Moving to the Emirates without understanding the local digital ecosystem unnecessarily exposes entrepreneurs to frustrating administrative delays. To ensure a smooth transition, this guide lists the essential apps in the United Arab Emirates that now centralize all your procedures, from digital identity to banking services. Discover the mobile solutions that will save you precious time and learn tips for optimizing your daily budget in this hyper-connected country.
Government applications: the foundation of your administrative life
UAE PASS: your unified digital identity
You can't do anything here without UAE PASS; it's the first thing you need to set up. It's your unique access key for absolutely all federal or local services. Imagine FranceConnect, but much more powerful and mandatory.
This app allows you to sign official documents electronically from your phone. It authenticates you on over 6,000 services thanks to your link with theEmirates ID, making the process ultra-secure. It saves entrepreneurs a tremendous amount of time.
Without this app, most modern administrative procedures in the Emirates are simply impossible. That's the starting point.
DubaiNow: your one-stop shop for all your services in Dubai
Consider DubaiNow as the ultimate Swiss Army knife for your daily life in Dubai. The app brings together more than 120 city services, both public and private. It is an absolutely essential tool for every resident living here.
Pay your DEWA electricity and water bills or top up your Salik toll badge instantly. Settle your fines or renew your car registration without leaving your desk. Everything can be done in just a few quick clicks.
The app goes even further, allowing you to search for a school or sign a lease. It's the remote control for your life in Dubai.
Dubai Police: much more than just an emergency app
Forget the image of a simple app for calling emergency services with Dubai Police. It is a real administrative management tool related to safety and driving. It radically simplifies your daily life as a driver.
Its most useful feature is still the ability to report minor traffic accidents without stress. You no longer have to wait for a patrol car to arrive at the scene, as the report is generated directly via the app.
You can also pay traffic fines or obtain a certificate of good conduct. Employers often request this specific document.
Getting around the Emirates: tools for stress-free mobility
Once you've got your admin sorted, you need to be able to get around. And in the Emirates, where cars reign supreme but public transport is efficient, your smartphone is your best friend.
RTA Dubai: the master of public and private transportation
The RTA Dubai app isn't optional—it's the official, central tool for anyone who wants to get around Dubai. Whether you're a public transit enthusiast or a daily driver, this platform handles everything. You literally can't miss it.
For public transportation users, it allows them to plan their journey by subway, bus, tram, or even water taxi with remarkable accuracy. You can also instantly recharge your NOL card. It's simple, fast, and incredibly effective for avoiding queues.
For drivers, this is where you pay for street parking and top up your Salik toll account. No more coins or scratch cards; see also our tips for renting a car in Dubai to optimize your trips.
Careem and Uber: ride-hailing services, but not only that
Ride-hailing services are essential in a country where taxis are ubiquitous but sometimes difficult to hail during rush hour. Everyone knows Uber, the global benchmark, but it's essential to download Careem, the local player.
The difference is significant. Careem has evolved into a truly indispensable "Super App." Beyond simple car rides, you can order food, do your shopping, rent a bike, and even send packages. It's a complete ecosystem.
A practical tip for your wallet: always compare prices between the two before each ride, as they can vary significantly depending on demand and time of day.
Waze and Google Maps: your co-pilots against traffic jams
These two giants need no introduction, but don't make the mistake of thinking that local apps are enough. They remain the gold standard for pure navigation in the UAE.
Their strength lies in real-time traffic information, which is vital here. In Dubai, with its often congested major roads, knowing the location of speed cameras, accidents, and alternative routes thanks to Waze can save you precious time every morning.
Google Maps remains excellent for finding specific points of interest, restaurants, or shops with reliable reviews. The two complement each other perfectly.
+ more than 500 companies
Already our customers
Managing daily life: deliveries, shopping, and home services
Once you know how to get around, you need to eat well. In the Emirates, the culture of service and delivery is taken to the extreme, right to your smartphone.
Talabat, Deliveroo, and Careem NOW: the food delivery war
The market is dominated by three major players: Talabat (the long-standing leader), Deliveroo (the challenger), and Careem NOW. Competition is fierce among exclusive restaurants, which benefits consumers.
My advice: keep all three apps installed. Delivery fees and promotions change all the time, so always compare prices.
InstaShop and Noon: your grocery shopping delivered to your door
When it comes to grocery shopping, I recommend InstaShop for fast delivery and Noon for a wider selection. With InstaShop, you choose your local supermarket and receive your order in less than an hour. It's perfect for emergencies.
Noon, the local equivalent of Amazon, is unbeatable for large, scheduled orders via its dedicated services.
