These are the Dubai mobile apps I have on my phone. If you're new to Dubai, I hope this helps. You'll need a local phone number before you can use them.
(Updated 2021).
The essential Dubai apps.
In no particular order.
- Careem. This local Uber, now owned by Uber. Use to hail local taxis, private cars, cars with child seats, vans/people movers, and limousines.
- Uber. Everybody has the Uber app, but it would be unusual to use Uber over Careem. Use this when the Careem app doesn't work.
- Washmen. Laundry as a Service! Leave a dirty bag of laundry outside your door and it will be returned the next day clean and folded. This is life changing.
- Justmop. Cleaning as a Service! Home cleaning charged per hour.
- Dubizzle. The local classifieds. Use Dubizzle to find apartments and used cars.
- Talabat. 24/7 food delivery.
- Deliveroo. - 24/7 food delivery when Talabat doesn’t have the restaurant
- McDelivery. When you want a McFlurry at 3 AM.
- eKar. Car rental per-minute, per-hour, per-day, per-week, of per-month.
- Cafu. Petrol as a Service. If your car is parked outside, Cafu will fill it up at night for you.
- WhatsApp. The whole country runs on WhatsApp. Even my local minimart uses WhatsApp for home delivery orders.
- The Entertainer. 2 for 1 restaurant vouchers. For many restaurants, there’s tourist price (normal price) and local price (half price).
- Noon. The local Amazon/online grocery.
- Carrefour. When Noon doesn't have what you want.
Essential government apps.
Signup for UAE Pass first as this app provides single sign on for most government services. You'll need a valid Emirates ID to use these apps.
- ALHOSN. The Covid-19 vaccination passport and test verification.
- DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). Required to connect/disconnect electricity and water in Dubai. Also the easiest way to pay your bill.
- DHA (Dubai Health Authority). If you ever need to go to hospital it’ll save you time. Use this to book a COVID-19 test or vaccine.
- Dubai Police. Use to check for speeding fines.
- GDRFA Dubai. Use to check your visa status.
- RTA (Roads and Transport Authority). Use to pay for parking and top up your Nol (public transport) card.
- SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services). This can also be used to book a COVID-19 test or vaccine, even if you're on a Dubai visa.
- UAE Pass. Single sign on for most government services.
VoIP apps.
Collaboration apps that work reliably.
- Google Meet. This is a good product, I expect Google to discontinue it at any moment.
- Microsoft Teams. For the corporate cubicle warriors.
- Zoom. The most common collaboration app.
