimited revisions sound appealing but often lead to scope creep. Extensive changes late in the process may incur additional fees (typically AED 2,000-5,000 per additional revision round).

UAE Market Considerations

Several factors unique to Dubai and the UAE market affect branding investments:

Competitive Saturation

Dubai is one of the world's most competitive business environments with over 300,000 registered companies. A mediocre brand won't cut through the noise. Quality branding is not optional—it's essential for survival.

Multicultural Audience

The UAE has 200+ nationalities. Your brand needs to resonate across diverse cultural backgrounds while respecting local sensibilities. This requires more thoughtful strategy than single-market branding.

Premium Market Positioning

Dubai is synonymous with luxury and high quality. Even mid-market brands need premium polish to compete. Budget branding often backfires by signaling low quality.

Dubai vs. Other Markets: Cost Comparison

*Note: Dubai pricing is roughly on par with major Western markets for professional services, but significantly higher than Southeast Asian alternatives. You get what you pay for—local market expertise and premium execution.

How to Choose the Right Investment Level

Here's a simple framework to determine your appropriate branding budget:

The ROI Perspective: Is Branding Worth It?

Let's put these costs in perspective. If you're spending AED 40,000 on brand identity, is it worth it?

Consider this scenario:

Professional branding also:

• ✓ Increases perceived value (allowing premium pricing)
• ✓ Reduces customer acquisition cost (stronger first impressions)
• ✓ Improves employee recruitment and retention
• ✓ Creates consistency across all marketing efforts
• ✓ Builds long-term brand equity and recognition

Red Flags: What to Avoid

Not all branding services are created equal. Watch out for:

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Branding Agency in Dubai

When evaluating agencies, ask these questions to ensure you're making the right choice:

Final Thoughts: Invest Wisely

Branding is one of the most important investments you'll make in your business. In Dubai's competitive market, it's not an area to cut corners. A professional brand identity:

• ✓ Establishes credibility from day one
• ✓ Differentiates you from competitors
• ✓ Creates a foundation for all marketing efforts
• ✓ Builds long-term brand equity

For most Dubai businesses, the sweet spot is a comprehensive brand identity package in the AED 30,000-60,000 range. This gives you strategic thinking, professional execution, and enough touchpoints to launch confidently—without enterprise-level costs.

About the Author: This guide was written by the SAGE by Azraq team, a Dubai-based creative studio specializing in brand identity design for businesses across the UAE. We've worked with startups to established enterprises, creating brands that resonate in the competitive Middle East market.