In the digital age, mobile apps have become an essential part of our daily lives. When preparing for the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah, these apps can significantly enhance your experience, offering convenience, efficiency, and spiritual enrichment. As technology evolves, more and more pilgrims are turning to apps for Umrah to help with everything from booking slots for rituals to finding the Qibla direction, and even keeping track of prayer times.
Saudi Arabia has made great strides in incorporating digital tools to make the Umrah journey smoother, safer, and more organized. These apps serve as virtual companions that guide you every step of the way, from the moment you land in Saudi Arabia to when you return home. Whether you’re seeking prayer time reminders, booking train tickets, or looking for the nearest mosque, these apps simplify the process, ensuring you focus on your devotion rather than logistics. In this article, we will explore the best Umrah apps you need in 2025 to make your spiritual journey seamless and fulfilling.
1. Nusuk App: Your Gateway to Umrah Essentials
The Nusuk app is a must-have for anyone planning to perform Umrah in 2025. Developed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, it consolidates everything a pilgrim needs to know into one user-friendly platform. Initially known as “Eatmarna,” this app was rebranded to provide a more comprehensive and streamlined experience for pilgrims.
One of the primary features of Nusuk is the ability to book Umrah permits and schedule visits to the Rawdah in Madinah. As securing these slots is essential due to high demand, the app helps ensure a smooth process for getting your desired dates. Nusuk also allows you to manage your visa, book accommodation packages, and access important guidelines and instructions for performing Umrah rites.
In addition to these practical services, the app offers religious content such as Duas, prayer times, and guidance on various rituals, making it an invaluable tool for your pilgrimage. The app also provides vital information about local health and safety measures, ensuring your trip remains both spiritually and physically secure.
Download Nusuk:
2. Tawakkalna App: All Services at one place
The Tawakkalna app is another essential tool for anyone visiting Saudi Arabia, especially for Umrah pilgrims in 2025. Originally launched by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the app has evolved into a central platform for a wide range of services related to public health, security, and travel within the Kingdom.
While Tawakkalna was initially used to manage movement permits during lockdowns, it now serves as a digital ID and health status verification tool, integrated with your Absher account. For international visitors and pilgrims, Tawakkalna Services is the version you’ll need to access local services seamlessly. It enables you to view your visa information, vaccination records, and residency status, and is often required for entering public places or accessing healthcare services.
The app is particularly helpful for tracking your location within Saudi Arabia, showing prayer times, nearby mosques, emergency services, and even displaying crowd levels at certain sites, making it easier to plan your movements during busy pilgrimage days. It also supports features like digital wallet access, appointment bookings for healthcare, and COVID-related travel updates—making it a comprehensive and secure app for any visitor.
Download Tawakkalna Services:
Tawakkalna Services for iOS
Tawakkalna Services for Android
3. Haramain Train App: Efficient Travel Between Makkah and Madinah
One of the most convenient ways to travel between Makkah and Madinah is by the Haramain High-Speed Train. This train connects the two holy cities in just about two hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to other means like buses or taxis. The Haramain Train App is designed to help you with booking tickets, checking train schedules, and managing your travel plans.
This app is particularly useful for pilgrims moving between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. With the ability to purchase tickets in advance and reserve seats, the app makes it easier to plan your travels without worrying about long waits or availability. It also provides real-time updates on train arrivals, cancellations, and any delays, ensuring you’re always informed.
Whether you need to travel from Jeddah Airport to Makkah or between the two holy cities, the Haramain Train App makes the process seamless, offering a modern, clean, and efficient transportation option.
Download Haramain Train:
4. Pillars App: Essential for Your Umrah Journey
When performing Umrah, maintaining a connection with the key pillars of Islam is essential for your spiritual journey. The Pillars App is designed to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the core elements of your pilgrimage, ensuring you stay informed and connected with your faith throughout your trip.
