The Ultimate Digital Survival Kit 15 Apps Every Expat Needs in Saudi Arabia (2026 Edition)

If you are moving to Saudi Arabia in 2025, you can leave your wallet at home—but do not dare leave your phone.

The Kingdom has aggressively transformed into one of the most digitized countries on earth. The days of standing in line at government offices with paper files are gone. Today, you cannot rent a house, open a bank account, buy a car, or even enter a government building without specific apps on your phone.

I have seen new expats get stuck at the airport, locked out of their bank accounts, or pay double for taxis simply because they didn't have the right tools installed.

To help you hit the ground running, I have compiled the ultimate list of 15 Essential Apps that rule life in KSA, categorized by what they do.

🏛️ Part 1: The "Holy Trinity" (Government Essentials)

These are not optional. You literally cannot function legally in the country without them.

1. Absher (The "Government in Your Pocket")

Absher is your digital identity. It is the central database that connects you to the Ministry of Interior.

What it does: It holds your Iqama (ID), Driving License, Vehicle Registration, and Travel Records. You use it to renew visas, authorize your family’s visit, and pay traffic fines.
Crucial Step: You must register for Absher at a physical kiosk (found in airports and malls) using your fingerprint immediately after landing.
Pro Tip: There are two apps: Absher Individuals (Green) and Absher Business (Red). As an employee, you only need the Green one.

2. Nafath (The Key to Everything)

In 2024, Saudi Arabia introduced Nafath as a mandatory Unified National Access system.

How it works: You no longer use passwords for bank apps or government sites. When you try to log in to your bank, the website will show you a random number (e.g., "45"). You must open the Nafath app on your phone, use your FaceID, and select "45" to approve the login.
Security Warning: Never approve a Nafath request if you didn't initiate it yourself. This is the #1 way scammers steal identities.

3. Tawakkalna Services (Your Digital Wallet)

Originally a COVID-19 tracking app, this has evolved into your official digital wallet.

Why you need it: It displays your "Digital Iqama." If you forget your physical ID card at home and get stopped at a checkpoint, showing your Digital ID in Tawakkalna is legally accepted.
Bonus Feature: You can also view your children’s school records and your own driving insurance status here.

💸 Part 2: Money & Banking (Fintech)

Saudi Arabia is effectively a cashless society. Even the smallest corner shop ("Baqala") accepts digital payments.

4. STC Pay / UrPay (The Digital Wallets)

If you don't have a bank account yet, these are lifesavers.

What they do: These are digital wallets linked to your mobile number. You can load money via credit card and use them to pay for everything via Apple Pay/Android Pay.
The Best Feature: International Transfers. Sending money to India, Pakistan, Philippines, or Egypt via STC Pay is often instant and has better exchange rates than traditional banks.
Cashback: UrPay currently offers 1% cashback on almost all purchases.

5. Al Rajhi / SNB Mobile (The Banking Giants)

Once you have your Iqama, you will open a traditional bank account.

Why these two? Al Rajhi and SNB (Saudi National Bank) have the best apps and the most ATMs. Their apps allow you to pay government fees (Sadad), utility bills, and traffic fines in seconds.
(Need help choosing? Read our [Best Banks for Expats in Saudi Arabia Guide]).

🚗 Part 3: Transportation (Getting Around)

Traffic in Riyadh and Jeddah is legendary. You need help navigating it.

6. Uber & Bolt (The Standards)

The Reality: Uber is reliable but can be expensive during "Surge Pricing" in rush hour.
The Alternative: Bolt is often 10-15% cheaper than Uber in Saudi Arabia and has very high availability. I recommend having both apps and checking prices before you book.

7. Jeeny & Kaiian (The Budget Savers)

What they are: Local competitors to Uber.
Why use them: They are significantly cheaper (sometimes 30% less). The cars might be slightly older models, but for a daily commute, the savings add up fast.

8. Waze (The Traffic Cheat Code)

Do not use Google Maps for driving in Riyadh.

Why Waze wins: Riyadh traffic changes by the minute due to construction and accidents. Waze is much more aggressive at finding "shortcuts" through side streets to save you 20 minutes on your commute.
Safety: It also alerts you to speed cameras (Saher), which is critical because speeding fines start at 150 SAR and go up to 2,000 SAR.

🏠 Part 4: Housing & Services

9. Aqar (The Real Estate King)

Stop driving around looking for "To Let" signs.

What it does: It is the Zillow or Rightmove of Saudi Arabia. It shows apartments for rent with prices, photos, and location.
Pro Tip: Use the map filter to find apartments near your office. Commuting across Riyadh can take 1 hour, so living near work is the best life hack.
(Confused about contracts? Read our [Renting an Apartment in Saudi Arabia Guide]).

10. HungerStation / Jahez (The Food Saviors)

In July, when it is 45°C (113°F) outside, you will not want to walk to a restaurant.

What they do: These are the UberEats/DoorDash of KSA.
The Scope: They deliver everything. McDonald's, Starbucks, pharmacy items, and even groceries. HungerStation is generally the most popular with the widest range of restaurants.

11. Noon (The Amazon of the Middle East)

While Amazon.sa exists (and is great), Noon is a local giant you need to know.

Why use it: They have "Noon Minutes," which delivers groceries and electronics in 15 minutes in major cities. It is shockingly fast.

🏥 Part 5: Health & Safety

12. Sehhaty (Your Health Passport)

What it does: The Ministry of Health's official app.
Why you need it: You use it to book COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots, and—most importantly—to view your Sick Leave reports. If you miss work due to illness, your employer will demand a digital certificate from Sehhaty. Paper notes from doctors are no longer accepted by many HR departments.

13. Najm (For Car Accidents)

Hopefully, you never use this. But if you drive in KSA, you need it installed.

The Rule: If you get into a car accident, do not move the car (unless it's minor and blocking traffic).
What to do: Open the Najm app to report the accident. An investigator will come on a motorbike to assess the damage and issue the insurance report.

👳 Part 6: Islamic Life (Optional but Helpful)

14. Nusuk (The Pilgrim's Guide)

If you are Muslim and plan to perform Umrah or pray in the Rawdah in Madinah, you need this.

Function: You must book a permit slot on Nusuk to enter the Rawdah.
(Planning Umrah? Check our [Ramadan & Hajj 2025 Guide] for tips).

Final Verdict: Don't Overload Your Phone

You don't need 50 apps, but you do need these 14.

My Advice: Download Absher, Nafath, and Google Translate before you even board your flight. The moment you land, buy a SIM card (STC or Mobily) at the airport, and set these up. Your life in the Kingdom will be infinitely smoother.