Top 10 Dating Apps in Dubai and the Rise of Dating Culture

“Dating Apps in Dubai will Not Survive in the Long Term”

– A UAE-Based Journalist

The statement was given because Dating in Dubai is generally difficult. UAE, including Dubai, is a Muslim country and dating is considered Halal in the religion, unless the motive is to marry the partner. However, the recent stats speak differently – dating apps are seeing a rising number of users in the UAE, including Muslim users. In 2023, there were about 277,000 dating app users from UAE and the number is expected to grow only. (See the Table Below for Reference)

The industry is lucrative and profitable. Almost all the major dating apps are serving in the UAE but still, the market is lacking a “UAE specific dating app” with robust features. Thus, if you are thinking of launching a free dating app in Dubai, UAE, then this is the best time.

The article covers the 10 best dating apps in Dubai for your reference. Apart from this, the post will present some must have features in a dating app along with the dating app development process.

The Rise of Best Dating Apps in Dubai – Result of 75% Expat Population

Dubai has rapidly turned into a technologically advanced metropolitan city due to quick innovations, high investments, and business friendly policies. As of 2023, Dubai is home to over 2.72 million expats, which accounts for 75% of its total population.

Human beings in general need friends and companions to have a healthy life and these social dating apps in UAE serve the purpose right. The city's diverse population has accepted dating as a culture and people are moving towards it rapidly. Statistically, the dating market in the UAE is expected to cross $10 million revenue in 2024 and is expected to grow further.  

10 Best Dating Apps in Dubai 

1. Tinder

Tinder is always introducing new features. Adding verification is the most recent feature. The most recent verification tag only strengthens the legitimacy of each individual who swipes right. When they see the verification tag, people can swipe right to schedule dates with someone they truly emotionally connect with. Tinder in Dubai is quite popular and is a top free dating app in Dubai.

Despite having a few more paid plans, Tinder in Dubai is mostly a free app. With Tinder, people can safely connect with others nearby, regardless of where they are in the world. All it takes to set up a Tinder date these days is a button push. There are a plethora of resources available to connect with individuals who share your interests. Tinder is so appealing because it offers so many possibilities, and this is also true for people in Dubai.

2. Bumble

Not only is Bumble a globally recognized brand, but it also has millions of active users in Dubai. Many people claim to have found their connection through Bumble, ranging from locals to those who are relocating there. Women can get in touch with their matches first thanks to Bumble. Since super swipes are uncommon, you can be sure that they will draw attention.

Previous Bumble users' suggestions indicate that premium users have a better probability of finding a match. Plans are less expensive, but security is the main feature. Users are free to display their personal information in anyway they like. It's not necessary to display the full name either.

3. Boo

With the help of the Boo, a top free dating app in Dubai, you may meet compatible and like-minded people all over the world. It resembles a community made up of millions of users from various states and countries.

In addition to creating a ton of new friends by learning about someone's compatibility, strengths, weaknesses, pet peeves, perfect dates, zodiac, relationship material, flirting advice, and more, this is one of the greatest and easiest matchmaking services around.

You may meet new people and pick up new skills with the Boo dating app in UAE. It might be an excellent location to learn more about a particular issue and have discussions about it.

4. Muzmatch

Since 2011, Muzmatch.com has been serving Muslim singles with their needs. Shahzad Younus took the initiative, wanting to build a dating app in UAE that would primarily serve as a dating service for Muslims. Arabs and Asians make up the bulk of its members, and they view dating as a critical turning point in a young person's life. With a 50:50 gender ratio, the majority of its members are from the United Kingdom, Asia, Pakistan, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia.

Every week, at least 4000 active people visit the platform. In contrast to other dating services, MuzMatch.com promotes long-term partnerships and complies with Islamic law. While persons as elderly as 50 and beyond are present, the majority of users are between the ages of 23 and 35. 

5. Happn

Happn is a fantastic free dating app in Dubai residents, but visitors will find it even more enjoyable. It will be exciting to people who are exploring Dubai's highly inhabited districts. Happn gives users the ability to search for persons who have passed by while they are at a particular location. It's never been easier to find someone on best dating apps UAE who is right for you.

It is simpler to spot someone who stands out from the crowd when Happn is nearby. The user can utilize this app to start a discussion with someone they've seen around. The only issue here is that for them to connect, Happn is required for both of them.

6. Badoo

It costs nothing to sign up for a Badoo account, and you can use it every day. Badoo transcends the physical space. It is undoubtedly advisable to use a bigger radius when visiting another nation. When it comes to the best dating apps in Dubai, Badoo has a greater quantity of singles available. The best feature of the app is that it's free to connect or talk with matches.

On Badoo, users can view billions of people available worldwide. Millions of Dubai residents already make use of Badoo among them. It seems like one of the greatest spots to hunt for ideal dates is here. It's challenging to go on dates abroad, but Badoo's popularity and clientele make it ideal for Dubai.

7. Muslima

With millions of users from all over the world, Muslima is quickly becoming the top Islamic marriage & dating app in the UAE. More individuals are signing up as they witness the success story of millions.

