The verdict in three sentences
For a diagnostic imaging centre in Dubai offering CT, MRI and ultrasound, the website has two concrete jobs: take pressure off the call centre with exam-specific online booking, and retain referring physicians with a portal where they retrieve reports. The Dubai market range in 2026 is around AED 60,000 to 160,000, of which AED 15,000 to 40,000 for the booking module, with launch in 8 to 11 weeks. A realistic target is 30 % of appointments booked online within 12 months.
Why an imaging centre needs exam-specific booking
An MRI slot is nothing like an ultrasound: slot length, preparation (fasting, removing metal), contrast injection, contraindications such as a pacemaker. By phone each call takes 4 to 8 minutes, and some patients still arrive unprepared, wasting expensive scanner time. A well-built module asks the right questions before offering a time and sends instructions by SMS or WhatsApp. In Dubai, it should also capture insurance details up front, since most outpatient imaging is billed to insurers that may require pre-approval.
| Exam | Typical slot | Preparation to show | Online watch-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdominal ultrasound | 15 to 20 min | Fasting 6 hours | Reminder the day before |
| Obstetric ultrasound | 20 to 30 min | None specific | Ask gestational age |
| X-ray | 10 min | None | Often walk-in |
| CT with contrast | 20 to 30 min | Fasting, recent creatinine | Allergy and kidney questionnaire |
| MRI | 30 to 45 min | Remove metal objects | Mandatory pacemaker and implant screening |
| Mammography | 15 to 20 min | No deodorant on the day | Ask date of last mammogram |
The referrer portal, the quiet growth lever
Much of an imaging centre's volume comes from physicians who refer patients. A secure portal where referrers read their patients' reports, or open images through a PACS link, is a strong retention argument against competing centres. It needs strong authentication, access logs and a clear sharing policy because this is health data. UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 on ICT in health fields generally requires health data to be stored inside the UAE, and DHA rules govern how data is shared.
Marketing content is regulated too. Health advertising in Dubai, including website claims and social posts, requires a permit, and patient testimonials and before-and-after claims are tightly restricted. Plan for DHA-compliant copy from the start.
| Site component | Basic version | Full version | 2026 market range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Showcase site (exams, team, equipment) | 8 to 10 pages | 15 to 20 pages with exam guides | AED 25,000 to 60,000 |
| Exam-specific booking | Call-back request | Real-time scheduling and screening form | AED 15,000 to 40,000 |
| Referrer portal | Secure report delivery | Portal with history and PACS link | AED 15,000 to 45,000 |
| SMS or WhatsApp reminders | Day-before reminder | Prep instructions and confirmation | AED 0.10 to 0.30 per message |
| Secure UAE hosting | Shared in-country cloud | Dedicated, encrypted backups | AED 800 to 3,000 per month |
| Timeline | 8 weeks | 11 weeks | Depends on integrations |
What the project costs with Kolonell
At Kolonell, the showcase site follows our grid: Starter 1,220 to 1,830 EUR, Growth 1,830 to 3,050 EUR, Premium 3,050 to 5,340 EUR. The exam booking module and referrer portal are a custom application, with the simple tier at 3,810 to 6,100 EUR; their exact scope is priced in the quote according to your RIS integration. Maintenance follows our grid of 53, 114 or 183 EUR per month.
Mini case study
Dr Rashid runs an imaging centre in Dubai Healthcare City performing 1,200 exams a month. His call centre handles about 1,800 calls monthly, 60 % about booking or rescheduling, at 6 minutes each: 108 hours a month. If 30 % of bookings move online, he saves about 32 call-centre hours a month. More importantly, 8 % of CT and MRI slots are lost to no-shows or poor preparation, about 30 exams a month. With reminders and screening he targets 4 %. Recovering 15 exams at an average AED 1,200 brings in AED 18,000 a month, enough to pay back the module within a few months.
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FAQ
How much does an imaging centre website cost in Dubai?
The 2026 market range is about AED 60,000 to 160,000, including AED 15,000 to 40,000 for exam-specific booking. The referrer portal and RIS integration drive most of the variation.
Is online MRI booking safe?
Yes, provided a screening questionnaire on implants, pacemakers and claustrophobia is completed before confirmation. Flagged cases go to staff for a call-back before the slot is validated.
What online booking share should we target?
30 % within 12 months is realistic if the link is shared through WhatsApp, Google Business Profile and referral letters. Ultrasound moves online faster than contrast exams.
Do we need DHA approval for website content?
Health advertising requires a permit, and claims, testimonials and offers are regulated. Build approval time of 1 to 3 weeks into the schedule for marketing copy.
How long until launch?
Plan for 8 to 11 weeks. Integration with your existing RIS scheduling can add 2 to 3 weeks.
Let's scope your project. Exam booking, referrer portal and patient reminders: we scope features and RIS integration with your medical team. 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.
