A Guide to Build a Food Delivery App Like Jahez

Key Takeaways

• To build an app like Jahez in Saudi Arabia, the cost varies between SAR 75,000 and SAR 375,000 ($20,000 to $100,000), depending on complexity.

• A successful Jahez-like app requires thorough planning, design, development, testing, and ongoing support.

• Food delivery apps make money through multiple streams like commissions, delivery fees, ads, subscriptions, and data insights.

• Key challenges like tracking, payments, and scalability can be solved with reliable tech, secure systems, and cloud infrastructure.

• The Saudi food delivery market is projected to grow strongly, reaching over SAR 30 billion by 2030, showing high demand and opportunity.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a leader in digital growth across the Middle East. Several government initiatives, like Saudi Vision 2030, encourage digital platforms and smart services. Hence, this creates a great chance for businesses planning to build a food delivery app like Jahez and enter the market.

However, creating a successful platform requires a clear understanding of local users and several other factors. From choosing the right feature to following local regulations, every step plays a major role.

This blog will help startups, restaurant chains, and enterprises that want to create an app like Jahez. We will discuss everything you need to know to launch a scalable and profitable food delivery app in Saudi Arabia.

Overview of the Jahez App

Jahez is a leading online food delivery platform in KSA that connects customers with restaurants through its mobile app. The Jahez app was launched in September 2016 and soon became the first startup in Saudi Arabia to list on Nomu with a market cap of $2.4 billion (SAR 9 billion).

The app allows users to browse menus, place orders, track deliveries, and pay online. Let us discuss how the Jahez app works for users.

• Download the Jahez app and enter your location.

• Browse available restaurants and their menus.

• Select the items of choice and place the order.

• Make payments and track the order until you receive it.

The restaurants can onboard by providing the relevant details, and after cross verification, the menu will be online. The delivery partners are connected by the provision of a license and other documents to begin services.

Some key stats you should know:

• The Jahez originally started in Saudi Arabia and expanded operations to Bahrain and Kuwait.

• The app has completed 1 million + downloads on the Play Store with an average rating of 4.6 on the App Store.

• The online food ordering and delivery market in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach $8.22 billion (SAR 30.83 billion) by 2030 at a CAGR of 18.42%.

• Jahez ranks at no.3 among the 25 active competitors and has raised a total of $36.5 million (SAR 136.88 million) in funding.

Why is it Worth Investing in the Jahez Like App?

The food delivery market in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, with users adopting reliable and fast delivery platforms. For businesses planning to create a food delivery app, this creates a strong investment opportunity with clear growth potential.

Below, we discuss some reasons why businesses must make an app like Jahez.

1. High Market Potential

Saudi Arabia has a large mobile-based population, and urban areas show strong demand for quick and app-based services. By choosing to develop a food delivery app like Jahez, businesses can enter a market where customers are already using such platforms.

2. Scalable User Base

A major advantage of building a Jahez-like app is scalability. Once the platform is launched, it can easily expand to new cities and regions across Saudi Arabia. As more users and restaurants join the app, network growth increases automatically.

3. Multiple Revenue Streams

When you develop an app like Jahez, revenue is not limited to just order commissions. Businesses can earn through restaurant commissions, delivery fees, featured listings, in-app ads, and subscription plans for partners and customers.

4. Proven Demand

Jahez has already shown that food delivery apps work well in Saudi Arabia. High order volumes and repeat users prove strong demand. This reduces market risk for new businesses entering the space.

However, instead of testing an unproven idea, companies that build an app like Jahez follow a model that users already trust and actively use in their daily lives.

So, before you begin with the mobile app development services, it is important to know the features to integrate. In the next section, we will discuss the features required while building a Jahez-like app.

Essential Features to Have in a Jahez Like App

A Jahez-like app must include easy user signup, simple food search, clear menus, and quick order placement. The map should offer real-time order tracking, secure online payment options, and order history. 

Apart from these basic features, below we have the latest mobile app features you can integrate into your Jahez-like app.

[1] Easy Signup

Easy signup helps users start ordering in seconds. When considering Jahez like app development, allow login through mobile number, email, or social accounts. Fewer steps reduce drop-offs and improve the first-time experience.

[2] Live Tracking

Live tracking lets users see their order status in real time. From restaurant preparation to delivery arrival, everything stays visible on the map. This reduces anxiety, builds transparency, and keeps users engaged.

[3] Push Notifications

Push notifications keep users informed at every stage. Order confirmation, preparation updates, delivery alerts, and offers reach users instantly. These messages improve communication and help bring users back.

[4] Multiple Payments

Multiple payment options make checkout easy for everyone. When building a food delivery app like Jahez, support cards, wallets, UPI, cash on delivery, and net banking. Flexible payment choices improve convenience, increase successful orders, and reduce cart abandonment.

[5] Rating & Review

Rating and review features let users share honest feedback after each order. For businesses, feedback improves service quality and builds trust, leading to better visibility and higher customer confidence.

[6] AI-Powered Chatbots

AI-powered chatbots help manage customer queries without human support. When you make an app like Jahez, chatbots can assist users with order status, refunds, and delivery updates, so you must consider AI chatbot development services.

