Whether you’re staying in a hotel, vacation rental, or apartment in Dubai, having the right apps on your phone can make your trip much easier, smoother, and more enjoyable. Below are some of the most important apps used in the UAE — from official government services to food delivery and transport — that every visitor should consider downloading.
Government & Public-Service Apps
DubaiNow — the all-in-one government services app.
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Through DubaiNow you can pay utility bills, top up services, renew vehicle registration, pay fines, manage visas/residency status, and more.
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It’s especially useful for visitors or guests planning medium- or long-term stays — you don’t need to visit multiple offices in person.
UAE PASS — the national digital identity and signature app.
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Useful if you need to access official services, sign documents, or handle legal/government-related paperwork digitally.
These apps reflect how modern and smart the UAE’s public-services infrastructure is: they make life easier for residents and visitors alike by reducing paperwork and saving time.
Shopping, Food & Groceries / Home Services Apps
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Dubai offers some of the fastest and most convenient shopping and delivery services in the world. Whether you want groceries, meals, electronics, or household essentials delivered to your vacation rental, these apps make life extremely easy for both tourists and residents.
• Noon
One of the UAE’s biggest online shopping platforms. You can order electronics, home items, fashion, and more—with fast delivery across Dubai.
• InstaShop
A popular grocery and essentials delivery app. Perfect for guests who prefer cooking at home or want quick delivery of snacks, toiletries, or daily necessities.
• Careem
More than just a ride-hailing service—Careem also delivers groceries, food, pharmacy items, and essentials right to your door.
• Amazon & Amazon Now
Amazon UAE offers a huge variety of products, from electronics and home items to clothing and toiletries.
Amazon Now provides express delivery for groceries and supermarket items, including fresh produce, cleaning supplies, snacks, and home essentials—delivered within hours.
Perfect for travelers who need items quickly without going to a store.• Supermarket-Specific Delivery Apps (Very Popular in the UAE)
Most major supermarkets in Dubai have their own official delivery apps, making grocery shopping fast and reliable:
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Lulu Hypermarket App – Known for a wide range of international foods, bakery items, fresh meat, vegetables, and imported products.
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Carrefour App – Offers fast delivery, great deals, and a large selection of fresh food, daily essentials, and household items.
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Viva Supermarket App – Popular for affordable grocery shopping and budget-friendly items—great for long stays in Dubai.
These apps make it extremely convenient for your guests to order anything they need—fresh meals, groceries, snacks, drinks, or home supplies—without leaving the comfort of your room, modern studio, or cozy apartment.
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Transportation, Mobility & Travel Apps
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S’hail — Official public-transport app for Dubai’s metro, bus, tram, water taxis; helps plan trips, check schedules, and top up transport cards. Very useful for tourists navigating the city.
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Careem and Bolt — Also a major ride-hailing and taxi alternative (cars, airport rides, rides with luggage), useful especially for late nights or airport transfers.
For tourists and short-stay visitors, these transportation apps are vital to get around — whether you prefer public transit or private rides.
Why These Apps Are Great for Tourists & Guests in Dubai
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More convenience — Guests can order groceries, essentials, or food directly to their rental, great for families or long stays.
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Comfort & flexibility — Between ride-hailing, public transport apps, and delivery services, visitors can travel or stay indoors comfortably without worrying about logistics.
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Ease for tourists from abroad — Apps like UAE PASS, Botim, S’hail, or Careem make life easier even for someone new in Dubai.
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Enhances your rental’s value — If you recommend these apps to your guests, they’ll appreciate the local “insider tips” — which builds trust and improves their stay experience.
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Tips for Using These Apps During Your Stay
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Download the apps before you arrive (or soon after), to get used to their interface.
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Use English or Arabic versions — most apps support both.
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For transport: if using metro/bus/tram, get a Nol Card and top it up via S’hail.
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For food or groceries: check reviews on Talabat, track deliveries, and use cashless payment.
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For rides: link your card in Careem or ride-hailing apps to avoid cash hassles.
Dubai and the wider UAE are among the most digitally advanced travel destinations in the world, and these apps make life much easier for visitors. By having the right tools on your smartphone, you can enjoy your stay with comfort, convenience, and peace of mind — whether you’re exploring world-class attractions, ordering food, or simply living day-to-day.