Living in Dubai can be an exciting and enriching experience, especially when you have the right tools at your fingertips to make your life easier.
In this digital age, your smartphone can be your best companion, providing you with the essential apps you need to thrive in this cosmopolitan city.
This article will guide you through the top apps in Dubai that can help you navigate the city, manage your daily tasks, and enhance your lifestyle.
1. RTA Dubai
With the RTA Dubai app on your mobile device, bid farewell to commuting hassles around the city. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai launched it to offer you an invaluable tool integrating all transportation services into one user-friendly platform.
It’s your digital companion for seamless travel within the city, making it among the best apps for living in Dubai.
In addition, it gives you access to real-time updates on public transport schedules, routes, and fares, which simplifies daily commutes. Using it is a convenient option that eliminates your need to visit physical RTA centres.
Services
- nol card top-ups
- Taxi booking
- Traffic incident reports
- Pay for parking
- Renew vehicle registration
- Apply for various permits through the app
2. Property Finder
Property Finder is a must-have app for anyone looking to buy or rent properties in Dubai. It offers you a huge inventory of real estate listings for rent and sale across the city, catering to all budgets and preferences.
Besides, you will enjoy tailored search results with custom filters on the app. With this app, you will not only find the optimum home but also get insights about the market prices and new projects.
Whether you’re new to the city or a resident, the Property Finder application is a must-to-download app in Dubai to find a new home or relocate.
Services
- Renting or buying a residential property
- Listing pages with detailed descriptions and high-quality images
- Access to the market’s new projects
- Search filtering with
- Property type
- Price
- No bedrooms/ bathrooms
- Furnishings
- Unit size
- Amenities
- Date of Listing
- Leasing or owning commercial units
- Virtual viewings
- SuperAgent (A badge for super-qualified agents who offer you a seamless home-finding journey)
- Data Guru (A hub for all the data you need to rent, buy, and invest)
- Saved Properties
3. DHA
Having effortless access to healthcare services is super important for you as a resident; that’s why the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched its app to provide you with easy access to various healthcare services, ensuring that managing your health is just a tap away.
With the DHA app, you can book medical appointments, check lab results, view your medical records, and even request emergency services. It’s like having a personal healthcare assistant in your pocket.
The app is available in both English and Arabic, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Services
- Manage Appointments
- Lab Results
- Medications.
4. Careem
Careem is known for being the most popular riding app in the Middle East region. It’s your go-to option for reliable and affordable transport services across Dubai.
It offers a wide range of options from private cars to taxis, and even luxury vehicles for those special occasions. Besides, with Careem, you can book a ride with just a few taps on your screen.
The app provides real-time tracking of your driver, estimated time of arrival, and fare calculation, making your journey stress-free and safe. Consequently, it’s one of the important apss to have in Dubai.
Services
Beyond transportation, Careem offers many services like
- Food delivery
- Digital wallet
- Errand service
5. UAE Pass
If you’ve just moved to Dubai, this app is a must-have on your phone. UAE Pass is the national digital identity and signature solution for the UAE, providing secure access to a multitude of government and private sector services.
With the UAE Pass, you can sign in to multiple government websites and services, pay utility bills, apply for visas, and much more, all through your mobile.
In addition, no need to worry about your information as UAE Pass ensures that your personal data is safe and secure while accessing vital services. All you need to register is your Emirates ID number and mobile number.
Services
- Digital signature
- Digital storage and documentation for the documents
- Personal data update
- Instant verification of signed documents
6. Dubai Now
One more application that makes your life much easier here is Dubai Now. It was initiated by the government aiming to make it a single platform for all the city services.
You will have access to more than 120 private and governmental services offered by over 35 authorities and entities. Whether you need to pay your electricity bill, renew your vehicle registration, or check your visa status, Dubai Now has you covered.
Besides, you will enjoy a smooth experience with its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to navigate through the app and among the best apps to use in Dubai.
To ensure a smooth experience on the DubaiNow app, you are required to log in with your UAE PASS account, offering a convenient single sign-on method and secure access to the app’s various services.
Services
- Bills payment
- Residency services like visa status check
- Police
- Driving: ENOC Vip, Salik, NOL
- Social: Magalis Dubai, City events, social benefits
7. Instashop
Run out of groceries or missing ingredients for a recipe? No problem, with Instashop on your mobile, you can do the grocery shopping from your home.
It’s a popular grocery delivery app in Dubai, allowing you to order groceries from your favourite supermarket and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Moreover, you will find a variety of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples, speciality items, and more.
Not just that, Instashop promises delivery within 30 minutes to an hour, making it a go-to app for last-minute grocery needs. Additionally, you can track your order in real-time and communicate with your delivery person for any special instructions.
Services
- Access to various supermarkets
- Pharmacies
- Bakeries and cakes
8. Salik
As a resident of Dubai, you should have heard about Salik which is Dubai’s electronic toll-collection system. It asks you for a fee every time you pass through any of the gates, but fortunately, you can pay the fee through the Salik app.
It’s really among the most useful apps in Dubai, as it makes managing your account and paying your toll fees a breeze.
Additionally, through it, keep track of your trips and get notifications when your balance is low without any hassle.
It’s easy to navigate through the app, and the option to save your vehicle details and payment information makes the process even more convenient.
Services
- View your balance
- Account recharge
- Activate your Salik tag
- View registered vehicles on Salik’s account
- Access to recent trips
- Manage Salik fines
9. nol Pay
In case you regularly use public transportation, this is one of the apps you need in Dubai, nol Pay.
It’s a handy app for public transport users in Dubai, allowing you to pay for your trips using nol card; it’s a smart card that can be used across various modes of public transportation.
The app supports payments for Dubai Metro, buses, Dubai Tram, marine transport, and taxis. In addition, you can use the nol Pay app to top-up your card, pay for public transportation, and even for your parking fees.
10. S’hail
If you’re visiting Dubai for a while or usually use public transportation, this app is your saviour.
It’s a must-have app for anyone relying on public transportation in Dubai; it provides all the information you need to plan your journey, including route details, trip duration, and fare estimation.
Whatever the means of transportation: Metro, Tram, taxi, bus, or marine transport, S’hail makes it more Simply enter your current location and destination, and the app will provide you with all the public transport options available.
It’s a free application and offers you real-time updates, gurnateeing you the most accurate and up-to-date information for your trip.
FAQs
In Dubai, ToTok has become a popular alternative to WhatsApp. It’s especially handy if you’re visiting with family or friends. Over the past few years, ToTok has gained a large user base in the city.
In the UAE, including Dubai, some of the most commonly used apps are communication apps like WhatsApp, social media apps like Facebook and Instagram, and entertainment apps like Netflix and Spotify.
These essential apps simplify life in Dubai, offering convenience and efficiency at your fingertips. From transportation to real estate, these must-have tools cater to diverse needs in the bustling city.