[7] Blockchain-Enabled Security

App security plays a major role in a food delivery app to build trust across the platform. By using blockchain development services, all transactions are recorded in a secure ledger. However, this helps protect payment data and reduces fraud.

Once the features are clear, next we will go through how to make an app like Jahez to turn the features into a functional platform.

How to Build an App Like Jahez in Saudi Arabia?

To develop an app like Jahez, you need to begin by researching the market and go beyond post-launch maintenance. You can choose trusted food delivery app development services to get support in every step. Below, we will describe the development process for better business understanding.

Step 1: Market Research

Market research is the first and most important step to make an app like Jahez in Saudi Arabia. You need to study how people in KSA order food, what times they order most, and which cities have high demand.

Analyze top food delivery apps like Keeta and Jahez to understand their strengths and gaps. Check pricing models, delivery speed, and restaurant partnerships.

However, this research helps you understand customer needs, local culture, and competition. With strong market insights, you can build an app that fits Saudi users and stands out in the market.

Step 2: Define Features

After research, clearly define the app features to control the cost to build an app and the timeline of the project. The user app should allow easy signup, food search, order placement, live tracking, and secure payments.

Moreover, the restaurant panel must help partners manage menus, prices, orders, and availability smoothly. A delivery dashboard is needed for drivers to accept orders, view routes, and update delivery status.

The admin panel should control users, restaurants, commissions, and reports. However, defining features early helps avoid confusion later and ensures every user gets a smooth experience.

Step 3: Choose Tech Stack

Choosing the right mobile app tech stack is key to performance and future growth. Moreover, a strong tech stack makes your app fast, stable, and ready to handle high traffic.

Hence, you can cater services, especially during peak food order hours in KSA. React Native and Flutter are smart choices for building iOS and Android apps using one codebase.

For the backend, Node.js or Python works well for fast and secure app logic. PostgreSQL is reliable for storing user, order, and restaurant data. Real-time tools like WebSockets or Socket.io help with live order tracking and updates.

Step 4: UI/UX Design

Good UI/UX design makes your app easy and enjoyable to use. However, for a reliable process, start by creating app wireframes to plan app screens and user flow.

Once done, you can build app prototypes to test how users move through the app. Since Saudi Arabia has both Arabic and English users, the app must support both languages with a proper RTL layout for Arabic.

Hence, a well-designed app reduces user confusion, increases orders, and builds trust. Simple navigation and clear buttons improve the overall user experience.

Step 5: Backend Development

Backend development handles all core app functions. Build secure APIs for user login, restaurant data, order processing, and delivery management. Integrate local payment methods like STC Pay to match Saudi user preferences.

Moreover, add geolocation features to track restaurants, drivers, and users in real time. Push notifications are important for order updates, offers, and delivery alerts.

You should build a strong backend that ensures smooth communication between apps and panels. It also keeps data safe and supports fast order processing, which is critical for food delivery success.

Step 6: Frontend Development

Frontend development focuses on what users see and interact with. The frontend must focus on speed, ease of use, and visual clarity. A responsive and stable app keeps users engaged and encourages repeat orders, essential for business growth.

However, building cross-platform mobile apps using React Native ensures faster development and consistent design. You must implement real-time order tracking screens so users can see delivery progress.

Moreover, ensure fast loading, smooth animations, and clear order status updates. Hence, the app should work well on different screen sizes.

Step 7: Database Setup

A well-structured database keeps the app running smoothly while planning how to build an app like Jahez at scale. Design clear schemas for users, restaurants, menus, orders, payments, and delivery details. However, the data should be easy to fetch and update without delays.

Use cloud services like AWS Riyadh to meet local data rules and ensure low latency. Scalability is important so the app can handle more users and orders as the business grows.

Hence, a strong database setup improves app performance, data security, and system reliability. Thus, this will directly affect user trust and platform performance.

Step 8: Testing & Deployment

Before launch, consider app testing carefully to avoid issues. Run unit tests to check individual features and integration tests to ensure systems work together. Load testing helps confirm the app can handle high order volume. Security audits protect user data and payment details.

After testing, publish your app on the Play Store or submit your app to the App Store. However, hosting should be done in Saudi data centers to meet compliance needs.

Moreover, proper testing and deployment reduce crashes, improve app quality, and ensure a smooth launch in the Saudi market.

Step 9: Post-Launch Support

Post-launch support is essential for long-term success. Monitor app performance, user behavior, and order data using analytics tools. Fix bugs quickly and release regular updates to improve features and speed.

Listen to user feedback and make changes based on real needs. Add new features, offers, or services as the market grows.

Continuous app maintenance services keep users engaged and restaurants satisfied. A well-maintained app builds trust, improves ratings, and helps your Jahez-like platform grow steadily in Saudi Arabia.

So, following these steps will resolve your doubt on how to create an app like Jahez. Next, we can move forward on the cost associated with the development.

