A new app by the Twitter founder Jack Dorsey is taking Saudi Arabia by storm — and it doesn’t even need the internet to work. The app is called Bitchat, and it enables people to send encrypted messages via Bluetooth without depending on WiFi or mobile data, anywhere in the world.

Released through the iOS App Store in July 2025, Bitchat is now operational in a few Saudi cities. Over the past week, people in Mecca and Riyadh and even elsewhere have been expressing their enthusiasm online — and no wonder.

What is Bitchat?

Bitchat is an offline chat app, works completely offline. It doesn’t require SIM cards, WiFi or even mobile networks. Instead it relies on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to link up nearby phones and make a mesh network — so phones “pass” messages to each other in a chain, until they reach the recipient.

• It’s perfect for situations like:
• Remote areas with no signal
• Large gatherings like the Hajj, when networks often become overloaded
• Security Tense private chats

Here’s what makes Bitchat special:

Feature	Details
No Internet Needed	Uses Bluetooth mesh network
Range	Up to 300 meters (can extend by hopping devices)
No Account Needed	No phone number, email, or signup
End-to-End Encrypted	Only your phone stores the messages
Panic Mode	Triple-tap to delete everything instantly
Password-Protected Chats	Extra privacy when needed
Open-Source	Anyone can check or improve the code on GitHub

Now in Saudi Arabia

There’s no official statement yet from the Bitchat team about launching in Saudi Arabia. But many users are reporting that the app works in:

• Mecca, Jeddah, Medina
• Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, Ha’il
• Southern & Eastern Regions
• And more coming soon…

A popular Saudi tech account, @Keetaglobal_ksa, confirmed in a post on July 24:

“The app is currently working in Mecca, Jeddah, Medina, Kharij, Tabuk, Yanbu, Ha’il, Buraidah, Taif, the Southern Region, the Eastern Region, and Riyadh.”

Another user, @getDrahim, said it may expand to other Gulf and Arab countries.

With Apple launching its Arabic online store in Saudi Arabia this July, it’s now easier than ever for iOS users to download Bitchat directly from the App Store.

Read More iOS 26 Beta Guide: Complete Review for Saudi Arabia Users

Why It Matters in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has one of the most advanced digital infrastructures in the region. But it also has strict online content regulations, especially on social media.

Apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat require internet and central servers, which may be monitored. But Bitchat works peer-to-peer, with no central control and no data stored online.

hat makes it attractive to people who care about privacy, especially during:

• Public events
• Travel to remote areas
• Sensitive personal or business communication

⚠️ Important Note: Bitchat isn’t illegal in Saudi Arabia, but users should follow local laws. Sharing or accessing restricted content can still lead to penalties, even if the app is offline.

How It Compares to Other Messaging Apps

App	Needs Internet?	Encrypted?	Privacy Level
WhatsApp	Yes	Yes	Moderate
Snapchat	Yes	Yes	Low–Moderate
imo	Yes	Limited	Low
Bitchat	No	Yes	High

What’s Next?

Bitchat’s developers are working on:

• Android version (coming soon)
• WiFi Direct (for faster offline messaging)
• More privacy tools and updates

Because the app is open-source, anyone in Saudi Arabia — especially developers — can help improve it.

Conclusion

Bitchat is not just a messaging app — it’s a new way to keep in touch privately, even without internet. On landing in Saudi Arabia, people have a tool that satisfies both contemporary tech needs and local privacy concerns.

If you’d prefer to do a little chatting safely and offline, Bitchat may be the app for you to try.