Food Delivery Across the Middle East & Africa
The Middle East and Africa represent two very different food delivery landscapes united by rapid growth. The Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) boast some of the most developed food delivery ecosystems in the world, rivaling even Asian markets in adoption rates. Meanwhile, African food delivery is expanding quickly but remains concentrated in major cities.
For travelers, the Middle East — particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia — offers an exceptionally tourist-friendly delivery experience. English is widely supported, international cards are accepted everywhere, and the variety of cuisines available is extraordinary. Africa's delivery scene is more fragmented, but major cities across the continent now have reliable options.
Key Apps to Download
For the Middle East, download Talabat and Careem. For Africa, download Glovo, Bolt Food, and Uber Eats (South Africa). These will cover most major cities across both regions.
Gulf States: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait & Bahrain
UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Talabat is the undisputed market leader in the UAE, with the largest restaurant network and fastest delivery times. Careem (Uber's Middle Eastern subsidiary) offers food delivery alongside ride-hailing. Deliveroo has a strong premium presence, particularly in Dubai. Noon Food (from the regional e-commerce giant Noon) is a growing competitor. For tourists, all four platforms offer full English support, accept international credit cards, and provide excellent service.
Dubai in particular is a food delivery paradise — the city's extreme heat and car-dependent layout make delivery the default way to eat for many residents. You will find everything from local Emirati cuisine to world-class international restaurants available for delivery.
Saudi Arabia
HungerStation is the leading food delivery app in Saudi Arabia, with deep coverage across Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Dammam. Jahez is a fast-growing Saudi-born competitor. Talabat and Careem also operate in the Kingdom. All major apps offer English interfaces and accept international Visa/Mastercard. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest per-capita food delivery spending rates globally.
Qatar
Talabat dominates in Qatar, with excellent coverage in Doha. Careem and Snoonu (a Qatari-born app) are alternatives. International card acceptance is excellent across all platforms. Qatar's compact geography means delivery times in Doha are typically very short.
Kuwait & Bahrain
Talabat is the clear leader in both Kuwait and Bahrain. Careem also operates in both countries. The food delivery markets in Kuwait City and Manama are mature and well-served, with wide restaurant selection and fast delivery.
Gulf States: The Easiest Region for Tourist Delivery
The Gulf states are arguably the most tourist-friendly region for food delivery anywhere in the world. English is universally supported, international cards work seamlessly, and delivery infrastructure is world-class. You can order with confidence from day one.
Levant & Egypt: Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt & Turkey
Egypt
Talabat (which acquired the local app Otlob) is the market leader in Egypt. Elmenus is a popular local alternative with strong restaurant discovery features. Uber Eats previously operated in Egypt but has exited. For tourists in Cairo and Alexandria, Talabat offers English support and accepts international cards. Egypt offers some of the most affordable food delivery in the Middle East, with full meals often costing $3-5 USD delivered.
Jordan
Talabat is the primary delivery app in Jordan, with good coverage in Amman and Aqaba. Careem also operates food delivery in Jordan. Both accept international cards and offer English interfaces. Amman has a thriving food scene with excellent Jordanian, Levantine, and international cuisine available for delivery.
Lebanon
Toters is the leading delivery app in Lebanon, particularly in Beirut. Zomato previously operated but has exited. Lebanon's economic challenges have affected the delivery market, but Toters continues to operate. Payment can be complicated due to currency issues — many restaurants prefer payment in US dollars. English and French are widely supported alongside Arabic.
Turkey
Yemeksepeti (owned by Delivery Hero) is the dominant food delivery platform in Turkey, with massive coverage across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and beyond. Getir started as a quick-commerce grocery delivery app but has expanded into food delivery. Trendyol Yemek is a newer competitor. Yemeksepeti's interface is primarily in Turkish, but Istanbul's tourist areas have English menu options. International cards are accepted but may require verification.
Ramadan Delivery Hours
During Ramadan, food delivery patterns shift dramatically across the Middle East. Many restaurants close during daylight fasting hours and reopen before Iftar (the sunset meal). Expect extreme demand and longer wait times around Iftar. Late-night delivery becomes much more available during Ramadan as many people eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal).
North Africa: Morocco, Tunisia & Algeria
Morocco
Glovo is the dominant delivery platform in Morocco, with strong coverage in Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, Fez, and Tangier. Glovo accepts international cards and offers a French and English interface (French is widely spoken in Morocco). The app delivers not just restaurant food but also groceries and convenience items, making it a versatile tool for tourists. Delivery is very affordable, with most meals costing $4-8 USD delivered.
Tunisia
Glovo also leads in Tunisia, operating in Tunis and other major cities. Local alternatives exist but have smaller footprints. French-language support is standard across Tunisian delivery apps. International card acceptance on Glovo is generally reliable.
Algeria
Food delivery is still developing in Algeria. Yassir (a local ride-hailing app) has expanded into food delivery in Algiers and other cities. International card acceptance is limited, and cash on delivery is the most reliable payment method. Coverage is concentrated in major urban areas.
