Best freelance, gig and earning platforms in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia pairs a government-backed freelance system with Arabic marketplaces and delivery apps. Bahr, an initiative of the Human Resources Development Fund, connects clients with Saudi freelancers and advertises no additional fees. Mostaql (bid-based projects) and Khamsat (fixed-price services) are Arabic freelance marketplaces that deduct their commission from the freelancer. HungerStation and Mrsool offer delivery work, Careem offers driving, Haraj and OpenSooq carry classified ads, and Noon hosts online sellers. Citizens can issue a freelance document on freelance.sa, a Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development platform whose programmes include order delivery, accounting and tour guiding. Money is in Saudi riyals (SAR). PayPal accounts in Saudi Arabia can receive payments and withdraw to a local bank, and Upwork pays out to Saudi banks in SAR. Wise does not list Saudi Arabia as a destination, so clients cannot use Wise to pay into a Saudi account. Tip: issue the freelance document first, because holders can open a bank account linked to the activity and use digital payment solutions.
Updated · how we verify platforms
Saudi Arabia at a glance
Platform types: 4 freelance sites, 2 marketplaces, 2 delivery platforms, 2 card processing platforms, 1 ride platform and 1 big marketplace
How they pay out: Bank transfer (10)
Which global platforms accept people in Saudi Arabia? See all 31 confirmed, and how to get paid →
Compare at a glance
| Platform | Type | Fees / commission | Pays via | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bahr
|
Freelance marketplace | 0% - government-subsidized, no commission | E-payment to Saudi bank accounts | 2020 |
Careem
|
Ride-hailing company | ~20-25% commission per ride | Bank transfer | 2012 |
Haraj
|
Classifieds marketplace | Free ad posting - no listing fees | Direct payment from buyers | 2007 |
HungerStation
|
Food delivery company | Freelance couriers paid per delivery | Bank transfer | 2012 |
Khamsat
|
Gig marketplace | 20% commission per order | Bank transfer (Arab countries) | 2010 |
Mostaql
|
Freelance marketplace | 15-20% commission per project by membership tier | Bank transfer (Arab countries) | 2014 |
Mrsool
|
Delivery platform | Couriers bid delivery fee, commission per order | Bank transfer | 2015 |
Noon
|
Online marketplace | Category referral commission ~4-27% | Bank transfer | 2017 |
OpenSooq
|
Classifieds marketplace | Free listings - no commission, paid promotions | Cash in person / direct arrangement | 2011 |
Paymob
|
Payment processor | 2.75% + EGP 3 per online transaction | Bank transfer | 2015 |
Tap Payments
|
Payment processor | ~2.75% standard cards | Bank transfer ~T+3 | 2013 |
Ureed
|
Freelance marketplace | 20% commission on all project payments | Bank transfer, PayPal | 2017 |
BahrA Saudi government-backed freelance platform connecting Saudi freelancers with local and government projects.
bahr.910ths.sa59 viewsCareemThe leading ride-hailing and everything app across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan, owned by Uber. Captains earn from rides, del…
careem.com53 viewsHarajSaudi Arabia massive classifieds market - cars, goods, and services traded directly between Saudis.
haraj.com.sa44 viewsHungerStationSaudi Arabia leading food delivery platform, part of Delivery Hero, with courier sign-up across the Kingdom.
hungerstation.com50 viewsKhamsatThe Arabic equivalent of Fiverr, where sellers offer micro-services starting at a low base price.
khamsat.com54 viewsMostaqlOne of the largest Arabic-language freelance marketplaces, used across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Arab world.
mostaql.com55 viewsMrsoolA Saudi on-demand delivery platform where customers describe any order and independent couriers bid to deliver it. Operates in Saudi Arabia,…
mrsool.co49 viewsNoonThe Middle East homegrown marketplace - sellers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt list to the region fastest-growing buyer base.
noon.com31 viewsOpenSooqA leading Arab-world classifieds marketplace for goods, cars, and services.
opensooq.com71 viewsPaymobA leading MENA payments company - merchants in Egypt, the Gulf, and Pakistan accept cards, wallets, and installments online and in person.
paymob.com46 viewsTap PaymentsA MENA payment gateway letting businesses accept cards and local methods across the Gulf.
tap.company48 viewsUreedA MENA-focused freelance marketplace strong in Arabic-English language services, content, and translation. Connects clients in the Gulf and…
ureed.com89 viewsFrequently asked questions
What are the best freelance and gig platforms in Saudi Arabia?
Bahr is a government-backed marketplace for Saudi freelancers with no additional fees. Mostaql suits bid-based projects and Khamsat suits small fixed-price services, both in Arabic. HungerStation and Mrsool offer delivery work, and Haraj is a classifieds site for selling goods.
How do freelancers in Saudi Arabia get paid by international clients?
Options include PayPal, which lets Saudi accounts receive payments and withdraw to a local bank, and marketplace payouts. Upwork pays directly to Saudi bank accounts in SAR for USD 0.99 per withdrawal, and Fiverr pays out through PayPal or Payoneer. Wise does not send to Saudi Arabia, so it is not an option for clients.
Does PayPal work in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. PayPal accounts registered in Saudi Arabia can send and receive payments, and receiving personal payments is free when no currency conversion is involved. PayPal's Saudi fee schedule lists withdrawals to local bank accounts and to US bank accounts, the latter with a 3% fee.
Can people in Saudi Arabia work on Upwork and Fiverr?
Yes. Upwork supports Direct to Local Bank withdrawals in SAR for USD 0.99 each, but the bank account name must match your verified Upwork name. Fiverr pays out through PayPal, Payoneer or bank transfer via Payoneer, and freelancers must be at least 18 to withdraw earnings.
What is the freelance document in Saudi Arabia?
It is a document issued through freelance.sa, a Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development initiative that regulates and encourages freelance work by citizens. Holders can open a bank account linked to their activity and access digital payment solutions and financing. Programmes include order delivery, accounting services, handicrafts, food trucks and tour guiding.