Cost to Build an App Like Jahez in 2026

To build a Jahez-like app, you need to calculate the expense incurred at every development step. The Jahez like app development cost generally varies from SAR 75,000 to SAR 375,000 ($20,000 to $100,000).

However, the actual cost to develop a food delivery app like Jahez depends on the complexity of the app idea. The average cost to develop a mobile app in Saudi Arabia depends on the type of app developed. Below, we will break down the cost by the type of apps you can develop.

These pricing models are based on different app types, and the exact cost is impacted by several factors. Let us discuss some of them.

• Hiring Cost : The cost to hire mobile app developers in Saudi Arabia will directly impact the overall Jahez like app development cost.

• Third-Party Integration: Third-party integration, like payment gateways, CRM, or maps integration increase the expenses based on complexity and licensing cost.

• Feature Complexity: Every feature you add will increase the overall cost of development due to increased development time and testing efforts.

• Project Timeline: The time taken to develop a mobile app depends on app complexity and business needs, which impact the cost of development.

• App Maintenance: The app needs regular updates and maintenance services to function effectively, increasing the overall expense.

However, once you understand the cost to build an app like Jahez, you can hire mobile app developers with experience in Saudi projects.

Common Challenges When Building an App Like Jahez

Building an app involves several technical and operational hurdles, especially for businesses exploring how to develop an app like Jahez in a competitive market. Here are the main challenges with relevant solutions for each.

1. Real-Time Tracking

Challenge: Managing live GPS for drivers, route optimization, and order status updates is a must to prevent delays.

Solution: Use reliable map APIs with real-time GPS tracking and automated route optimization systems when you create a mobile app.

2. Payment Integration

Challenge: Secure payment gateways for multiple methods during high-volume transactions to prevent fraud.

Solution: Integrate trusted payment gateways that comply with regional rules like PCI-DSS with strong encryption and fraud detection systems.

 3. Multi-Platform UI/UX Design

Challenge: Creating an intuitive interface for customers, restaurants, and drivers across different platforms.

Solution: Design user-friendly interfaces with consistent UX across all platforms with features like personalized recommendations and easy onboarding.

4. Scalability Under High Demand

Challenge: Handling peak-hour traffic without crashes and efficient databases for millions of orders.

Solution: You must build the app on a cloud-based infrastructure with auto-scaling and load handling support.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Challenge: Compliance with food safety laws, data privacy, and local rules in strict regions like Saudi Arabia.

Solution: Develop the app in compliance with PDPL and SFDA rules, while ensuring regular legal and security audits.

Monetization Models for Food Delivery Apps Like Jahez

Food delivery apps like Jahez rely on different revenue models to drive profitability in a competitive market. Below, we discuss some mobile app monetization models that provide higher profits to your business.

A. Commission From Restaurants

Commission is the most common income source for food delivery apps. Businesses can charge restaurants a fixed percentage on every successful order. This model benefits both sides, as restaurants gain more online visibility while the platform earns revenue per order.

B. In-App Advertisements

In-app ads allow new restaurants and brands to promote themselves inside the app. Businesses can offer paid listing, banner ads, or featured restaurant placements. This helps restaurants reach more customers and creates an extra revenue stream for the business.

C. Subscription Models

Subscription plans offer a regular income for the platform. When you make an app like Jahez, restaurants can pay monthly or yearly fees for premium benefits such as lower commissions or better visibility. Users can also subscribe to free delivery or exclusive offers. 

D. Data Monetization

Food delivery apps collect useful data related to customer behavior and ordering patterns. You can use this data to provide insights to restaurant partners or other stakeholders. Data is shared securely and legally to ensure user privacy while creating additional value for partners. 

E. Delivery Fees

A delivery fee is charged directly to customers based on distance, time, or order value. Businesses can set flexible delivery pricing to cover logistics costs. This model helps balance expenses during peak hours and high demand-periods while keeping delivery services reliable and fast.

Why Choose JPLoft to Build an App Like Jahez?

Choosing the right development partner is key when you plan to build a food delivery app like Jahez for the Saudi market. JPLoft is a great mobile app development company in Saudi Arabia with strong experience in building scalable and secure food delivery platforms. We understand the local market needs, user behavior, and business goals of companies operating in the region.

At JPLoft, we use the latest technologies such as AI-powered chatbots, cloud-based infrastructure, real-time tracking systems, and secure payment integrations to build high-performance apps. Our team focuses on clean UI/UX design, smooth performance, and easy scalability to support business growth. 

Moreover, we ensure compliance with local regulations and data security standards. From idea validation to app launch and ongoing support, JPLoft offers end-to-end development services for businesses exploring how to make an app like Jahez successfully.

Conclusion

Building a food delivery app like Jahez is a strong business opportunity in Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing digital market. With high smartphone usage and strong online payment adoption, the demand for reliable food delivery platforms continues to rise.

However, success depends on more than just having an idea. Businesses must focus on the right features, smooth user experience, secure payments, scalability, and compliance with local regulations.

Choosing the right technology stack and development partner can help reduce risks and control costs. With the right approach and expert guidance, understanding how to create an app like Jahez can help your food delivery app achieve long-term growth and success.