12 Must-Have Apps in Dubai (A Local’s Guide)
If you haven’t been to Dubai before, chances are you’re going to be unfamiliar with the everyday apps that most everyone uses in this city. Whether you’re moving here or just planning a visit, here’s a list of the must-have apps in Dubai. Trust me when I say these will make your life way easier!
READ MORE: How to Set Up a Phone Plan in Dubai & A Guide to the Best Tourist SIMs in Dubai
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12 Must-Have Apps in Dubai
1. Careem – For taxis, food delivery, groceries & more
If there’s one Dubai app I’d recommend downloading, it’s Careem (aka “the everything app”). Careem really does do everything.
First and foremost, this is my go-to app for booking taxis. For the most affordable option, just hit the “Hala Taxi” button and book your ride. This is what I do whenever I need a taxi. It’ll give you the estimated cost of your ride and allow you to track your driver.
Alternately, you can also book a “Car.” I personally don’t use this function because it’s more expensive. But if you prefer to ride in a nice car versus a taxi, then this is the option for you!
Taxis aside, Careem is one of the must-have apps in Dubai for restaurant delivery. Again, this is my go-to app when I don’t feel like cooking and want food delivered right to my door. There are always really good delivery discounts on Careem, so take advantage!
Like I said, this is “the everything app,” so you can also make orders from grocery stores, pharmacies, and other shops and have everything brought to your door. I’ve also used this app to order housekeepers to come clean my apartment and get my clothes drycleaned, but there are probably a lot more services on there I haven’t utilized.
2. WhatsApp – For messaging and calling
If you don’t have WhatsApp already, I highly recommend downloading it. This is how everyone in the UAE messages one another. It’s also an easy way to contact businesses, restaurants, doctors’ offices, etc., as most businesses will have their WhatsApp number listed and will reply promptly.
It’s also totally free to use, so messaging will cost you nothing versus texting. One thing that is important to note is that making voice and video calls through WhatsApp (and many other apps) is blocked in the UAE.
If you want to use the voice and video call functions using WhatsApp, you’ll need to have a VPN. Don’t worry; it’s not illegal to use a VPN in Dubai. I personally use ExpressVPN, another one of the must-have apps in Dubai, and it works great.
3. Waze – For driving
Trust me when I say that Waze is going to be a lifesaver in Dubai if you’re driving. Its navigation works way better than Google Maps but the real upside is the speed limit notifications. Dubai has some pretty notoriously bad traffic and some pretty unpredictable speed limits which makes Waze one of the best apps in Dubai if you plan to drive.
If you’ve driven here before, you’ll know that the speeding fines can be hefty and unexpected (all of the traffic fines come from cameras, so you won’t know about your fine till way after the fact). One of the reasons that Waze is so handy is because it notifies you when you’re speeding, as well as when you’re approaching a speed camera.
The speed limits also vary wildly between emirates. So if you plan on taking a day trip to Abu Dhabi, for example, Waze will help you keep track of the unfamiliar speed limits. Another reason Waze is one of the best apps in Dubai for driving is that other users will report real-time traffic jams and accidents, and the app will suggest alternate routes that may get you to where you’re going faster.
4. The Entertainer – for BOGO deals
Going out in Dubai can get expensive… fast. So if you’re looking to pinch a few dirhams, download the Entertainer app and give it a peruse for tons of buy-one-get-one deals at Dubai’s most popular restaurants, attractions, spas, fitness centers, and so much more.
There is an annual membership fee of 595 AED to get access to all of the Entertainer’s killer deals. If you’re only visiting for a short time this may not be worth it, but if you’re planning on staying a while, this is easily one of the must-have apps in Dubai to have experiences you might otherwise not be able to afford.
Honestly though, it’s worth considering even for a short visit because the membership pays for itself super quickly!
5. InstaShop – For grocery delivery
If you’d like groceries delivered right to your door, InstaShop is a super popular Dubai app. You’ll find all the big chains on InstaShop, from Carrefour, Waitrose, and Spinneys to VIVA, Choithrams, and Al Maya – and many more. So feel free to pick your favorite!
There are also loads of other shops, like pet stores, pharmacies, and even restaurants that you can order from using InstaShop.
6. Deliveroo – For food delivery
When it comes to getting meals delivered, Deliveroo is another one of the best apps in Dubai. I personally find the discounts on Careem to be better, but I use both. Deliveroo has some different restaurant options so it’s well worth downloading both and comparing and contrasting.
Like Careem, you can also order groceries from stores through Deliveroo.
7. Lime E-scooters
If you ever want to hop on one of the ubiquitous Lime e-scooters, then Lime is another one of the must-have apps in Dubai. They cost AED 3 to unlock and AED 1 for every minute you use them, so it’s fairly affordable.
You’ll find Lime e-scooters all over the place in Dubai, especially in the touristy areas. You basically just need to download the app and create an account. Then, you can just unlock any Lime e-scooter using the QR code and get cruising!
8. XE Currency Converter
It always takes time to get used to a new currency, so if you’re new to Dubai, XE is a super handy app that allows you to make quick conversions from the local currency, which is the UAE dirham (AED).
9. S’hail – For getting around Dubai
The S’hail app is helpful for Dubai newbies who are navigating getting their way around the city using public transportation. Using this app, you’ll be able to map your route and get the costs and times of the city’s metro and buses. (Google Maps is also excellent for mapping your routes around the city.)
You can also top up your nol card (which you’ll use for public transport) on the S’hail app, which is super handy.
10. nol Pay – For topping up your nol card
nol Pay is another one of the best apps in Dubai for residents and long-term visitors. It makes topping up your nol card a breeze, so you can use public transport whenever you’d like without having to wait in line at the stations.
11. Uber – For hailing luxury cars
Uber really needs no introduction but it is a popular option in Dubai. This is an app I don’t personally use because Careem taxis are far more affordable. But if you’re looking to get around town in a swanky luxury car, you might prefer to use Uber!
Unlike Uber in other countries, Uber in Dubai is run by a private company, which means that the entire fleet of cars is made up of luxury vehicles. So order an “Uber Black” and you’ll get a Mercedes, upgrade to a “Green” car and you’ll get a Tesla, or go big with a “Luxe” car and you’ll be seriously riding in style.
12. Talabat – For deliveries
Talabat is another one of the best apps in Dubai that allows you to get pretty much anything delivered right to your door. From groceries to lunch from a restaurant to flowers from a local shop, Talabat makes life in Dubai super convenient!
