Saudi Arabia (SA)
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and the world's leading oil producer — a rapidly transforming absolute monarchy embarking on an ambitious Vision 2030 diversification agenda that has already delivered entertainment venues, mixed-gender events, a booming tourism sector, and the Riyadh Metro.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Saudi Arabia.
ABSHER Afrad (Individual Portal)
ABSHER (أبشر) is Saudi Arabia's primary government digital services platform, operated by the Ministry of Interior. It functions as a combined identity management, government services, and digital portal for both Saudi nationals and resident expats. In 2026, ABSHER integrates with Qiwa (labour), Muqeem (employment/immigration), ZATCA (tax), CCHI (health insurance), and Tawakkalna (health services) providing a near-seamless digital government experience.
How to get it: Register at absher.sa or via the ABSHER app (iOS/Android). Requires Iqama number, Saudi mobile number (for OTP), and email address. Registration takes 10–15 minutes online. Your ABSHER account is linked to your Iqama and cannot be created without a valid, active Iqama.
E-Government Portal
https://www.my.gov.saIn 2026, Saudi Arabia ranks among the top countries globally for e-government services — the UNDESA e-Government Development Index consistently ranks Saudi Arabia highly. Almost all government processes can be initiated digitally for residents with a valid Iqama and Saudi mobile number. Physical branch visits are increasingly required only for biometric data collection and complex case resolution. Government portals are primarily in Arabic — use translation tools or the English sections of major portals.
Essential Apps
ABSHER
FreeSaudi Arabia's primary government services app — Iqama management, exit visas, traffic fines, civil services. Essential from day one. Download and activate before your first week.
Tawakkalna
FreeOriginally a COVID-19 tracker, now a general government services and health status app. Required for entry to some venues, shows vaccination records, and integrates with ABSHER. Register with your Iqama.
Sehaty (سحاتي)
FreeMinistry of Health appointment booking, vaccination records, health history, and digital health card. Register with Iqama. Useful for accessing some private hospital appointment systems too.
Qiwa
FreeLabour services platform for employment contract verification, complaints, and employer transfer. Employees can view their employment contract status and file complaints digitally.
NAJM
FreeNon-injury traffic accident management app — report fender-benders, generate accident reports, and view traffic fine status. Linked to your Iqama and driving licence.
STC Pay
FreeDigital wallet and international money transfer app. Competitive remittance rates. Linked to Saudi mobile number. Works without a full bank account for basic digital payments.
Uber / Careem
FreeDominant ride-share apps in Saudi Arabia. Both work seamlessly with Saudi numbers and Mada/international credit cards. Essential for daily transport in cities without your own car.
Jahez / HungerStation
FreeSaudi Arabia's leading food delivery apps. Jahez is the largest Saudi-founded platform. HungerStation (owned by Delivery Hero) has the widest restaurant selection. Both work across major cities.
Al Rajhi Mobile / SNB Digital
FreeMobile banking apps for the two largest Saudi banks. Manage accounts, pay bills, send money, and access Mada card controls. Al Rajhi's Raqamak digital account opens entirely via app.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
Ejar App
FreeRental contract registration and management platform. Required for any rental agreement in Saudi Arabia. Both landlord and tenant need the app to register contracts.
Ather / NOL Card (Riyadh Metro/Bus)
FreeRTA Riyadh app for Darb card management and metro journey planning. Track routes, check balances, and top up your Darb card for Riyadh Metro.
Muqeem
FreeImmigration status management portal — check Iqama status, employer Nitaqat rating, and residence permit details. Essential for understanding your and your employer's compliance status.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in digital infrastructure under Vision 2030 — internet speeds are excellent in major cities (STC 5G is widely deployed in Riyadh and Jeddah). Some internet content is blocked by the Communications and Space Technology Commission (CST) — including pornographic sites, some political content, and occasionally VoIP apps. WhatsApp voice/video calls are fully functional in 2026. The government monitoring of digital communications is real — exercise caution about political and religious content on all platforms. All government apps require Arabic-language registration fields — use translation tools if needed.