Absher is a free-to-use productivity app from the National Information Center at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This government app is managed by the Ministry of Interior and allows citizens access to various services from the government. You can update your personal data on the app, apply for jobs, and even apply for Hajj permits.

As an app, Absher sports a streamlined layout that sorts its features well. This makes it easy to use for different people, including those that are not tech-savvy. It helps make lives easier, similar to NAFATH or Saudi Visa Bio apps.

Mobile portal for Saudi citizens

Designed for general public use, Absher features a minimal visual aesthetic of mostly greens and whites. To its advantage, the design choices make it easy on the eyes and even easier for finding specific features. As mentioned, it comes with a convenient dashboard on the left-hand side of the app. You can go directly to eServices, submit Electronic Inquiries, or even contact the developers of the app for concerns.

You can also mark certain services for even easier access through the Favorites category. This is particularly useful for people who regularly switch jobs or look for clients. The same goes for people who regularly travel and might have persisting needs to update their information or apply for visas. Of course, the app requires every user to register and log in and out of the app, for security reasons.

Lastly, unlike other government apps, this is surprisingly optimized for mobile devices. It boasts 24/7 customer support and a quick turnaround time for user concerns. One concern about the app, however, is among foreign nationals working or living in KSA. Citizens who sponsor foreign nationals have the power to decide whether the foreigners under their care can leave the country, instead of the people applying for exit visas themselves.

Convenient and centralized

Overall, Absher serves as a great example for other governments looking to implement a digital and centralized platform in offering services to their citizens. The layout is streamlined, which minimizes the clutter and makes it convenient to use. It even has the ability to set certain features as favorites, making them even more accessible. Lastly, as it’s designed for KSA citizens, it is not as accessible for foreigners.