Quick answer: In Dubai, social media management typically costs between AED 3,000 and AED 15,000+ per month in 2026. Entry plans (posting and community management) sit at the lower end; full plans with video, paid ads and reporting sit higher. Ad spend is separate.
Pricing is the question everyone wants answered and few agencies put in writing. Here is the honest version.
Typical monthly ranges in Dubai (2026)
- AED 3,000 – 5,000: entry social plan — content calendar, posting, basic design and community replies on one or two platforms.
- AED 6,000 – 12,000: growth plan — more content, short-form video/Reels, better design, and light paid-ad management.
- AED 12,000 – 25,000+: full plan — multi-platform content, video production, paid campaigns, landing pages and detailed reporting.
These are realistic market ranges for small and mid-size businesses. Very large brands and heavy production can go beyond this.
What changes the price
- Number of platforms — Instagram only vs Instagram + TikTok + Snapchat + Google.
- Content volume & type — simple graphics are cheaper than shoots and edited video.
- Paid ads — campaign management adds to the retainer.
- Languages — bilingual English + Arabic adds copywriting work.
- Reporting depth — basic metrics vs full performance dashboards.
Remember: ad budget is separate
Management or marketing fees pay the agency. Your ad budget is paid directly to Meta, Google, TikTok or Snapchat. A common mistake is confusing the two. If ongoing content production is your main need, that shapes the retainer more than ad spend does.
Pricing red flags to avoid
- Prices with no clear scope — always get deliverables in writing.
- “Guaranteed” followers or viral results — nobody can promise that honestly.
- Long lock-ins with no early performance review.
- Hidden fees for “extra” posts or reporting.
Good pricing is boring: a fixed scope, a fixed number, and a clear result you are aiming for. If you want to see what a plan for your business looks like, that is exactly how we quote — no surprises.
Cheap and vague usually costs more later. Pay for a clear scope and a measurable goal.
Frequently asked questions
In 2026, most small and mid-size businesses pay between AED 3,000 and AED 15,000+ per month, depending on platforms, content volume and whether paid ads are included. Ad budget is separate and paid to the platforms directly.
Because scope varies hugely. A single-platform posting plan is very different from a multi-platform package with video production, paid campaigns and detailed reporting.
Not always — but cheap with a vague scope often leads to thin results and hidden costs. Compare deliverables, not just headline prices.