The majority of Muslima users are from the United Arab Emirates, most especially from Dubai. When using the best dating apps in Dubai, individuals from other countries also receive matches and go on dates. These lovely places to go on a date seem like the ideal way to meet someone special.

These individuals from Dubai and the surrounding areas are all seeking a spouse. This is the best place to find someone who is aware of Dubai culture.

8. FilipinoCupid: Filipino Dating

With 3.5 million users as of right now, Filipino Cupid claims to be "the largest Filipino dating site." Uploading your data, looking for matches, and getting recommendations are all completely free. Some messaging functions are also free. The company was founded in 2005 by Emily Bolton and Andrew Bolton and is a subsidiary of Cupid Media.

Although there are many free features available for users on the app, the premium version allows the best experience. The platform offers several premium plans for one, three, and six months, and the lowest plan starts at $9.99 per month. Interestingly, the app's user base is not just Filipino but many Western country men & women also.

9. Arike

The goal of Arike, the first vernacular free dating app in Dubai, is to unite Malayalis living in and outside of India around the pursuit of enduring partnerships. In Malayalam, the word "arike" means "close-by". Thus, the app is made to provide a high-intention dating experience that suits the needs of Malayali people culturally. Arike is one of the nation's fastest-growing vernacular dating apps because of its distinctive approach to understanding sensitivities.

Arike respects the subtle cultural differences and decisions that characterise Malayali lifestyles. To ensure that you find the qualities in a person, we have customised preference features on the app.

10. Seeking

Sugar dating is becoming more and more common, and the stigma it formerly had has vanished. Finding the ideal sugar baby or sugar daddie is still a difficult endeavour, though. One of the most widely used sugar daddy free dating app in Dubai, Seeking Arrangement was founded in 2006. It has more than 10 million members globally and is safe and secure to use. Both sugar daddies and sugar babies use it, and it offers a secure environment where you can establish enduring relationships.

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Must Have Features in Best Dating Apps in UAE

1. User Profiles

Users of dating apps don't want to waste time on people who don't interest them and are searching for a quick and easy way to meet possible mates. Through their profiles, users can highlight the things that are meaningful to them.

You decide how much information a person must include on their profile. Name, age, location, photographs, and a personal bio are the standard information that best dating apps UAE request. Apart from that, you can be really creative and even come up with a special gimmick for your company.

2. In-App Chatting

In online dating as in other social apps, chat is an essential component. It is possible for matches to test the waters and see whether there is spark through private, user-to-user conversation channels.

The proper users may be paired together by a good matching algorithm, but without a chat function and push notifications that require a response, they won't be able to explore that connection. A quick and easy approach to gauge how well you get along with someone before committing to a longer conversation or even a video date is to chat.

3. File Sharing

When you're initially starting out, texting could be plenty for a casual discussion, but it's not enough to develop a deeper bond. Users can add photographs, audio clips, video clips, and more to the conversation via file-sharing options.

The ability to support custom file types is essential since it allows users to share anything they want without restrictions. Users are less inclined to switch platforms when your mobile app offers greater conversational flexibility.

4. Payment Integration

By including a payment system in a free dating app in Dubai, customers will be able to purchase premium memberships and other crucial services. A good partner for payment integrating is user-friendly and quick to utilise. 

5. Notifications

Even when a user is not utilising the app, they should still receive notifications about updates, activity, and other critical alerts. This could be a new match, a match's message, likes, updates, etc. The customer can resume using the app by utilising this. Make sure to give customers the ability to personalise the push notifications, though, so they may choose to simply get message alerts, turn it off entirely, or adjust it to suit their needs.

6. Profile Verification

You must employ a variety of techniques to lower the quantity of fraudulent profiles. With cybercrime rising daily, profile verification can help users appear more credible and real. Email verification, social media integrations, and photos can all be used for profile verification.

7. Swiping:

While not a necessary function, users find this to have a strong user interface. Tinder was the first to launch the feature, and thanks to its simple and entertaining UI, it quickly became popular. Users are able to remain on the site longer thanks to this feature, which gives them a greater sensation of gaming.

8. Voice Notes

Providing users with multiple options for forming relationships will increase the attractiveness of your free dating app in UAE. The option to send voice clips is one of the most crucial aspects.

Voice calls or video clips are typically the following steps in getting to know each other if a couple finds that their personality profiles match and wants to explore whether there's something worth pursuing. Without a doubt, dating apps can't ignore this feature. 

9. Video Calls

Dating app couples end their relationships after texting one another. But once a couple clicks, they might want to grow more intimate with their time spent together. Sometimes people decide to go on a real-life date and meet up, while other times a lesser commitment date is more acceptable.

Make sure your app has video chat capabilities so you don't lose users to Facebook Dating. Even with the aid of the Internet, face-to-face communication is far more intimate than texting someone. Additionally, by providing first date ideas as an added bonus, users will keep using your app and be less afraid to message someone online. 

