Iraq's Waze ban
In October 2026, Iraq's Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad announced a ban on the Waze app in Iraq, citing the app's Israeli origin. The ban was first set for the start of 2027, then brought forward to the end of December 2026, according to press reports.
Sources: Kurdistan24 · Al Jazeera · The National
Masar: an Iraqi alternative to Waze
- Live traffic on the roads, updated every minute.
- Turn-by-turn voice guidance, with automatic rerouting if you leave the route.
- Driver reports: accidents, traffic, closed roads, floods, speed bumps and more.
- Search in Arabic, Kurdish and English, even Arabic typed in Latin letters.
- Share your arrival time on WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Works with CarPlay and Android Auto.
- No ads, no account needed.
Privacy first
We never sell your data. GPS points are anonymous and never linked to you. Our maps come from OpenStreetMap on our own servers, without Google or Apple. Read our Privacy Policy.
Questions
Is Waze being banned in Iraq?
Yes. Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad announced a ban on Waze in Iraq. The announced date is the end of December 2026.
When does the Waze ban start in Iraq?
It was first set for the start of 2027, then brought forward to the end of December 2026, according to press reports quoting the minister.
What is the alternative to Waze in Iraq?
Masar is an Iraqi navigation app with what you use Waze for: live traffic, road reports and voice guidance, in Arabic, Kurdish and English.
Is Masar an Iraqi app?
Yes. Masar is an Iraqi app. Its maps come from OpenStreetMap on its own servers, and it does not depend on Waze or Google Maps.
When is Masar available?
Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play. Follow masarmaps.com.
Do I need an account to use Masar?
No. You can search, navigate and post reports without an account.