To navigate this jungle of options without wasting time, a comparison is essential. The table below summarizes which option is best for you, based on your needs, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
| Application | Primary service type | Strength | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talabat | Meals & Shopping | The largest selection of restaurants | Ordering food on a daily basis |
| Deliveroo | Meals (premium focus) | Exclusive restaurants, refined interface | Discover slightly more upscale restaurants |
| Careem NOW | Meals & Miscellaneous Services | Integration into the Careem Super App | Do everything from a single application |
| InstaShop | Express shopping | Delivery in ~60 minutes from local supermarkets | Last-minute shopping or weekly grocery shopping |
| Noon | E-commerce & Courses | Massive product offering (Amazon-style) | Large planned orders and non-food shopping |
Communicating and staying connected: the unique nature of the Emirates
Now that you're settled in and mobile, you need to be able to talk to your loved ones. But be careful: the rules of communication in the Emirates are not the same.
Botim and GoChat: solutions for video and voice calls
You will quickly hit an unexpected digital wall. Voice and video calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger are blocked in the Emirates. This comes as a shock to many newcomers who were unaware of this.
Fortunately, local operators offer an official alternative. They provide apps such as Botim or GoChat, which are accessible via a specific monthly subscription. The quality is good, but it is an unavoidable expense to stay in touch.
Please note that text messages, photos, and voice notes on WhatsApp work perfectly. Only live calls (VoIP) are affected by this strict government restriction.
Social media and the issue of VPNs
Rest assured about your social visibility. All traditional networks such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, and LinkedIn are 100% accessible and widely used.
The issue of VPNs is more delicate. Many expatriates use them discreetly to bypass VoIP call blocking. It's a complex gray area: technically it works, but using them to access blocked content is officially illegal.
To clarify this unclear situation and save you trouble, here is a simple summary of the reality on the ground regarding your communications:
- Text and voice messages (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.): ✅ Works perfectly.
- Video/audio calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime): ❌ Blocked by carriers.
- Official calling apps (Botim, GoChat): ✅ Works via a paid subscription.
- Using a VPN to make calls: ⚠️ Technically possible, but legally risky.
Finance, shopping, and tips: optimizing your budget
Living well in the Emirates also means knowing how to manage your dirhams wisely. A host of local apps are radically transforming the way people spend, save, and above all, enjoy the lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Local banking apps: beyond simple transfers
Forget the outdated banking interfaces that we sometimes see in Europe. Here, players such as Emirates NBD with ENBD X or FAB offer powerful mobile tools, a logical step after opening a business bank account in the Emirates.
But the experience doesn't stop at checking your balance. You can pay your bills directly, manage international transfers in seconds, and open savings accounts instantly, often coupled with very aggressive cashback programs.
The result: we hardly ever set foot in the agency. Everything is managed from our pockets, with an efficiency that saves precious time for busy entrepreneurs.
Tabby and Tamara: split payments, Emirati style
The concept of "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) has literally taken over everyday life in the UAE. Two giants dominate this market, and you will see their logos everywhere: Tabby and Tamara.
The principle is very simple: you leave with the product immediately and pay for it in four installments, with no hidden fees. It is available both on e-commerce sites and in physical stores in malls.
This is a powerful tool for smoothing out large installation costs without affecting your cash flow. However, be careful: small monthly payments can quickly add up if you don't keep an eye on them.
The Entertainer and others: never pay full price
Paying full price in Dubai is a rookie mistake. The Entertainer is a real institution for expats: this paid app often pays for itself in a single outing thanks to its "buy one, get one free" model.
Imagine a free main course when you buy one in a good restaurant, or free admission to an amusement park. The savings at the end of the year are simply massive, whether you're alone or with your family.
To fully grasp the power of this tool, here are the types of offers that are consistently available, perfectly complementing other apps such as Zomato Pro:
- Restaurants: 2-for-1 on main courses.
- Leisure: 2-for-1 on admission tickets (water parks, movie theaters, etc.).
- Beauty & Fitness: 2-for-1 on massages, facials, or gym memberships.
- Hotels: Complimentary hotel nights for stays of several nights.
Integration in the Emirates now happens digitally. These apps are not just conveniences, but the cornerstones of a successful and smooth transition. By mastering this digital ecosystem as soon as you arrive, you can turn your smartphone into a command center for effectively managing your new life as an expatriate.
Frequently asked questions :
Can you make WhatsApp or FaceTime calls from Dubai?
No, it's a local peculiarity that all newcomers should be aware of. While messaging features (texts, photos, voice notes) work perfectly on WhatsApp, audio and video calls via these platforms (as well as FaceTime or Messenger) are blocked.
Which apps should you use for video calls in the Emirates?
To replace blocked applications, you must use officially accredited solutions such as Botim or GoChat. These applications allow you to make video and voice calls legally through local operator networks (Etisalat or Du). Note that for business meetings, Zoom and Microsoft Teams generally work smoothly on fixed internet connections.
Which social media platforms are most popular in Dubai?
The social ecosystem is very dynamic in the Emirates. Instagram is essential and often serves as the main showcase for businesses, sometimes more so than their own websites. LinkedIn is also widely used for business and networking. Snapchat and TikTok remain very popular with a wider audience. Access to these platforms is free and does not require any special configuration.