Glovo: The North African Champion
If you are visiting Morocco or Tunisia, Glovo is the only app you need. It has the widest coverage, accepts international cards, and works in English and French. Download it before you travel to North Africa.
Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria & Beyond
South Africa
Mr D Food (by Takealot, South Africa's leading e-commerce company) and Uber Eats are the two dominant delivery platforms in South Africa. Both have excellent coverage in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. English is the primary language on both platforms, and international credit cards are accepted. South Africa has the most mature food delivery market in Sub-Saharan Africa, with wide restaurant variety and reliable service.
Kenya
Glovo and Bolt Food are the leading delivery apps in Nairobi. Uber Eats previously operated but has exited. Both Glovo and Bolt Food accept international cards and offer English interfaces. Nairobi's food delivery scene has grown significantly, with a diverse range of restaurants available. Coverage outside Nairobi is limited.
Nigeria
Glovo and Bolt Food operate in Lagos and Abuja. Jumia Food was previously a major player but has scaled back in some markets. The Nigerian delivery market is large but fragmented. English is the primary language on all platforms. Cash on delivery and mobile money are common payment methods, though international cards may work on Glovo and Bolt Food.
Ghana, Uganda & Tanzania
Glovo operates in Accra (Ghana), Kampala (Uganda), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Bolt Food is expanding across East and West Africa. These markets are still developing, with delivery coverage concentrated in capital cities. English support is available, and international card acceptance is improving. Cash on delivery remains the most reliable payment option in these markets.
Ethiopia
Deliver Addis and other local apps serve Addis Ababa's growing delivery market. International platform presence is limited. The local food delivery scene is emerging, with options primarily in Amharic and English. Cash payment is most common.
South Africa: A Tourist-Friendly Delivery Market
South Africa stands out in Africa for its mature delivery ecosystem. Mr D Food and Uber Eats both offer seamless English-language experiences with reliable international card acceptance. If you are visiting Cape Town or Johannesburg, food delivery works just as smoothly as in any Western city.
Payment Methods & Practical Tips
Payment Options by Region
- Gulf States: International Visa/Mastercard accepted everywhere. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely supported. Cash on delivery available but card is preferred.
- Egypt & Jordan: International cards accepted on major apps (Talabat, Careem). Cash on delivery is very common and works reliably.
- Turkey: International cards work on Yemeksepeti but may require 3D Secure verification. Cash on delivery is widely available.
- North Africa: International cards work on Glovo. Cash on delivery is common in Morocco and Tunisia.
- South Africa: International cards accepted on Mr D Food and Uber Eats. Snapscan and Zapper (local QR payment) also available.
- East & West Africa: Cash on delivery and mobile money (M-Pesa in Kenya) are the most reliable options. International card acceptance is inconsistent.
Delivery to Hotels & Accommodations
Hotel delivery works well across the Middle East and in major African cities. In the Gulf states, delivery to hotel lobbies is seamless and widely practiced. In Africa, always provide clear delivery instructions and consider meeting the driver at a recognizable landmark near your accommodation. See our hotel delivery guide for more tips.
Language Considerations
English is widely supported on delivery apps in the Gulf states, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. In North Africa and Turkey, French and Turkish respectively are the primary app languages, with English available on international platforms like Glovo. Arabic is an option on all Middle Eastern apps. Check our English support guide for detailed country breakdowns.
Extreme Heat Affects Delivery
In Gulf states during summer (June-September), temperatures regularly exceed 45C / 113F. Delivery demand spikes during these months, and some apps add heat surcharges. Food quality can be affected during long outdoor waits, so opt for restaurants nearby and choose items that travel well in heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Talabat is the most popular food delivery app in Dubai and across the UAE, with the widest restaurant selection and fastest delivery times. Careem (owned by Uber) and Deliveroo are strong alternatives. All three accept international credit cards and offer English-language interfaces, making the UAE one of the most tourist-friendly food delivery markets in the world.
Yes. HungerStation and Jahez are the leading local apps, while Careem also operates in Saudi Arabia. These apps accept international credit cards and offer English interfaces. Delivery is widely available in Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and other major cities. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest food delivery usage rates in the world.
Food delivery in Africa varies greatly by region. In South Africa, Mr D Food and Uber Eats are the leaders. In North Africa (Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia), Glovo is dominant. In East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania), Glovo and Bolt Food are the main options. In West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana), Glovo and Bolt Food are expanding, while Jumia Food has been present in several markets.
Yes, food delivery apps operate during Ramadan, but with adjusted hours. Many restaurants close during daylight fasting hours and reopen before Iftar (sunset meal). Delivery apps become extremely busy just before Iftar and during late-night Suhoor hours. Expect higher demand, longer wait times, and possible surge pricing during these peak periods.
Food delivery prices vary across the Middle East. In the Gulf states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), restaurant prices are moderate to high but delivery fees are relatively low. In Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco, food delivery is very affordable with meals typically costing $3-8 USD. Most Middle Eastern delivery apps offer frequent promotions and discount codes for new users.