The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers one of the best experiences of living abroad. It’s a vibrant society with welcoming Emiratis and a thriving, multicultural immigrant community. You’ll also enjoy a high standard of living and access to everything from good cuisine to rich culture, thrilling nightlife, modern shopping centres and malls, and exciting annual festivals.
Smartphones make it all even more accessible, as you can use mobile apps for food delivery, purchasing tickets, booking taxis, and paying for goods and services. With these innovations, talking to friends and relatives or sending money back home has never been easier. We’ve prepared this comprehensive Remitly guide on some of the best apps you can use to simplify daily life in the UAE.
Want to explore the UAE like a local? Navigation apps will help you move around easily. These applications use GPS (Global Positioning System) to provide accurate directions and location data in real-time.
Google Maps
Use Google Maps to find places, get the latest traffic updates, and learn more about nearby hotspots. For example, the app can help you discover a hospital or bank near you.
PROS
- Offers real-time navigation, traffic updates, and public transport options.
- Turn-by-turn directions make it easy to explore unfamiliar locations.
- Street view allows you to move around an area virtually.
CONS
- Some users complain about location inaccuracies.
- Routing issues are common.
- It can drain your phone battery fast, especially if in constant use.
Google Maps works best when you’re connected to the internet. Some users switch to Sygic, an alternative that lets you download and use 3D maps offline.
Waze
Waze is a community-driven navigation app that relies on a network of drivers to provide real-time incident reports. This results in faster and more accurate re-routing and safety alerts, such as accidents and construction.
PROS
- Real-time traffic updates are faster and more accurate than Google Maps.
- A good option for lane guidance.
- Find drivers going in the same direction and save money by carpooling.
CONS
- Limited offline capabilities.
- It may have a cluttered interface in crowded or busy areas.
Waze also offers several social features, allowing you to make connections—and maybe even friends—on your way to work or a social engagement.
RTA Smart Drive
RTA Smart Drive is designed to help you navigate Dubai with ease. It was developed by the local Road and Transport Authority (RTA Dubai). Most users love this app for its ability to function even when offline.
PROS
- Online and offline functionality.
- Provides clear visual maps.
- Shows the closest fuel stations.
- Accurate live traffic updates.
CONS
- The interface can be challenging to navigate.
With this app, turn-by-turn voice commands work as your assistant as you explore one of the greatest cities in the UAE.
Makani
Makani offers an official, comprehensive geographical mapping of five emirates: Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
PROS
- Provides precise location details up to the nearest square metre.
- Offers turn-by-turn voice navigation.
- Makes it easy to find public institutions, government offices, metro stations, and local landmarks.
CONS
- Some users may find the interface to be complex.
In Dubai, users can access a feature known as the Makani Number, which is used to locate building entrances more accurately.
Communication apps in the UAE
Communication apps make it easy to keep up with friends and colleagues, or even your family back home. You can also connect with the local expatriate community and get important updates.
Top communication apps favoured by UAE residents
Some of the most popular communication apps used in the UAE include:
- WhatsApp: A free mobile application that lets you send text and voice messages to anyone globally. You can also attach pictures, videos, audio files, and documents.
- Facebook Messenger: Connect with friends and family by sending them videos, instant messages, and photos. Engage in group chats and make voice or video calls.
- Google Messages: Send direct messages, participate in group chats, create spaces for specific teams, and share files and tasks.
- Botim: Call and text for free, shop online, pay bills, and play online games.
- Gmail: Sending and receiving emails securely. This app is mostly used for professional communication, but it also integrates with other Google services to help you manage your contacts, plan your schedule, store documents, and create tasks.
- Snapchat: Offers a fun approach to communication. Use filters and lenses to create interesting content you can share through disappearing photo and video messages.
- Telegram: Works like WhatsApp, with an extra feature: secret chats. These are private messages that only you and the recipient can access. You can even schedule them to self-destruct after a certain time. Telegram doesn’t store messages on its servers.
- imo HD: A messaging and calling app that allows you to send high-quality video and photo messages on any network.
Communication app features for expatriates
Being far from home necessitates communication apps that can help you save money, contact family instantly, and access government services. For these reasons, consider apps that are secure, user-friendly, and free to use.
You should also prioritise applications that support group chats and calls, allow video calls, and function well even with low network connectivity.
WhatsApp restrictions and alternatives in the UAE
WhatsApp is one of the most used go-to apps in the UAE. However, voice and video calling functionalities are restricted to support local telecommunications providers and for national security reasons.
Consider trying out useful apps like Botim, Voico, Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet instead. These alternatives aren’t subject to the same restrictions set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Shopping and dining apps
Shopping in the UAE is a must-have experience, and dining doesn’t fall far behind. Mobile applications put luxury malls, hypermarkets, souks, and the best restaurants in the palm of your hand.
Popular shopping apps
From groceries to apparel, here are some essential apps for shopping in the UAE:
- Popular fashion and lifestyle apps for clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts include Namshi, Zalora, and Sivvi.
- For general goods and items, consider Amazon UAE, Day to Day, Souq.com, and Noon.
- To sell or buy second-hand items, use Dubizzle.
- Download Mumzworld to shop for baby and kids’ essentials.
- Shop for groceries via Careem, Spinneys, InstaShop, Kibsons, elGrocer, and Carrefour.
