How Much Does VAPT Cost in Dubai & UAE in 2026?
Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) in Dubai costs AED 8,000 – AED 100,000+ depending on scope, complexity, and compliance requirements. This guide breaks down what UAE businesses actually pay for VAPT services in 2026.
VAPT Pricing by Business Size
| Business Size | Typical Scope | Duration | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup / SMB (<50 employees) | 1 web app + external network (up to 20 IPs) | 5-7 days | 8,000 – 20,000 | 2,200 – 5,500 |
| Medium (50-500 employees) | 2-3 web apps + internal/external network (up to 100 IPs) | 10-15 days | 20,000 – 45,000 | 5,500 – 12,300 |
| Enterprise (500+) | Multiple apps + full network + cloud + API testing | 15-30 days | 45,000 – 100,000+ | 12,300 – 27,300+ |
VAPT Cost by Testing Type
| VAPT Component | Scope | Cost Range (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Vulnerability Assessment Only | Automated scanning + manual validation | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Web Application VAPT | 1 application, OWASP Top 10 | 8,000 – 25,000 |
| Network VAPT (External) | Up to 50 external IPs | 5,000 – 15,000 |
| Network VAPT (Internal) | Up to 100 internal IPs | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| API VAPT | 1 API, up to 50 endpoints | 8,000 – 20,000 |
| Mobile Application VAPT | 1 app (iOS or Android) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Cloud VAPT (AWS/Azure/GCP) | 1 cloud environment | 15,000 – 40,000 |
| Full Enterprise VAPT Package | Network + Web + API + Cloud | 30,000 – 80,000 |
VAPT vs Penetration Testing: Cost Comparison
| Aspect | Vulnerability Assessment | Penetration Testing | Full VAPT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Automated scanning + manual validation | Manual exploitation of vulnerabilities | Both combined |
| Depth | Broad coverage, less depth | Deep exploitation of specific targets | Broad + deep |
| Duration | 2-5 days | 5-15 days | 7-20 days |
| Cost (AED) | 3,000 – 10,000 | 8,000 – 40,000 | 10,000 – 50,000 |
| Best For | Regular monitoring | Compliance, deep testing | Comprehensive assessment |
Factors That Affect VAPT Cost in UAE
- Scope: Number of applications, IPs, cloud environments, and APIs
- Complexity: Custom applications vs standard platforms
- Compliance: PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and NESA requirements add specific testing requirements
- Retesting: Whether remediation verification is included
- Reporting: Executive vs technical reports, debrief sessions
- Urgency: Rush engagements cost 25-50% more
- Annual vs one-off: Annual contracts typically offer 15-25% savings
Annual VAPT Program vs One-Off Testing
| Model | Frequency | Annual Cost (AED) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-off VAPT | Once | 20,000 – 50,000 | None |
| Bi-annual VAPT | 2x per year | 35,000 – 85,000 | ~10-15% |
| Quarterly VAPT | 4x per year | 55,000 – 140,000 | ~20-25% |
| Continuous VAPT (retainer) | Monthly | 80,000 – 200,000 | ~25-30% + priority response |
Compliance-Driven VAPT Requirements
- PCI DSS: Quarterly vulnerability scans (ASV) + annual penetration test required
- ISO 27001: Regular vulnerability assessment recommended (Annex A.12.6)
- NESA IA: Mandatory security testing for UAE critical infrastructure
- CBUAE: Banks and financial institutions must conduct regular security testing
- Cyber Insurance: Many insurers now require annual VAPT evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does VAPT cost in Dubai?
VAPT in Dubai costs AED 8,000 – 100,000+ depending on scope. A basic web application VAPT starts at AED 8,000, while enterprise-wide assessments covering network, applications, and cloud can exceed AED 80,000.
What is the difference between VAPT and penetration testing?
VAPT combines vulnerability assessment (automated scanning to find weaknesses) with penetration testing (manual exploitation to prove impact). Standalone penetration testing focuses on deeper exploitation of specific targets, while VAPT provides broader coverage.
How often should VAPT be performed?
Annual VAPT is the minimum for most businesses. PCI DSS requires quarterly vulnerability scans. High-risk environments (fintech, healthcare, government) should test quarterly. After major application releases or infrastructure changes, additional testing is recommended.
Does VAPT include retesting?
It varies by provider. eShield includes one complimentary retest within 30 days of report delivery to verify that critical and high-severity findings have been remediated.
Get a VAPT Quote
Contact eShield for a free VAPT scoping call. Our OSCP-certified team will assess your requirements and provide a transparent quote within 24 hours.
Related: VAPT services in UAE | Penetration testing services | Penetration testing cost guide
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