The verdict in three sentences
For a licensed customs broker operating at Jebel Ali, a bilingual English and Arabic website costs AED 22,000 to 48,000 (about USD 6,000 to 13,000) and is delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. The indicative quote module by container type (AED 7,500 to 16,000) and file tracking by reference are the two features that pay. Equipped brokers typically see 30% fewer status calls and quote requests that arrive complete.
What a customs broker website costs in Dubai in 2026
A broker's clients are importers across the UAE, re-exporters to the wider Gulf and Africa, and overseas shippers (India, China, Europe) who read in English. The site must answer three questions fast: how much, how long, where is my file.
| Item | 2026 range (AED) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Bilingual EN and AR site, 12 to 20 pages (RTL) | 11,500 to 22,000 | Services, licences, free zones, team |
| Quote module (20 ft, 40 ft, LCL, air) | 7,500 to 16,000 | Grid by origin, regime and cargo type |
| File tracking by reference | 3,200 to 7,500 | Statuses: arrival, declaration, inspection, release, delivery |
| WhatsApp and email alerts | 1,300 to 2,500 | Notification at each status change |
| Total project | 22,000 to 48,000 | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Hosting and maintenance | 160 to 380 per month | Backups, security, rate updates |
The tracking module can first be fed manually by the operations team, then connected later to the broker's management software.
What the online quote should show
A broker's quote is never final: duties depend on customs value, HS code and regime (mainland or free zone). The site therefore gives an indicative range for clearance and handling fees, with a clear note that duties (5% GCC common tariff on most goods) and VAT are calculated on the invoice and declaration.
| Quote element | 2026 indicative example | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Clearance fee, 20 ft container | AED 600 to 1,000 (USD 165 to 270) | Depends on cargo type |
| Clearance fee, 40 ft container | AED 800 to 1,400 (USD 220 to 380) | Depends on cargo type |
| Port handling and terminal charges | Range per terminal | Updated by the broker |
| Trucking within Dubai, 20 ft | AED 600 to 1,100 (USD 165 to 300) | More for other emirates |
| Average clearance time | 1 to 3 working days | Excluding physical inspection |
| Duties and VAT | Calculated on invoice | Not included in the online quote |
These figures are 2026 estimates and must be set by the broker in the site admin. The value lies in qualifying the request: origin, container type, cargo, deadline, then calling back an already informed client.
Bilingual and mobile: two port requirements
Local importers and authorities often prefer Arabic, while overseas shippers read English; an English-only site loses part of the market, and Arabic requires proper right-to-left layout. On mobile, most visits come from smartphones: light pages, short form, WhatsApp button always visible.
Mini case study
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Rashid, managing director of a licensed customs broker in Dubai, handles 120 files a month. His team receives about 6 status calls per file at 4 minutes each, or 48 hours a month. With 30% fewer calls, he recovers about 14 hours a month. At AED 60 per hour of a clearance officer's time, that is AED 840 a month, which covers hosting. The real gain comes from quotes: if the site brings 4 new clients a year with 10 containers each at AED 800 in fees, that is AED 32,000 of additional revenue per year for a AED 35,000 project, before repeat business.
FAQ
How much does a customs broker website cost in Dubai in 2026?
Between AED 22,000 and 48,000 (about USD 6,000 to 13,000) depending on quote and tracking modules. Hosting and maintenance cost AED 160 to 380 per month.
Can the quote include customs duties?
An indicative estimate is possible, but duties depend on customs value and HS code. The site shows fees and charges, with duties calculated on the invoice.
Can clients track their file without an account?
Yes, using the file reference and a code received by SMS or WhatsApp. This module costs AED 3,200 to 7,500.
Is Arabic necessary?
For a Dubai broker, yes in most cases: part of the local client base and partners works in Arabic. The Arabic version with RTL layout represents about 20 to 25% of the budget.
How long until launch?
Between 8 and 12 weeks, including 2 weeks to configure the quote grid with your team.
Let's scope your project. Bilingual site, quotes by 20 ft and 40 ft container and file tracking by reference: we quote your site, delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
