Top-Rated Travel Apps for Middle East Travellers
Planning a trip today almost always starts on your smartphone. For travellers in the Middle East, there are hundreds of apps to choose from, but this can get confusing. You might use one app to book your flight, another to find a hotel, a third app to get a ride from the airport, and maybe even a fourth app to buy tickets for a concert or a football match. Keeping track of all these different bookings is a challenge.
The best travel app for you is one that understands your needs. It should offer multiple booking options like flights, hotels, and events, offer 24/7 help in Arabic, let you pay with local methods like Mada, and even give you the option to pay in instalments.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday to London, a business trip to Dubai, or a local getaway to AlUla, you need an app that makes travel simple and stress-free. Let’s explore the top-rated apps that travellers trust to help you build the perfect travel itinerary.
The Best All-in-One Travel App
For most travellers, the best app is one that does everything. An all-in-one app lets you book your flight, hotel, and activities in one place, so all your plans are organised together.
● Almosafer
As the Middle East’s leading travel brand, Almosafer is designed specifically for travellers. It is the most powerful all-in-one solution, trusted by millions of users, with over 10 million app downloads and top-tier ratings of 4.7 stars on iOS and 4.8 stars on Android.
This app truly covers every part of your journey, all while understanding local needs. You can pay securely with local cards or choose 0% interest installments with Tamara and Tabby. Plus, you can earn or redeem points from loyalty programs like Qitaf (STC), Alfursan (Saudia), Mokafaa (Al Rajhi Bank), and Shukran.
What makes Almosafer stand out is its true omnichannel approach. This means you get the same seamless experience whether you are on the app, the website, or speaking to a travel expert from Almosafer. You can:
- Book on the user-friendly mobile app.
- Get help anytime from the 24/7 call centre (in Arabic and English).
- Chat for quick support via WhatsApp.
- Visit one of 38 retail branches across Saudi Arabia and one in Kuwait for in-person consultations with expert travel advisors.
This ability to connect with customers on any platform is what establishes Almosafer as a trusted travel agency in the Middle East. Their capacity to deliver this seamless service is powered by a robust global network, including 1.5 million inventory for stays, deep connectivity with 175 airlines, 27 major hotel chains, and over 500 tour operators.
To demonstrate Almosafer’s industry leadership and expertise, below are some recent achievements:
- Mawasim platform: Ranked 1st among service providers in the 2024 Hajj season by the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah.
- Total Awards: Earned 39 World Travel Awards to date.
- Recent Accolades: Won the Kingdom Business Luxury Travel Congress Excellence Award (2024 & 2025).
This winning streak was highlighted again in 2025, when Almosafer secured the following five prestigious titles at the 32nd World Travel Awards:
- Leading Leisure Travel Agency in Saudi Arabia
- Leading Online Travel Agency in Saudi Arabia
- Leading Corporate Travel Company in Saudi Arabia
- Leading Travel Management Company in Saudi Arabia (for the third consecutive year)
- Leading Destination Management Company in Saudi Arabia
Navigation and Transportation Apps
Once you arrive at your destination, these apps help you navigate cities efficiently and move around safely.
● Google Maps
Google Maps is essential for travellers everywhere. The app provides detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, accurate directions, and public transportation information. Whether you’re navigating Riyadh’s roads or exploring a foreign city, Google Maps helps you find your way.
● Careem
Careem is the Gulf region’s leading ride-hailing app. It offers safe, reliable transportation from airports to hotels and helps you explore tourist destinations comfortably. The app supports multiple payment methods and operates in all major Gulf cities, making it the preferred choice for both residents and visitors.
● Uber
Uber provides ride-hailing services across Gulf cities with upfront pricing and various vehicle categories. For travellers familiar with Uber from international trips, the app offers a consistent, user-friendly experience in the Gulf region.
Event Discovery and Booking Apps
Discovering local events, festivals, and entertainment adds richness to any trip. These apps help Gulf travellers stay informed about cultural activities and seasonal celebrations.
● Webook
Webook calls itself the super-app for entertainment in Saudi Arabia. It is used to discover and book tickets for concerts, major sporting events like the Roshn Saudi League, cultural shows, and festivals. It’s perfect for planning a fun night out or finding out what’s happening in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah during your visit.
● Saudi Events
The official Saudi Events app showcases all major events and seasonal festivals throughout Saudi Arabia. You can discover concerts, sports events, cultural festivals, and family entertainment across the Kingdom. The app provides event details, locations, dates, and ticket purchasing information.
● Dubai Calendar
Dubai Calendar helps travellers discover live events, concerts, exhibitions, sports matches, and cultural activities happening in Dubai. The app keeps you updated on entertainment options throughout your stay.
Travel Utility Apps
These practical apps enhance your travel experience by solving common challenges travellers face.
● Google Translate
Google Translate helps you communicate in foreign languages when visiting non-Arabic-speaking countries. The app supports over 130 languages with text, voice, and camera translation features. Download the offline language pack before travelling to use it without an internet connection.
● XE Currency Converter
XE Currency provides real-time exchange rates, helping you understand costs when shopping or dining abroad. The app supports all major currencies and works offline after downloading the latest rates, making it essential for international travellers.
Final Thoughts: Why One App Is Better Than Five
You could download five or six different apps to plan your travel; however, the best travel booking app is one that combines all these needs into one simple platform.
An app that is built for the region, like Almosafer, stands out as the most reliable travel partner. It gives you the massive global selection of an international app combined with the local understanding, flexible payment options, and 24/7 Arabic support that Gulf travellers deserve.
For a simple, secure, and complete travel planning experience, we strongly recommend starting with a powerful, all-in-one app.
