Travel Like a Local: Best Mobile Apps in the UAE

If you are visiting the Emirates for the first time, navigating your trip might seem challenging. The good news is that the UAE has countless apps designed to guide travelers and tourists. These apps help you go beyond a simple tourist experience and navigate your trip like a local.

Below, we have listed the best UAE travel apps to help you explore the Emirates. These apps cover transportation, food delivery, maps, communication, banking, and accommodation.

1. Waze Navigation & Live Traffic

With a strong GPS system, using Waze in the UAE will help you navigate the roads and traffic. As well as a comprehensive live map, the app offers access to traffic updates and instant safety alerts, serving as your comprehensive transportation guide.

2. Yelp

Listing all nearby businesses, Yelp is one of the top mobile apps for travelers in the UAE. The app allows you to see the exact location of nearby restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, or hair saloons. You can use the app to book an appointment, compare services, order food delivery, and view menus and reviews. Also, Yelp is one of the best grocery delivery apps in Dubai, making it a must-have for all residents.

3. Zomato: Food Delivery & Dining

With an extensive restaurant network, Zomato is one of the most famous food delivery apps in Dubai. You can list the top-rated restaurants, order food, and track your order on a live map. Zomato’s user-friendly design and advanced search filters allow you to place an order within minutes.

4. Careem - rides, food & more (Uber Eats)

Marketed as “the everything app”, Careem offers extra convenience for your trip. The app brings all services on a single platform, allowing you to order food and groceries, send money, request car rental, home cleaning, and laundry services. Careem also serves as a famous taxi app in Dubai, offering reliable services with luxury cars.

5. RTA Dubai

Developed by the Roads & Transport Authority, RTA Dubai is an official transportation app in the UAE. The application has an extensive interface. You can access station maps and all transportation schedules as well as recharge your NoL card. The app also lists all the nearby tourist attractions, making it one of the best travel apps for the UAE.

6. The Entertainer

If you are looking for restaurant discount apps for the UAE, The Entertainer app is perfect for you. After signing up, you can benefit from a “Buy One Get One Free” deal. You will get three core offers a month, plus special promotions. This allows you to have significant discounts, particularly as a group.

7. Visit Dubai

If you are looking for UAE travel guide apps, Visit Dubai is a must-have for you. Developed by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Visit Dubai allows you to discover the city on your own terms. As one of the top apps for tourists in the UAE, Visit Dubai lists the closest attractions. You can use the app to create trip plans, view upcoming events, and see up-to-date news. The app also allows offline access.

8. Experience Abu Dhabi

This free mobile app allows you to navigate Abu Dhabi easily and efficiently. Here, you can find comprehensive lists of tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and up-to-date events. Available in 7 languages, the Experience Abu Dhabi app ensures a local-style experience for first-time visitors.

9. Emirates App

Developed under Emirates Airlines, the Emirates app serves as your virtual travel assistant. You can use this app to book flights, select your seat, and check in online. Offering 19 languages, it’s the best transportation app in the UAE.

10. Botim - Video and Voice Calls

Botim App UAE is an all-inclusive platform designated to make your life easier. As one of the leading video call apps in UAE, it offers secure, high-quality voice and video calls without a VPN. With its private and reliable infrastructure, the app also allows you to pay phone bills, send money internationally, and make QR and contactless payments.

11. UAE PASS App

UAE PASS is the official app for accessing a wide range of government and private sector services. Offering services related to immigration, visa status, and legal documentation, UAE PASS is one of the most essential UAE apps for expats and tourists.

12. Property Finder

If you are looking for a UAE property for rent or sale, you can use the Property Finder app in the UAE. The app allows direct contact with real estate professionals in the UAE. The advanced filters, ability to save searches, and digital tours ensure an easy process.

13. Bayut – UAE Property Search

Whether you prefer a luxury villa or a spacious apartment, Bayut has a rich selection of properties for rent and sale for you. Powered by BayutGPT, the platform allows you to find the ideal property within minutes, making it one of the best apps for visitors in Dubai.

14. ENBD X

During your trip, you will likely need a reliable banking app. Developed by one of the UAE’s most reputable banks, the app allows you to send money internationally, pay your bills, and even open an investment account. You can benefit from these services even if you are not an Emirates NBD customer. As one of the most useful Dubai tourist apps, ENBD X will help you account for your budget while exploring the city.

15. Xe Send Money & Currency

Keeping track of your finances is essential when you are abroad. The Xe Currency app allows you to track real-time rates and send money to over 200 countries. This user-friendly platform ensures safe, fast, and efficient money transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which one is the best: Careem vs Uber UAE?
A. Both Careem and Uber are among the best taxi apps in Dubai and other Emirates. At first glance, Careem offers wider services, such as integration with the local RTA taxis, bike rentals, and food delivery. For pricing, Uber uses a flat-rate model, which might make Careem more affordable for short-distance rides. However, Uber might be a better option for long-distance trips. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs.

Q. What is the best navigation app for UAE travel and daily commutes?
A. Uber, Waze, Careem, RTA Dubai, and Emirates App are the most popular apps for traveling across the Emirates.

Q. Which one is the best: Deliveroo vs Talabat?
A. Talabat has wider coverage across the UAE, including smaller towns and rural areas. It also offers a broader variety of cuisines and restaurant options. The delivery fees start at AED 5. Deliveroo, on the other hand, focuses mainly on major urban areas and premium restaurants. Its typical delivery fee is AED 7. Ultimately, both are great food order apps in Dubai, providing fast delivery and real-time order tracking systems.

Q. Can I use WhatsApp in the UAE for calls and messaging?
A. Yes, you can use WhatsApp for text messaging, as well as sharing videos, images, and voice notes without any issues. However, voice and video calls via WhatsApp are currently blocked in the UAE.

Q. Do I need a VPN in UAE to access popular apps and websites?
A. Yes. Some apps and online services (such as FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger) are restricted or banned in the Emirates. While messaging features generally work, voice and video calling is often blocked. However, using a VPN in the UAE is not illegal and very common. Keep in mind that using a VPN to commit a crime or harm public order or safety in any way results in legal consequences.

Q. What are the best food delivery apps in the UAE?
A. Best grocery and food delivery apps in the Emirates are Yelp, Zomato, Careem, Deliveroo, and Talabat.

Q. Are there any apps to book hotels, tours, and activities?
A. Yes. You can use Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, Klook, and GetYourGuide to book appointments in the UAE.

RELATED PAGES

Healthcare in UAE: Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Top Expat-Friendly Cities in the UAE: Where to Live and Why

Discover Al Marjan Island: The UAE’s New Luxury Casino Destination

Luxury Real Estate Trends in UAE

A Guide to Education and International Schools in the UAE

Opening a Bank Account in UAE as a Foreigner