The food and beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation. Crowded restaurants used to be the norm, but that is no longer the case. When COVID-19 hit, it reshaped the way people dine. Shifting demand dramatically toward online food ordering and home delivery.
In 2019, as the pandemic unfolded, the number of food delivery app users in Saudi Arabia surged. By 2022, the country was averaging around 520,000 delivery orders a day. This momentum is not slowing down; the Kingdom’s food delivery market, already valued at $10 billion in 2023, is forecasted to reach an impressive $14.9 billion by 2028. Major players like Mrsool, Jahez, Careem, and Talabat have thrived, capitalising on this growth and inspiring more businesses to enter this booming market.
Top food delivery companies in Saudi Arabia
Three major platforms dominate the Saudi food delivery scene: HungerStation, Mrsool, and Jahez.
Mrsool is widely used across the region, while HungerStation and Jahez are more focused on the Saudi market. Each platform offers seamless experiences and has seen rapid growth thanks to its reliability and ease of use.
That said, the market remains dynamic. Other platforms like Talabat, Careem, and Wssel have successfully carved out their own space and continue to attract loyal users.
How to choose the right food delivery platform
With so many apps just a tap away, choosing the right one for your business can be overwhelming.
Start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- Should you go with a major platform with a large customer base?
- Or would a smaller, more specialised provider be a better match for your business goals?
The following breakdown will help you make the right choice.
HungerStation
HungerStation is the largest food delivery platform in Saudi Arabia, operating in over 102 cities, towns, and villages and holding around 65% of the local market share. With more than 800,000 delivery drivers working around the clock, HungerStation has built a vast delivery network.
Founded in 2012, it was the first food delivery app in Saudi Arabia and later expanded to Bahrain. Today, it partners with over 55,000 partners, including restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, bakeries, flower shops, and more. Recently, it introduced AI-powered tools to help users discover food options tailored to their preferences.
With an intuitive app, a wide variety of partners, and frequent promotions, HungerStation makes it easy to meet the tastes and needs of a diverse customer base.
Jahez
Jahez is a homegrown Saudi platform that specialises in food delivery. Since launching in 2016, it has quickly gained popularity thanks to its extensive delivery network covering a wide range of regions.
The platform serves millions of users across the Kingdom through an easy-to-navigate app, strong promotional offers, and many partner outlets. It also connects users to independent chefs through exclusive contracts and partnerships.
Mrsool
Mrsool is a standout food delivery platform known for its unique model: customers can negotiate delivery fees directly with couriers. The on-demand delivery platform has processed over 1 billion Riyals, serving over 10 million users across all the cities of the Saudi kingdom.
Launched in 2015 by two Saudi entrepreneurs, Mrsool faced a slow start but gained significant momentum by 2017. It now ranks among the Kingdom’s leading delivery platforms for food, groceries, bakery items, and retail products.
Careem
Careem, founded in Dubai in 2012, is more than just a food delivery service. It offers a wide range of services, including ride-hailing, car rentals, grocery delivery, and even money transfers and bill payments.
Operating in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan, Careem tailors its offerings by location. In some countries, like the UAE, it provides 24/7 delivery with competitive deals and user-friendly features.
Talabat
Talabat is one of the Gulf’s most popular delivery apps, offering services ranging from food and groceries to health and personal care products. Founded in Kuwait in 2004, it has since expanded its operations to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq.
The app supports multiple payment options, allows you to schedule orders in advance, and offers transparent customer reviews. Known for its punctual deliveries and daily deals, Talabat remains a strong contender in the market.
Noon
Noon, founded in 2017 by Emirati businessman Mohamed Alabbar, is a comprehensive digital marketplace offering everything from food and electronics to clothing and home goods.
While its largest presence is in the UAE, Saudi Arabia is its second biggest market, with services also available in Kuwait, Bahrain, and beyond. The app supports both Arabic and English and offers a VIP membership for enhanced delivery options. Delivery times vary by country, but some restaurants in the UAE offer 24/7 service.
Which platform is right for you?
Now that you know the strengths of each platform, you are better equipped to choose the one that aligns with your business goals.
Whether you go for a big name like Noon or prefer a more specialised service like Jahez or Mrsool, remember—success in food delivery starts with delicious meals that speak to your customers’ tastes.
At KitchenPark, we simplify your operations by offering a range of commercial kitchen solutions tailored to your specific needs. We offer end-to-end kitchen rental solutions to help you launch your cloud kitchen with ease. From licensing and kitchen setup to cutting-edge smart kitchen software as well as partnering with the right delivery platforms, we simplify every step.
Reach out to us today and take the first step toward launching your food business with confidence.
