Introduction
Having lived in Dubai for nearly 20 years the introduction of Dubai Apps has been a real blessing. From government services, food and dining delivery, discounts, buying and selling and so much more, these apps have transformed the city.
Dubai’s strategy has been to create am incredible enviornment for companies to create apps, innovate and create wealth, and this is happening right now. There is a fantastic eco-system in Dubai and we expect huge innovation to continue long into the future.
S’hail App
This S’hail App is essentially a route-planning tool for public transport in Dubai. Whether you want to travel by bus, tram, metro or marine, this app is for you. I use this app extensively myself and it has many great features.
Features of the App include:
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Trip Planner | Enter your start point and destination and the app will calculate the optimum route for you depending on the different transport modes. |
| Neaby | Nearby |
| Buses | Select a bus station and see which buses operate from there, then track the route of the bus, and when it is due to stop at the station you have selected. |
| Metro and Tram | Select a metro station and see the schedules for the train or tram you are interested in. |
| Marine | Check the schedules for Marine transport stops |
| Nol Cards | Nol Cards allow you to pay for tickets on each transport mode and also some retail outlets. You buy credit at the stations and use it for future trips. |
| Taxis | Book a taxi |
| Salik | Update your Salik account |
| Cycling | Shows the cycling tracks nearby |
A typical screen from the App is shown below:
Download the App:
Careem App
I also use this App extensively because it gives you a wide range of features from ordering taxis, food delivery, grocery delivery, car rentals, cleaning and a lot more. They have their own points system that will allow you to pay for services as well.
The App is easy to use and the customer service is generally very good. They have their own grocery delivery service which is available 24 hours a day, making it very convenient. They have a membership program as well that gives you discounts on many things.
Some screenshots of the app are shown below.
You can download the App here:
You can also visit the website.
The Entertainer App
The Entertainer App is a bit of a legend in Dubai. Starting out as a book it became an App which is very popular amongst locals and residents alike.
The app basically presents coupons for different aspects of Dubai life such as food, dining, travel and a lot more. Offers include heavy discounts on individual experiences or buy one / get one free opportunities.
The app comes in versions, Standard, Premium and Global. Each one has a certain number of offers and other attributes,
Here are some screenshots from the App.
The app can be found here:
You can also visit their website for more information.
DubaiNow App
The DubaiNow App is the one-stop app for multiple government services in Dubai. Whilst most departments have their own apps and portals, the DubaiNow app brings it all together under one downloadable tool.
The app allows you to access services from:
- Paying bills such as DEWA, Salik, Etisalat, Du etc
- Driving functions such as vehicle registration, licence renewal, Parking, Fuel and more
- Housing: Ejari, Empower, DEWA, Renting and so on.
- Residency: Entry Permits, Residency, Dependents
- Health: Medical Record Number, Vaccinations etc
- Education: Schools, Universities, Training Institutes etc
- Police: Important Numbers, Clearance Certificates, Court Case Enquiry,
And a lot more. Here are some screenshots from the app.
You can download the App here:
And here is their website.
Talabat App
A very popular food delivery service app in Dubai, but can also be used for groceries, flowers, health and wellness and more. Very similar to Careem, has its own membership program as well where you can receive discounts and bonuses.
Some screenshots from the app can be seen below:
You can download their app here:
The website can be found here
Dubizzle App
This app is an online classifieds platform that originated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is particularly popular in the Middle East, with a strong presence in Dubai. I can vouch for this as I have used it a lot over the years. It’s great for rentals, furniture and other household goods.
It allows users to buy and sell a wide range of items, including second-hand goods, electronics, vehicles, furniture, real estate properties, job listings, and various services.
The Dubizzle App can be found here:
The website can be found here
Dubai Police App
The Dubai Police app is a very useful tool for getting actions done quickly when interacting with the police. The app has many features some of which are outlined in the table below:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Report a Crime | Allows users to report crimes and incidents to the Dubai Police. |
| Traffic Services | Access traffic services, including reporting accidents and traffic violations. |
| Fine Payment | Pay traffic fines and fees for violations and parking tickets. |
| Vehicle and License Services | Information about community events and policy initiatives. |
| Emergency Services | Access emergency contact information and services, including police, ambulance, and fire. |
| Wanted Persons Search | Search for information about wanted individuals or missing persons. |
| Criminal Record Inquiry | Check your own criminal record or apply for a certificate of good conduct. |
| Police Stations Locator | Find nearby police stations and their contact details. |
| Traffic Fines Inquiry | Inquire about and check the status of traffic fines. |
| Happiness Meter | Provide feedback and rate your interaction with Dubai Police. |
| News and Updates | Stay informed about the latest news, alerts, and updates from the Dubai Police. |
| Events and Initiatives | Information about community events and police initiatives. |
| Non-Emergency Services | Access various non-emergency police services and information. |
| Lost and Found | Report lost or found items to the Dubai Police. |
| Feedback and Contact | Provide feedback and contact the Dubai Police for inquiries. |
Obviously, over time, these features can change. Some screenshots of the app can be seen below:
The App can be downloaded with the links below:
The website can be found here
There are many other apps that are useful in Dubai. Most of the major companies have apps so it is worth looking around to see what is available, as most companies provide incentives for using their apps in terms of discounts and other special offers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the wide array of apps available in Dubai reflects the city’s commitment to technological advancement and convenience. These apps cater to the diverse needs of both residents and visitors, offering solutions for transportation, government services, entertainment, dining, and much more. Dubai’s tech-savvy infrastructure, coupled with its ambitious smart city initiatives, has fostered a thriving app ecosystem that enhances the overall quality of life and experiences in the city.
There is a lot of innovation in Dubai and it is just the beginning for the app industry here.
Useful Links
- If you are visiting Dubai for the first time then you should check the visa entry requirements.
- Whilst in Dubai you may want to visit some of the secret places.
- Like history? Then check out the Heritage Village, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Creek
- For great places to shop checkout Dubai Mall, the Mall Of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall.
Key Takeaways
- Diverse App Ecosystem: Dubai boasts a diverse range of apps that cater to various aspects of daily life, including transportation, government services, entertainment, and more.
- DubaiNow: The DubaiNow app is a central hub for accessing government services, making bill payments, and renewing essential documents.
- Dubizzle: Dubizzle is a popular online classifieds platform used for buying and selling a wide range of items and services.
- Dubai Police App: The Dubai Police App provides numerous features, such as reporting crimes, paying fines, and accessing emergency services.
- Transportation Apps: Apps like Dubai Metro, Careem, and RTA Dubai facilitate transportation in the city, making it easier for residents and tourists to get around.
- Food and Dining: Apps like Zomato, Talabat, and Deliveroo make it simple to find and order food from a variety of local restaurants.
- Cultural and Entertainment: Dubai Calendar helps users stay updated on events, exhibitions, and concerts happening in the city.
- Shopping and Retail: Dubai Mall and Souq.com offer shopping and retail apps, providing information about malls, promotions, and online shopping.
- Community Services: Apps like Dubai Drums and My Fitness Pal cater to specific interests, including local experiences and health and fitness tracking.
- Safety and Security: The Dubai Police App is an essential tool for accessing emergency services and reporting incidents.
- Smart City Initiatives: Dubai’s commitment to becoming a smart city is evident through these apps, which enhance the quality of life and the city’s overall efficiency.
- Future Innovations: Dubai continues to invest in technology and smart solutions, ensuring that its app ecosystem evolves to meet the changing needs of residents and visitors.
