Top 7 Apps for Middle East Travel You Need in 2026

Best Apps for Middle East Travel at a Glance

Get these best apps for Middle East travel before your trip to manage local rides, transport, bookings, food, calls, and luggage across the region.

1. Careem

Careem combines rides, food, groceries, and other local services in one app, with availability varying by destination. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Careem can deliver groceries and everyday essentials in as little as 15 minutes in supported areas. That makes Careem useful when you need a ride or a few supplies without switching between several apps.

• Ride Booking: Book available taxis, private cars, and other ride options.
• Quick Delivery: Order groceries and everyday essentials through Careem Quik where available.
• Multiple Services: Use Careem for rides, food, groceries, and other supported services.
• Fare Estimates: Check the estimated ride cost before confirming your booking.

2. Almosafer

Almosafer lets travelers search and book flights and accommodation in the region. Its flight listings include airlines such as Flynas and Flyadeal, which can be useful for trips within Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Check the flight's baggage allowance and payment details before completing your booking.

• Regional Flights: Compare available flights from regional and international airlines.
• Flight Details: Check schedules, cabin options, and baggage information.
• Hotel Stays: Search for hotels and other accommodation options.
• Flight Packages: Look for flight and hotel packages when available.

3. S'hail

S'hail is a Dubai Roads and Transport Authority app for planning journeys around the city. It provides public transport information and can help you plan routes involving the metro, buses, trams, marine transport, and walking. It also supports Nol account services. Before entering a metro station, check your route so you know where to change.

• Journey Planning: Plan routes using Dubai's metro, buses, trams, marine transport, and walking options.
• Nol Services: Check your Nol card and access supported Nol services through S'hail, including selected top-up functions.
• Public Transport: View information for supported Dubai transport services.
• Fare Information: Check the expected fare for supported journeys.

4. HHR Train

HHR Train is the mobile app for the Haramain High-Speed Railway in Saudi Arabia. The railway links Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah, and King Abdullah Economic City. You can use the app to check schedules and book Haramain High-Speed Railway tickets. Save your booking details before heading to the station so you can access them quickly.

• Seat Selection: Choose an available seat when booking your journey.
• Train Tickets: Book journeys on the Haramain High-Speed Railway.
• Mobile Tickets: Keep your electronic ticket available on your phone.
• Schedule Information: Check available train services before traveling.

5. HungerStation

HungerStation is a major food and grocery delivery service in Saudi Arabia. It covers more than 102 cities and works with restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, and other local businesses. Around Al Olaya, for example, you can use it to find nearby restaurants and arrange delivery to your accommodation.

• Local Restaurants: Browse restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other food outlets.
• Food and Groceries: Order meals, groceries, pharmacy items, and other products.
• Order Tracking: Follow your delivery after placing an order.
• Payment Options: Pay online or choose cash on delivery where available.

6. BOTIM

BOTIM supports private and group voice and video calls, as well as messaging. It can be useful for travelers who need an internet calling option while in the UAE, where some internet calling services can face local restrictions. Set up your account before traveling and make a test call while you still have your usual connection.

• Voice Calls: Make internet-based voice calls where the service is available.
• Video Calls: Make private video calls over an internet connection.
• Group Calls: Join voice or video calls with several people.
• Messaging: Send messages, photos, and voice notes through the app.

7. Bounce

Bounce connects travelers with luggage storage locations at participating hotels, shops, and other local businesses. It can help when you arrive before hotel check-in, leave after checkout, or want to explore without carrying your bags. Bounce currently lists storage locations in Dubai, including areas around Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah.

• Storage Locations: Find participating hotels, shops, and other nearby storage points.
• Flexible Hours: Choose a storage period based on the location's available hours.
• Bag Protection: Eligible bookings can include protection subject to the booking terms.
• Booking Confirmation: Show your booking confirmation when dropping off your bags.

Travel Apps for Middle East: Prepare for Limited Connectivity

Prepare your phone before arrival so your main travel apps are ready for city transport, train journeys, and areas where mobile coverage may be weaker.

• Set Up Careem Payments: Add a supported payment method before leaving home so you can request a ride without completing payment setup after arrival.
• Prepare Your Nol Details: Check your Nol card information through S'hail before using Dubai public transport, then save your planned route before entering a metro station.
• Save HHR Tickets: Keep your Haramain train booking on your phone before traveling between Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, or King Abdullah Economic City.
• Prepare BOTIM Before UAE Arrival: Verify your account and make a test call before relying on BOTIM for calls in the UAE.
• Save AlUla Maps: Download maps for remote areas before leaving reliable mobile coverage.
• Use One Main Super-App: Keep Careem ready for rides, food, groceries, and quick deliveries instead of installing separate apps for each service.

Power Your Apps for Middle East Travel with SimCorner

SimCorner offers prepaid mobile data plans for travelers using maps, transport apps, bookings, and other travel services. Its Middle East eSIM covers 14 countries and 22 networks, with plans ranging from 1GB to 30GB and validity periods of 7–30 days. The eSIM is data-only, so it does not provide a local phone number for calls or texts.

• Flexible Data Allowances: Choose a prepaid data amount based on your trip length and expected usage.
• eSIM or SIM Card: Use a compatible eSIM to stay connected while using travel apps across supported destinations.
• Regional Network Access: Connect through supported mobile networks across 14 countries and 22 networks.
• eSIM Top-Ups: Add more data to an active eSIM when your allowance starts running low.

Purchase your mobile data plan before traveling and install the eSIM before arrival if your device supports it. After arrival, activate the plan according to the provider's instructions so you can connect once the plan becomes active. You can also purchase the data package directly through the website before your trip.