Important Tips for Choosing the Best Delivery App for Your Restaurant in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Real-World Experience for 2024-2025

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, amidst the crowd of delivery apps, “Which delivery app is truly the best fit for my restaurant?” If you’re a restaurant owner in Saudi Arabia or the Gulf, believe me, this question is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic decision that determines your profits and growth in 2024 and 2025. From my extensive experience with restaurant owners, I can tell you: choosing the right app isn’t just about signing a contract; it’s a journey that requires understanding the market, technology, and customer behavior. Let me share with you, in the lines below, the essence of real experience and the latest trends so you can make a practical decision that suits your restaurant, whether you’re running an established restaurant in Jeddah or a new food truck in Riyadh.

📊 The Delivery App Landscape in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: The New Realities

A few years ago, phone orders or walk-ins were the norm. Today, statistics show that more than 65% of Saudis—especially youth aged 18 to 35—prefer ordering food through apps. In 2024, apps like “Jahez,” “HungerStation,” and “Mrsool” have led the market, with “Jahez” alone capturing about 36% of the market, followed by “HungerStation” at 27%, then “Mrsool.” These numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re clear signals of where the market is heading and what you should focus on as a growth-seeking restaurant.

🏪 Real Stories: How Your Restaurant Can Choose the Right App

Let me tell you about the experience of a “traditional café in Dammam” that relied solely on local orders. When they started working with “Jahez,” they saw a 40% increase in orders in the first two months, but they faced challenges with high commissions. The solution? They negotiated the commission terms with the app, and after improving them, profits rose and they gained a new customer base they hadn’t reached before. One important point I often hear from restaurant owners: “A strong app opens new markets for you, but don’t overlook the hidden costs!”

💡 Criteria for Choosing the Best Delivery App for Your Restaurant

Honestly, there’s no “magic app” that suits all restaurants, but there are key criteria you should consider when making your choice:

• App popularity in your area: Ask neighboring restaurant owners or monitor orders; “Jahez” may succeed in Riyadh but not perform as strongly in a smaller city.
• Commission terms and fees: Don’t just look at the published commission rate—ask about additional costs (activation fees, maintenance, etc.).
• Support for small and medium restaurants: Some apps offer special benefits for startups, such as training or free marketing campaigns.
• App integration with your restaurant systems: Does the app support integration with cloud POS systems or e-payments? This makes management easier and saves you time.
• Customer service and issue resolution: Consider how quickly technical support responds when there’s an issue with orders or payments—these details make a big difference.

📱 The Impact of Modern Technology: AI and Cloud POS Systems

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in 2024 is that more than 60% of restaurants in Saudi Arabia have adopted AI solutions and cloud POS systems. For example, “Fusion Burger” in Jeddah invested in an integrated Cloud POS system with delivery apps, allowing them to monitor orders in real-time and analyze customer data. This enabled them to personalize offers and increase repeat orders from existing customers by 25%.

Technology today isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity to keep up with the competition. Some apps now offer instant analytics on your restaurant’s performance, comparing you to competitors, helping you make smart, quick decisions.

📈 Growth and Expansion Opportunities: Secondary Cities and Service Innovation

In recent years, most major restaurants have focused on Riyadh and Jeddah, but recent studies indicate that true growth is coming from smaller cities like Abha, Hail, and Dammam. If your restaurant is in a secondary city, competition might be lighter and there’s an opportunity to become a local leader by leveraging leading delivery apps.

On another note, I’ve noticed that some restaurants offering monthly subscriptions or Quick Commerce delivery deals have succeeded in building strong customer loyalty and increasing sales during slow periods. Always think outside the box: how can you make your delivery experience unique, not just a means to get food?

💰 Financial Challenges: How to Manage App Commissions Smartly

Many restaurant owners complain about high delivery app commissions, which can reach 20–30% of the order value. This is a real challenge, especially for small restaurants. From my experience, here are three proven strategies to reduce the impact of these costs:

1. Always negotiate commission terms, especially if you have a good volume of orders. Some apps offer better terms for active restaurants.
2. Encourage customers to order directly through exclusive offers on your own channels (WhatsApp, your website).
3. Balance your presence between the major apps and trying local or emerging apps that offer lower commissions or extra marketing support.

👥 Understanding Customer Behavior: Building Long-Term Relationships Through Delivery Apps

Don’t fall into the trap of relying solely on apps without knowing your customers. Use the data supplied by the apps to understand who’s ordering from you, when, and what their favorite items are. For example, one restaurant in Riyadh noticed that burger orders spike on Thursday evenings, so they introduced a special offer at that time and achieved record sales.

Always remember that a customer who orders from you via an app can become a regular if they feel cared for and experience quality. Add a personal touch to your packaging, a thank-you note, or even a discount on the next order. These small details make a big difference in building loyalty.

🔧 Practical Tools to Help You Choose the Best Delivery App

This comparison helps you make a realistic decision, but in the end, real-world experience is the judge. Ask restaurant owners in your area about their experience, and start by testing the app for a short period before scaling up.

⭐ Summary and Practical Tips to Succeed in the Delivery Market

• Continuously monitor your restaurant’s performance on each app and analyze order data to improve your offers.
• Invest in developing the delivery experience: speed of preparation, packaging quality, and driver behavior.
• Don’t rely on just one app; spread the risk and try more than one platform.
• Communicate actively with app support to improve your terms or resolve issues quickly.
• Keep up with technology trends and don’t hesitate to try AI solutions or modern e-payment systems.

“In today’s delivery world, success isn’t reserved for the big players only. Even small restaurants and food trucks can compete strongly if they choose the right app and focus on the customer experience.” – Based on my clients’ real stories in the Saudi market

Finally, remember that the best delivery app for your restaurant is the one that gives you the balance between reach, cost, and technical support, and allows you to provide an exceptional experience to your customers. Don’t hesitate to experiment and compare, as the market is evolving rapidly, and those who keep up with change today are the ones who will reap the rewards tomorrow.