Choosing a Web Design Company in Saudi Arabia: 10 Questions
How to choose a web design company in Saudi Arabia: what to ask before signing, how to compare quotes, who owns the domain and content, and red flags.
When you search Google for “web design company”, you’ll find dozens of options: large agencies, freelancers, and platforms that let you build the website yourself. They all promise a professional website. So how do you know which one is right for you?
The wrong choice doesn’t just cost you money, it costs you time too: a website delivered months late, one you can’t edit, or the discovery a year later that the domain is registered in someone else’s name. In this guide we set out the questions that protect you from these surprises.
Start by defining what you need
Before comparing companies, write down on a single page:
- The website’s goal: do you want customers to call you? To book an appointment? To buy directly?
- The core pages: home, about us, services, portfolio, contact us, and any page specific to your business.
- Languages: Arabic only, or Arabic and English?
- What you already have: logo, photos, service descriptions.
- Budget and deadline: when you need the website, and the limit you won’t go beyond.
This page makes the quotes you receive comparable, because every company will be pricing the same requirements.
10 questions to ask any web design company
1. Can I see real websites you’ve built?
Ask for links to websites that are live now, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone and look at their speed and how clear their Arabic text is. Ideally, you’ll find a business similar to yours among them.
2. Who owns the domain name and hosting?
The domain (such as yourcompany.sa or yourcompany.com) should be registered in your name or your company’s name. Ask clearly: if the relationship ends, can I move the website and the domain?
3. Who owns the content and design after delivery?
The text and photos you provide are yours, but ask about the design and the code: do you get a copy? Are there any restrictions on using them? Ask for this to be written into the contract.
4. What exactly does the price include?
A good quote spells out: the number of pages, the languages, whether content writing is included, the number of revision rounds, hosting and domain, and the length of support after launch. Items that aren’t written down often turn into extra fees later.
5. What are the annual costs after launch?
Domain renewal, hosting and maintenance are recurring costs. Ask about them from the start so you aren’t surprised a year later. We explain the factors that affect cost in our article How much does a website cost in Saudi Arabia?
6. Can I edit the website myself?
You need a simple dashboard to change prices or add a photo or a new service without waiting for anyone. If one isn’t available, ask how long each change request takes and how much it costs.
7. Is the website mobile-friendly and fast?
Most visitors to business websites in Saudi Arabia come from mobile phones. Ask to see the staging website on your phone before delivery. You can also test the speed of any existing website with our free website check.
8. What about showing up on Google?
Ask about the SEO basics: a title and description for every page, clean URLs, a sitemap, and a Google Search Console connection. And beware of any company that “guarantees” you first place on Google; nobody can guarantee that.
9. How will we communicate during the project?
Who is responsible for your project? How do you review the work? It’s best to get a staging version you can review in stages, rather than seeing the website for the first time on delivery day.
10. What happens after launch?
A website needs security updates, content changes and ongoing care. Ask about technical support, how long it lasts and how to reach it.
Red flags
- A very low price with no explanation of what it includes.
- Refusing to register the domain in your name.
- No previous work you can open.
- Promises of guaranteed Google rankings or a specific number of sales.
- No contract or written quote.
Agency, freelancer or website builder?
Each option has its place:
| Option | Suitable for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Website builder platform | Small businesses that want to start quickly | Limits on customisation |
| Freelancer | Small projects with a limited budget | Continuity and support after delivery |
| Design and development company | Companies and projects that need integrations or a bespoke design | Clear scope and timeline |
How we work at Oxira
We offer both routes, depending on what you need. If you’re a small business, you can build your website yourself in minutes with Oxira Studio, or order the Online in a day bundle and we’ll deliver a website, a WhatsApp agent and a Google profile within one working day.
If your company needs a custom website or a platform connected to its systems, our company website design service starts with a free consultation and a written quote that sets out what the project includes. And if you’re in the capital, we can meet in person at our Riyadh office.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it usually take to design a company website?
It depends on the type of website. A ready-made website can launch the same day, while the timeline for custom websites varies with the pages and integrations, and it should be written in the quote.
Do I need a website in both Arabic and English?
If some of your customers don’t speak Arabic, or you deal with foreign companies, an English version is useful. Otherwise, you can start in Arabic and add English later.
Does the design company need to be in my city?
Not necessarily; most of the work is done remotely. But being nearby makes in-person meetings easier on large projects.