The app offers guidance on all the important pillars of Umrah, including a detailed walkthrough of the various rituals and prayers. Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned traveler, Pillars App provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform each action, from wearing Ihram to completing Tawaf and Sa’i. This feature is especially helpful for those who may need assistance in navigating the sometimes complex practices and rituals involved in Umrah.
One of the standout features of the Pillars App is its focus on spiritual growth and enhancing your connection to Allah (SWT). It includes audio and visual aids that explain the meanings behind each ritual, as well as Duas (prayers) that you can recite to stay focused on your devotion. It also helps you track your progress during the pilgrimage, ensuring that you don’t miss any significant steps.
For added convenience, the Pillars App also integrates prayer times, so you can stay on schedule for your daily prayers while ensuring you’re completing your Umrah rituals at the right time. This makes it a must-have app for all pilgrims looking to make the most of their Umrah experience.
Download the Pillars App:
By using the Pillars App, you’ll have an easy and organized way to carry out your spiritual duties during your pilgrimage.
5. Quran Apps: Carry the Quran with You Everywhere
Having access to the Quran during Umrah can greatly enhance your spiritual experience. For those who prefer reading or listening to the Quran digitally, several Quran apps are available that make it easy to access and read the holy book wherever you are.
One popular option is Quran Majeed, which offers a complete digital version of the Quran with multiple translations in various languages. This app also includes features like audio recitations by renowned Qaris, tafsir (interpretation), and the ability to bookmark or highlight verses.
Another excellent choice is iQuran, known for its user-friendly interface and beautiful script. This app is designed for pilgrims who may want to read the Quran during their downtime at the Haram or while traveling between cities. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much storage space, making it ideal for those traveling light.
Download Quran Majeed:
Download iQuran:
6. Talabat: Order Food and Groceries with Ease
While in Saudi Arabia for Umrah, you might find yourself craving a particular type of food or in need of grocery items. Talabat is the local version of food delivery services like Uber Eats or GrubHub, and it makes ordering food in Saudi Arabia incredibly convenient.
The app allows you to order food from a wide range of local restaurants, ranging from fast food to traditional Arabic dishes. Additionally, Talabat also offers grocery deliveries, which can be extremely helpful for pilgrims staying in hotels or apartments and needing supplies for their journey.
With Talabat, you can save time and avoid the hassle of going out, ensuring you have the food and necessities delivered right to your doorstep. It’s especially useful when you’re tired from your rituals and need a quick meal without leaving your accommodation.
Download Talabat:
7. Careem and Uber: Reliable Transportation Options
When you need to get around Saudi Arabia, Careem and Uber are two reliable transportation apps to have on your phone. Both apps operate in major cities like Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, making it easy to travel between locations and get to your accommodation, mosques, or Ziyarah destinations.
Careem often provides slightly lower prices compared to Uber, which can be helpful for pilgrims looking to save on transportation costs. Additionally, Careem allows you to schedule rides in advance, which can be convenient for booking trips to the airport or for group travel.
Uber, on the other hand, is widely used and provides a large number of available drivers, which means it’s usually easy to find a ride, especially in busy areas. Uber also offers options for different ride types, so you can choose from economy rides to more comfortable options like Uber XL or Uber Comfort.
Both apps allow you to pay through your phone, eliminating the need for cash and making your transportation experience more seamless.
Download Careem:
Download Uber:
8. Roaming Apps: Stay Connected with Ease
For those traveling from outside Saudi Arabia, staying connected can be challenging. To avoid expensive roaming fees or the hassle of purchasing a local SIM card, eSIM apps like Airalo and Ubigi are excellent choices for staying connected while you’re in Saudi Arabia.
Airalo provides affordable eSIM data plans, which allow you to avoid traditional roaming charges and enjoy seamless connectivity on your phone. By purchasing a local data plan via Airalo, you can easily access the internet for navigation, messaging, and checking apps like prayer times or train schedules during your Umrah journey.
