The IT Budget Question Every Dubai Business Owner Asks
Industry benchmarks: 2 to 5% of revenue on IT. But more useful is knowing what you actually get for it.
Annual IT Budget: 20-User Dubai Business
Hardware (annual provision): Laptops AED 12,000 to 20,000 + Server reserve AED 3,000 to 8,000 + Network equipment reserve AED 2,000 to 5,000 + CCTV maintenance AED 1,500 to 3,000 = AED 18,500 to 36,000.
Software and Licences: Microsoft 365 Business Standard (20 users) AED 25,200 + Antivirus/EDR AED 3,600 to 7,200 + Cloud backup AED 2,400 to 6,000 = AED 31,200 to 38,400.
IT Support (AMC): Basic AED 18,000 to 24,000 | Full AMC AED 24,000 to 36,000 | Managed IT AED 36,000 to 60,000.
Total Annual IT Budget Summary
| Scenario | Annual (AED) | Per User/Month (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 65,000 | 270 |
| Recommended | 90,000 to 110,000 | 375 to 460 |
| Well-protected | 115,000 to 140,000 | 480 to 580 |
Where Dubai Businesses Underspend (and Regret It)
1. Cybersecurity: basic antivirus only, no EDR, no email security — until ransomware hits
2. Backup: no cloud copy — until a server dies
3. IT support: no AMC, break-fix only — until a critical failure on a Friday night
Where Dubai Businesses Overspend
1. Over-specified servers for small teams (a NAS does what they need at 20% of the cost)
2. Enterprise software with features 90% of staff never use
3. Unused SaaS subscriptions
SAS IT helps Dubai businesses plan and optimise IT spend. Free IT audit with all new AMC contracts. Talk to us | +971-526716178
*Related: IT AMC Dubai | Managed IT Services Dubai*
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