Apps for seamless dining out or ordering in
Get food from your favourite restaurants by making a reservation or ordering using:
- Talabat
- Deliveroo
- Careem Now, formerly Uber Eats
- Zomato
- DoorDash
- OpenTable
- The Entertainer
- Resy
- Swiggy
Exclusive deals and benefits of using grocery and dining apps in UAE
UAE’s relatively high cost of living and reliance on imports makes food and groceries quite expensive. To ease the burden, dining and grocery delivery apps regularly offer deals to their customers.
Look out for buy-one-get-one deals, monthly offers, digital vouchers, discounts, loyalty programmes, and featured listings. These deals might offer extra benefits and personalised customer experiences, such as custom recommendations and real-time updates and notifications.
Transportation and travel apps in the UAE
Need an efficient way to move around in the UAE? A good mobility app should be a one-stop shop, offering features like real-time tracking, optimised route navigation, ride history, offline access, and dependable booking management.
Some go the extra mile by providing weather forecasting, language translation, push notifications, chatbots, and customer reviews.
Apps for booking rides and public transportation
Consider these apps when you want to book rides and public transport:
- Ride-hailing apps: Uber, Careem, Hala Ride, Blacklane, and the DTC App.
- Public transport: S’hail, RTA Smart Drive, Bus On Demand, and RAKBUS.
Travel planning apps
Whether you’re a resident Emirati or an expat, tourism apps like Visit Dubai, Experience Abu Dhabi, and Eco-Tourism UAE will help you plan the perfect trip.
Everyday convenience apps
Most of these apps offer everyday convenience, streamlining your daily tasks and making life easier in the UAE. Other notable mentions include:
- Health and fitness apps: Health at Hand and HeyDoc! allow you to consult with a licenced physician remotely. Others like HealthifyMe give you access to certified personal coaches, customised workout plans, and nutrition guidance.
- Education and learning apps: Access virtual and digital classrooms through mobile apps like Aqdar Library, Adek, Diwan, and Seesaw.
- Productivity apps: Slack, My Etisalat UAE, Evolve, Beelnvites, and Evernote can help improve your work life by managing tasks, automating workflows, improving communication, and enhancing collaboration.
How the UAE supports mobile app development
The UAE invests heavily in technology and innovation, consequently improving the quality of its mobile applications by taking three major actions:
Nurturing a strong digital ecosystem
Government initiatives like Smart Dubai promote a strong digital ecosystem in the UAE by creating a conducive environment for mobile app development. Other key factors have also played a role in improving the sector, including:
- Investing in telecommunications infrastructure
- Expanding high-speed connectivity
- Launching initiatives like the UAE PASS digital national identity and the Federal Network (FedNet).
The UAE government aims to become a global leader by encouraging innovation in the tech sector. The National Innovation Strategy, for example, helps attract top-tier talent and investors in several areas.
Enhancing mobile application performance
The federal government has also deployed a national 5G network by installing infrastructure in major urban areas and along main transport routes. As a result, the UAE boasts one of the fastest 5G deployments in the world.
In fact, Abu Dhabi is one of the top three fastest 5G capitals in the Middle East and globally, so expect to enjoy the following:
- improved connectivity
- faster data speeds
- reduced lag or delays when transmitting data
- superior app performance
All this ensures an advanced technological experience when interacting with mobile apps.
Driving mobile app development
UAE government policies keep mobile app development customer-centric. Developers are required to create user-friendly applications that are easy to use and responsive to your needs.
Recent changes in visa application requirements have made it easier for technology experts—such as AI and gaming professionals—to live and work longer in the UAE. Attracting and retaining world-class talent will contribute to high-quality mobile app development.
Don’t worry if you’re not proficient in using modern technology—several government-run initiatives are available to improve and promote digital literacy. Learn more about accessing these resources for free on the official website.
Importance of the UAE tech ecosystem
So, why is the government increasingly investing in improving access and quality of mobile apps in the UAE?
- Better shopping experiences: You can research products, read reviews, compare prices, and buy products from anywhere within the UAE, even remote areas. These items will be delivered to your doorstep. You can also pick them up at the store.
- Convenient payment options: You don’t need to carry cash and worry about current conversions. Regulated money transfer services ensure your payments are secured.
- Digital banking: Mobile apps make digital banking services more secure and accessible from the comfort of your home or office.
- Improved tourism experience: Plan and book trips, pay for accommodation, and read up on top attractions using popular hospitality and travel apps.
- Easy access to services: Mobile apps like DubaiNow and UAE Pass offer secure digital identity and access to services across different government and private sectors.
- Navigate the Emirates better: Gain easy access to information on essential services like traffic, waste disposal, and energy consumption in the UAE.
FAQs
What is the most used app in the UAE?
WhatsApp is the most used mobile application in the UAE. Despite federal restrictions, it’s one of the most convenient ways to stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues.
What is used in UAE instead of WhatsApp?
Due to these restrictions, many expats and locals use alternative apps like Botim, Voico, Zoom, Slack, and Google Meet for their communication needs.
Which app is best to use in Dubai?
The best app to use in Dubai depends on your needs. However, consider installing DubaiNow to enjoy a centralised platform for settling in. With this app, you can pay your bills, access government services, manage your property, and find city-specific information like access to healthcare.
Which navigation app is best in Dubai?
The best navigation app in Dubai should let you download offline 3D maps, offer lane guidance, provide real-time traffic updates, and offer accurate re-rerouting and safety alerts.