Advance Features for Dating App in UAE 

First Date Suggestion:

By offering advice and pointers to those who are reluctant to initiate contact, you can increase the app's retention rate. Those who struggle to strike up a conversation and are introverted will find this feature helpful. To start a discussion, you can give them suggestions for questions to ask, GIFs to send them, and pickup lines. 

Adding an Avatar Feature:

You can also include a feature that lets users create virtual versions of themselves to spice up dating. The idea of online dating is novel and has the potential to be very successful for the app. Users who want to go on dates but live in various cities will be drawn to it. 

Algorithm – Maker or Breaker

Best Dating apps UAE can use a wide range of matching algorithms; for instance, they can be based on users' shared hobbies or location. It is a crucial component that sets your app apart, so it needs to be well thought out and included into the architecture of the app.

Naturally, your dating app development company in Dubai will provide you with guidance on how to design an ideal matching algorithm. To select the best possibilities for your solution, you should, nevertheless, be aware of how the options differ from one another.

• Algebraic Expressions

Matchmaking strategies often vary depending on the kind of app you decide to develop. Mathematical algorithms, for instance, can be used to link individuals based on shared values, interests, and preferences.

• Conduct-Based Pairing

Behavior-based matching can be an additional choice. In this instance, user behavior and activities outside of apps, such as social networks and music apps can be analyzed and patterns found using Big Data and AI technology.

• Rules Based on Location

Location-based matching is typically used by best dating apps in Dubai to pair up users. Most people want to get matches nearby so that it is easy to date and meet them, thus signifying the important of algorithm.

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Step by Step Dating App Development Process

Step 1: Look for a concept

To do that, you must comprehend what consumers are currently lacking from dating apps. You can determine this through research or even personal experience. Most importantly, the problem should affect a large number of people, and your approach effectively addresses it.

Step 2: Make a project plan

This phase involves defining the functionalities of the app, selecting the mobile development approach (complete packaged app or MVP), assembling a team, and setting a budget for the creation of dating apps.

Step 3: Make a layout

You should consider the design of your dating app. It is preferable to provide the group with several references so they can apply the concept more precisely. After that, UI/UX designers will assess its usability. Ensuring a user experience that is both effortless and cosy is crucial.

Step 4: Create the application

The team will create the frontend, or what the user sees and can interact with, and the backend, or what saves all the data on the server, by utilising several programming languages and frameworks.

Step 5: Give the app a test

QA testers must be given access to the software prior to its release. When they come across potential flaws, they will notify the dating app creators so they may address them.

Step 6: Launch the app and collect user reviews

Once everything is prepared, open the app from Google Play and the App Store. Remember to ask users for comments after a while. This will enable you to enhance the program, incorporate significant features, and grow the user base even further.

Why Konstant for Dating App Development in Dubai?

Nowadays, creating a dating app opens up a world of chances and limitless possibilities. But with so many dating apps available in Dubai, you need to have a unique approach to stand out from the crowd. For your platform to be successful, it must have an exceptional USP, incredible functionality, and a strong UI/UX. Notably, creating dating apps is another difficult undertaking best left to experts. It makes sense to take into account top mobile app development companies in Dubai in this situation.

As one of the top mobile app development companies in UAE, we have the capacity to be your reliable tech partner thanks to our more than 20 years of unmatched experience and our ability to create dating apps like Tinder in Dubai. So far, we have completed over 2500 projects, including several dating apps, namely –

Some Recent Dating Apps Developed by Konstant 

• Off Leash’d
• Poly US
• Luv Vid
• Kaimzz

Quick Fact – Top Research Firm, Clutch, has recognized Konstant as the #1 App Development Company in Middle East

Last Words - Dating App Development Dubai

So, this was all about dating culture and dating app development in Dubai. We have presented you 10 best dating apps in Dubai for you to take reference. The article also presents a brief study on the rise of dating culture in Dubai. Further, if you are someone who is considering launching a fresh dating app in Dubai market, then make sure to hire mobile app developers in Dubai with relevant experience only.

Top FAQs - Best Dating Apps in Dubai

How much does it cost to build a dating app in Dubai?

The dating app development cost in Dubai lies between $10,000 and $25,000. However, this cost can go up or down, depending upon the project requirements, complexities, design, and tools required. Make sure to discuss the project with reputable app development companies in UAE to get the best quote.

What is the time to build a dating app in Dubai?

Usually, dating app development time in Dubai is between 4-6 months. However, the time can go longer or shorter, depending upon the project requirements, complexities, design, and tools required. Notably, you get timely delivery when you hire mobile app developers in Dubai with relevant experience.

What are the best dating apps in Dubai for Muslims?

Some of the best dating apps in Dubai for Muslims are Muzz, Muslima, AlKhattaba, Mashallah, and Salams. These apps were built by some top mobile app development companies in Dubai.

How does dating apps like Tinder Work?

Dating Apps like Tinder work using an algorithm that matches the people based upon preferences and behaviors. The algorithm analyses user data, number of matches, and past activity to make suggestions to other people.