Ubigi is another great eSIM service that offers various data plans for travelers. With Ubigi, you can stay connected in Saudi Arabia with reliable mobile data without the need for physical SIM cards, saving time and hassle. This is especially useful for pilgrims who want to keep their devices active for the duration of their Umrah trip, ensuring they have access to all the essential apps.
Both of these apps are easy to use, and you can download them before your trip, allowing you to activate the eSIM as soon as you arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Download Airalo:
Download Ubigi:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is an Umrah permit?
A: An Umrah permit is a document issued via the Nusuk app that specifies the designated times for performing Umrah. It helps regulate the number of pilgrims and ensures a smooth pilgrimage experience. You can access more information about Umrah permits on the tourist visa page.
Q: How can I book an Umrah permit?
A: To book an Umrah permit, you need to use the Nusuk app. You must have a valid visa to access the app’s Umrah booking feature. Once in Saudi Arabia, you can check availability and book your Umrah and Rawdah slots. While you may not always be asked for an Umrah permit, it is advisable to book one in advance to avoid any issues, especially for Rawdah access.
Q: What is the Tawakkalna app?
A: The Tawakkalna app was previously required for health certification, but as health regulations have changed, it is no longer necessary for Umrah pilgrims. You no longer need to present vaccine certificates for Umrah, so the Tawakkalna app is not essential for your pilgrimage.
Q: Is there an app for an Umrah guide?
A: Yes, there are several apps that serve as guides for performing Umrah. These apps offer step-by-step instructions, rituals, Duas, and other resources to guide you through your pilgrimage. Apps like Nusuk and the Hajj & Umrah app provide essential guidance for first-time pilgrims and seasoned travelers alike.
Q: Can I perform Umrah without a permit?
A: While it is possible to perform Umrah without a permit, it is highly recommended to book one, especially if you plan to visit Rawdah. Some pilgrims may not be asked to show a permit, but booking one through the Nusuk app ensures access to the Rawdah and avoids any confusion.
Q: Are there any apps for finding accommodation during Umrah?
A: Yes, you can use several apps for booking accommodation during Umrah, including popular platforms like Booking.com and Agoda. Additionally, we’ve shared a guide in our article listing the best hotels in Makkah for Umrah, which provides a range of options from budget to luxury.
Q: How do I determine the Qibla direction when I’m traveling?
A: To determine the Qibla direction, you can use apps like Pillars or Qibla Connect. These apps use your phone’s GPS to accurately show the direction of the Qibla from your current location. Whether you’re in a hotel or a new area, these apps ensure you’re always praying in the correct direction.
Q: What is the best app for prayer times during Umrah?
A: For prayer times, the Pillars app is a fantastic choice. It provides accurate prayer times, even for your location in Makkah, Madinah, or other areas. The app also includes Qibla direction and Duas, ensuring you stay connected with your prayers throughout your journey.
Q: Can I book my train tickets for the Haramain Railway through an app?
A: Yes, you can easily book your Haramain High-Speed Railway tickets using the official app. The Haramain Train app allows you to schedule your train travel between Makkah and Madinah, providing a quick and convenient way to travel between these two holy cities in just a couple of hours.
Q: What are some essential apps for transportation during Umrah?
A: During Umrah, you’ll find that ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are extremely useful for getting around Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. Both apps are easy to use and reliable for transport to the Haram, Ziyarah sites, or even the airport. You can also use them to arrange transportation to historical sites or for sightseeing trips.
Conclusion: Best Apps for Umrah
The Best Apps for Umrah in 2025 provide invaluable support for pilgrims, ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching journey. From booking permits to finding the Qibla direction and ensuring you’re always on time for prayers, these apps are designed to make your experience easier and more meaningful. With technology simplifying many logistical aspects of the pilgrimage, you can focus more on your worship and devotion.
Whether you’re looking for real-time transportation updates, spiritual guidance, or easy access to prayer times, these apps will enhance your Umrah pilgrimage. Be sure to download these apps before your journey, and take full advantage of their features to make your time in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah as smooth and fulfilling as possible.
