Inside the Rise of Wego: The Region’s Leader for App-Based Travel in the Middle East

The way people book their trips has changed dramatically over the past five years. What once happened on desktop browsers has shifted decisively into the hands of mobile users. And now, a new phase is unfolding: the dominance of dedicated travel apps.

Among the companies driving this transformation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is Wego, the region’s biggest and most popular online travel app. Recent usage data reveals a sharp acceleration in app adoption that not only cements Wego’s leadership in the region but also underscores the broader global trend toward app-first travel.

From Browsers to Apps: A Clear Shift

Looking at Wego’s internal metrics, the story is unmistakable. In 2019, desktop web and mobile web together represented a significant share of searches and bookings. Fast forward to 2024, and that balance has shifted decisively.

• Searches: Wego’s Android app searches surged by 38% year-on-year, while iOS app searches climbed by 42%. Together, apps now account for 76% of all flight searches, a leap from the 68% share they held previously. In contrast, desktop web searches declined by 11%, and mobile web searches dropped by 6%.

• Bookings: The story is even clearer on conversions. Bookings made via Wego’s iOS app rose by 79%, with Android app bookings also increasing by 79%. Collectively, apps now drive 71% of total bookings, compared to just 52% from desktop and mobile web combined five years ago.
  

This dual surge in searches and bookings highlights not just curiosity, but trust in apps as the default channel for completing purchases.

Recognition at the Top

Wego’s rapid rise in app usage is matched by external recognition. Independent data from SensorTower consistently ranks Wego as the #1 most downloaded online travel app in MENA. The company held this position in both 2023 and 2024, and continued to lead the region from January to May 2025.

In addition, Wego was named “Best Online Travel Marketplace, KSA” at the Arabian Travel Awards 2024, underlining its role as a trusted platform in one of the region’s largest and most competitive markets.

Why Wego’s Apps Are Winning

The move from web to apps is not simply about convenience. Wego’s apps are built around features that go beyond simple browsing. Its popular Fare Calendar tool helps travelers instantly identify the cheapest days to fly, with additional discounts for logged-in users rewarding loyalty.

The app also supports local payment methods like Mada and KNET, reinforcing its role as a localized, trusted marketplace. 

Even in areas with weaker connectivity, Wego’s lightweight app ensures fast, reliable performance. This thoughtful design reflects Wego’s deep understanding on how travelers in the MENA region prioritize on-the-go booking. Whether booking last-minute flights for business or planning family holidays, users are showing a clear preference for apps that offer reliability and speed without the friction of browser-based platforms.

Proof of Trust: Ratings and Reviews

Strong adoption numbers are only part of the story. Sustained growth depends on user satisfaction, and Wego’s ratings tell a compelling tale.

• On Google Play, Wego holds a 4.5-star rating from more than 187,000 reviews and has surpassed 10 million downloads.

• On the Apple App Store in Saudi Arabia, Wego maintains a 4.6-star rating from around 70,000 reviews.

These high ratings reflect not just downloads, but consistent user trust, the kind that translates into repeat bookings and word-of-mouth advocacy.

A Regional Benchmark

Wego’s app-first dominance has broader implications for the industry. As desktop web usage declines, the company’s trajectory highlights the irreversible trend toward app-based travel. This positions Wego not just as a beneficiary of change, but as a benchmark for digital adoption in the MENA travel sector.

For competitors, the message is clear: browser-based models are fading. The future of travel booking will be written by those who can deliver seamless, reliable, and localized app experiences.

The numbers paint a clear picture. In just a few years, Wego has transformed itself from one of many flight search platforms into the region’s leading app-based travel marketplace. By combining scale, user satisfaction, and industry recognition, the company has redefined how millions of people in the Middle East and beyond plan their journeys.

If current growth rates continue, Wego’s apps could soon capture the overwhelming majority of both searches and bookings, leaving web-based channels as a legacy option. More than just adapting to consumer behavior, Wego is actively shaping it, proving that in the digital travel race, apps aren’t just an option anymore, they are the future.

Company name: Wego

Email: [email protected]

Address:  DIC 2 Office 201-202 Dubai 500064 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Contact number: +971 4 581 0300