Moving to Saudi Arabia? Whether you’re here for work, family, or a fresh adventure, one of the smartest things you can do is arm your phone with the right apps. From navigating Riyadh’s public transport to getting shawarma delivered at midnight, life in the Kingdom is a lot easier (and more fun) when you’re digitally ready.
This guide rounds up the must-have apps for first-time expats in Saudi Arabia—covering transportation, food delivery, banking, government services, and more. Some will save you money, some will save you time, and others will save your sanity (looking at you, traffic apps). This list is your new digital survival kit.
1. ABSHER
The ultimate must-have. Manage your Iqama, exit/re-entry visas, traffic violations, and government appointments in this app.
2. NAFATH
Nafath is a unified national platform in Saudi Arabia that allows individuals to securely access various government and private sector services through a single, secure login. Most government apps will ask for verification through Nafath.
3. TAWWAKALNA
The app was initially developed to manage COVID-19 relief efforts and now offers a range of services including health status updates, permit management, and access to various government services.
4. GOV.SA
The GOV.SA App aims to be a one-stop platform that provides access to all government services and information for KSA citizens and residents. Connecting citizens with services to make their lives easier by reducing the complexity of finding and understanding government services.
1. GOOGLE MAPS
Saudi roads can be tricky with constant construction and traffic that are no longer defined by “rush hour” — Google Maps is your co-pilot in navigating the roads of Riyadh.
2. DARB
Navigate and utilize the Riyadh Public Transport (RPT) network conveniently and efficiently. Check out the schedules for the RIyadh Metro, Riyadh Bus, and Bus On Demand.
3. RIDE-HAILING APPS
Several ride-hailing apps operate in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, offering convenient and affordable transportation options.
Choose from Uber, Bolt, Careem or Jeeny. For transpo apps specifically designed for women, try Wsslini and Leena, that connect women riders with women drivers.
1. stc BANK
One of the first electronic wallets originating from Saudi Arabia, can be used for purchases, bill payments, remittances, and more.
2. APPLE PAY
Apple Pay allows users to make secure and convenient payments using their Apple devices. You can use it for in-store purchases, online payments, and even for transportation like the Riyadh metro.
3. BANK-SPECIFIC APPS
For bank transactions, payments, transfers and more, get the app of the bank you opened an account on for easier access to your finances.
4. mada PAY
mada Pay is a mobile payment application available in Saudi Arabia that allows users to make contactless payments using their Android smartphones.
1. WHATSAPP
WhatsApp is the most used social media platform in Saudi Arabia. Messaging and sending photos and files are fully functional but voice and video calls over the Internet (VoIP) are blocked by default by local ISPs (like STC, Mobily, Zain). If you try to call someone via WhatsApp, it’ll often ring but never connect.
2. MYSTC
MySTC is STC’s all‑in‑one mobile app that lets users seamlessly manage their telecom services and devices. STC is undeniably the telecom powerhouse in the Kingdom (most people in Saudi use this for their sim and wifi.) Whether you’re an STC customer or not, it gives you direct access to STC’s ecosystem.
Other similar apps: Mobily, Zain
3. GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Google Translate is a free online service, provided by Google, that translates text, documents, and websites between numerous languages. This will help you with Arabic texts (and photos) that you can’t read or understand yet.
1. HUNGER STATION
The Kingdom’s first homegrown food delivery app, Hunger Station now offers delivery from restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, flower shops, and more.
2. JAHEZ
Jahez is one of Saudi Arabia’s major home-grown food delivery platforms, connecting restaurants (both local and international), delivery drivers, and customers.
3. TOYOU
ToYou acts as a central hub for various delivery needs, including food, groceries, gifts, and flowers. It operates in over 60 cities across Saudi Arabia.
4.KEETA
The newest food delivery app in town that offers free delivery, steep sign-up vouchers (SR 100), and deep discounts.
5. NOON
We love the fast delivery of Noon that takes as fast as 15 minutes depending on the timings. Basic essential groceries arrive the fastest time on your doorstep.
6. NANA
Riyadh-born and built for a full-service grocery shopping, Nana is partnered with Tamimi, Carrefour, Panda, Danube and more and offers scheduled delivery or same day delivery making grocery shopping so easy and fast.
1. ATHAN
Athan is a mobile application designed to provide Muslims with accurate prayer times, Qibla direction, and access to the Quran, along with other Islamic resources. For non-Muslim expats, it can be handy to find out the prayer times daily as some stores still close during these times.
2. MORNI
Morni offers a comprehensive suite of automotive support services through a single app. Key offerings include roadside assistance, towing, battery services, tire repair/change, on-site fuel delivery, and locksmith services—all available 24/7 across Saudi Arabia.
3. GASABLE
Gasable is a mobile app-based energy delivery service enabling users to order LPG cylinders, BBQ gas bottles, bottled water, car batteries, and even electric vehicles charging straight to your doorstep across Saudi—via scheduled or ASAP delivery.
4. URBAN COMPANY
It connects users with trained, vetted professionals for services like home cleaning, beauty and spa services, AC and appliance repairs, and more. Choose your preferred date and time.
Other similar apps: Dari, Justclean, Raha, Matic
