Must-Have Apps in Saudi Arabia: Absher, Tawakkalna, Nafath and More

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Saudi Arabia has become one of the most digital countries in the region. Under Vision 2030, most government services in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and across the Kingdom can now be done online through official apps. Whether you are a resident, a new expat or a visitor, these are the must-have apps in Saudi Arabia in 2026.

Government Apps

1. Absher

Absher is the Ministry of Interior’s platform for residents and citizens. You can use it for passport and Iqama services, traffic services, exit and re-entry visas (where applicable) and more. Keep your mobile number updated on Absher, because many other apps send verification codes to the number registered there.

2. Tawakkalna

Tawakkalna is the official government super-app by SDAIA. It provides a digital ID (the digital Iqama is accepted as proof of identity), digital driving licence and vehicle cards, Hajj and Umrah permits, and access to a large number of government services. After a new Iqama is issued, it can take a short time to appear in Tawakkalna.

3. Nafath

Nafath is the national unified access app used to verify your identity when you log in to many government and private services. When a website asks you to approve a login, you confirm it in Nafath by choosing the correct number.

4. Sehhaty

Sehhaty is the Ministry of Health app for booking appointments at government health centres, viewing health records and accessing health services.

5. Nusuk

Nusuk is the official platform for Umrah and Hajj bookings and permits. Permits issued in Nusuk can appear in your Tawakkalna wallet.

6. Qiwa

Qiwa is the labour platform used for work-related services like employment contracts and job changes.

7. Kollona Amn

Kollona Amn is an official app for reporting security incidents and violations to the authorities.

Transport Apps

8. Careem and Uber

Both are widely used for rides in major Saudi cities.

9. Riyadh Metro / Darb

Riyadh’s public transport services, including the Riyadh Metro and buses, have official apps for journey planning and tickets.

Food Delivery and Shopping

10. HungerStation, Jahez and Mrsool

These are some of the most popular delivery apps in the Kingdom for food, groceries and more.

11. Noon, Amazon.sa and Jarir

Great for electronics and everyday shopping. Jarir and eXtra are popular for phones and laptops – see our laptop buying guide.

12. Haraj

Haraj is a popular marketplace for buying and selling used items. Use our used iPhone checklist before buying any second-hand phone.

Telecom and Payment Apps

13. stc, Mobily and Zain apps

Manage your mobile plan, recharge, pay bills and activate eSIM. See how to activate eSIM in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

14. Your bank app + mada Pay / Apple Pay

Card payments with mada and Apple Pay are accepted almost everywhere. Read our digital payments guide.

Quick Summary Table

Security Tips

• Never approve a Nafath request you did not start yourself.
• Don’t share Absher or bank OTP codes with anyone, even if they say they are from a bank or government office.
• Download apps only from official stores.

Read our full guide on online scams in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Living in the UAE instead? See the must-have apps for Dubai and the UAE.

FAQs

What is the difference between Absher and Tawakkalna?

Absher is mainly for Ministry of Interior services, while Tawakkalna is a super-app with your digital ID, documents and many government services.

What is Nafath used for?

Nafath verifies your identity when you log in to government and other services.

Can visitors use Tawakkalna?

Yes, visitors can register, and services have expanded for users outside the Kingdom as well.