How to choose a software company in Dubai: 10 questions to ask before you pay

Short answer: Choose a software company in Dubai based on what you can verify: a working system you see yourself, a contract that states who owns the code and the data, a written price that includes VAT, and a clear maintenance plan after handover. The ten questions below test each of these before you pay anything.

1. Can I see a working system you built?

Ask for a live demo of a system that is actually in use, not just screenshots or designs. A design proves a company can present; a working system proves it can deliver. Ask how many people use it daily and for how long.

2. Who owns the code and the data after handover?

The contract should state who owns the source code, who owns your customer data, and how you get it back if the relationship ends. In rental or subscription models the system may stay with the provider — that is fine, as long as your data can be exported at any time.

3. Is the price written down and does it include VAT?

Ask for a written quote showing the total including UAE VAT (5%) and what is out of scope. "It depends on requirements" with no number even after a requirements session means the final cost is unknown — even to the company.

4. What does the price not include?

The important items: hosting, domain, third-party fees (such as Meta's WhatsApp messaging charges or payment gateways), changes after handover, and training. Every item not mentioned will show up later as an invoice.

5. Who will actually work on my project?

Ask whether the team is in-house or the work is outsourced, who is responsible for your project, and how you reach them. A company that sells and outsources delivery adds a layer where communication gets lost.

6. How do you test before handover?

A good answer names specific tests: automated tests for core functions, a trial on real or realistic data, and an acceptance stage you run yourself before the final payment. A weak answer: "We test everything."

7. What happens after handover?

Ask about the bug-fix warranty period, response time for outages, and the cost of changes after the warranty ends. A system needs security updates and follow-up; a project that ends on handover day starts ageing the next day.

8. How do you protect the system and my customers' data?

A reasonable minimum: HTTPS everywhere, role-based permissions, two-factor login for the admin panel, and backups whose restore has been tested. Ask where the data is hosted and who can access it.

9. Does it really support Arabic and English?

UAE teams often mix Arabic and English speakers. Check that the interface handles right-to-left layout properly, not just translated labels.

10. How are payments split?

Payments tied to milestones you can see (a test version, an acceptance stage, launch) protect you more than paying everything upfront. Ask about instalment options too.

Quick table: reassuring answers vs. warning signs

FAQ

Is the cheapest option always worse? No. A low price is not the problem; an unwritten price, or one that excludes maintenance and hosting, is. Compare the two-year total, not the starting price.

Do I need custom software or an off-the-shelf product? If your workflow is close to what ready-made products offer, off-the-shelf is usually faster and cheaper. Custom makes sense when your process is different enough that your team would have to change how it works to fit the product.

How long does it take to build a system? It depends on scope. Ask for a written timeline tied to payment milestones rather than a verbal estimate.

Does the company have to be in Dubai? Not necessarily, but a UAE licence and a team you can meet make contracting, follow-up and dispute resolution easier.

At Barq 360 we hold ourselves to this list: our published prices are on the website including VAT, and you can ask us for a live demo before any commitment.