Starting an online store in the UAE? You’re not alone—the e-commerce market here is booming, and platforms like Shopify make it easier than ever to launch your business. But before you jump in, it’s smart to understand exactly what you’ll pay for everything from monthly plans to custom design work. Let’s break down Shopify’s pricing in 2025 so you can budget confidently.
Understanding Shopify’s Pricing Plans in 2025
Shopify offers three main subscription tiers for UAE-based businesses. Each plan scales with your needs, whether you’re selling handmade crafts or running a high-volume electronics store. Here’s what you’ll pay monthly (billed annually) as of 2025:
1. Basic Shopify Plan
- Cost: AED 149/month
- Best for: New businesses or small inventories
- Features:
- Unlimited products
- 24/7 support
- Two staff accounts
- Basic sales reports
2. Shopify Plan
- Cost: AED 571/month
- Best for: Growing stores needing advanced analytics
- Features:
- Everything in Basic +
- Five staff accounts
- Professional reports
- International pricing tools
3. Advanced Shopify Plan
- Cost: AED 2,207/month
- Best for: Large businesses with global sales
- Features:
- Everything in Shopify +
- Fifteen staff accounts
- Custom report builder
- Third-party shipping rates
Note: Prices exclude UAE’s 5% VAT. Check Shopify’s official pricing page for real-time updates.
Domain Name Costs: Claim Your Store’s Identity
Your domain name (like yourstorename.ae) is your online address. Shopify lets you buy domains directly through their platform or connect to one you already own:
| Domain Type | Cost (AED) |
| .ae (UAE-specific) | AED 200/year |
| .com | AED 140/year |
| .net | AED 160/year |
Pro Tip: Third-party registrars like GoDaddy UAE sometimes offer first-year discounts as low as AED 50 for.com domains.
Development Costs: Building Your Store From Scratch
Unless you’re tech-savvy, you’ll likely need help designing your store. Local Shopify agencies in the UAE charge between AED 3,000 to AED 25,000, depending on complexity.
| Service | Average Cost (AED) |
| Basic theme customization | AED 3,000 – AED 8,000 |
| Custom design & features | AED 15,000 – AED 25,000 |
For example, adding product filters or an AI power questionnaire might push costs higher. If you’re not sure where to start, consider partnering with a certified Shopify development partner to avoid costly redesigns later. Cheap freelance websites or freelancers can cause issues like using pirated Shopify themes or low-quality coding. So, if you are creating a store for your business, it is better to avoid freelancers.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
1. Transaction Fees
If you use payment gateways outside Shopify Payments (like Stripe, CCAvenue, or Ziina), you’ll pay 2% to 2.9% per transaction, depending on the payment gateway provider.
2. Apps & Plugins
Need email marketing tools or loyalty programs? Popular apps like Klaviyo or Loox cost between AED 50 to AED 400/month.
3. Shipping & Logistics
For shipping, you can get both bigger companies like Fedex and DHL or cheaper companies like SkyE,x which have the Shopify App, which makes your fulfillment easier.
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Budget
Ask yourself:
- What is the total transaction? In the Basic plan, Shopify charges you 2% over the payment gateway charges; in the Shopify Plan, it’s 1%, and in the Advanced plan, it’s 0.5%. So, if you expect more than AED 30k in sales, you can go with the Shopify plan, and if you have sales of more than AED 75k, go for the advanced Shopify plan. For starters, go with the basic one.
- Will I sell internationally? The Advanced plan includes real-time shipping calculations depending on your shipping provider.
- Do I need detailed reports? Upgrade to Shopify or Advanced if data-driven decisions matter to your growth.
One of our clients who sells beauty products started on Basic Shopify (AED 149/month) and upgraded to the Shopify Plan after hitting AED 50k in monthly sales—the professional reports helped her double her revenue in six months!
Final Thoughts: Is Shopify Worth It?
Between subscriptions (AED 149–AED 2,207/month), domains (~AED 140/year), and development (AED 3k–AED 25k), your first-year investment could range from AED 6,800 to AED 55,000.
While that might seem steep upfront, remember that a well-built store can pay for itself quickly with targeted marketing and strong branding.
Above all of this, make sure you keep a monthly budget for Shopify Store Maintenance and Digital Marketing.
Ready to start? Explore Shopify’s free trial or connect with a Shopify development partner to discuss your vision!
Contact us: (+971) 055 494 3599, (+971) 050 708 0116
Mail: info@maquae.com
