Setting up in the Emirates without knowing the local digital ecosystem needlessly exposes any entrepreneur to frustrating administrative delays. To make your integration as smooth as possible, this guide lists the applications in the United Arab Emirates which now centralise everything you need to do, from digital identity to banking services. Identify now the mobile solutions that will save you precious hours and discover the tips for optimising your daily budget in this hyper-connected country.
Government applications: the basis of your administrative life
UAE PASS: your unified digital identity
You can't do anything without UAE PASS here, it's the first thing you need to set up. This is your single access key for absolutely all services federal or local. Imagine a FranceConnect, but much more powerful and compulsory.
This application allows you to sign official documents electronically from your phone. It authenticates you on more than 6,000 services thanks to your link with the’Emirates ID, which makes the process ultra-secure. It's a monumental time-saver for the entrepreneur.
Without this application, most modern administrative procedures in the Emirates are simply impossible. That's the starting point.
DubaiNow: the one-stop shop for all your services in Dubai
Think of DubaiNow as the a real Swiss Army knife for your everyday life in Dubai. The application centralises more than 120 city services, both public and private. It's an absolutely essential tool for every resident living here.
Pay your DEWA electricity and water bills or recharge your Salik toll tag instantly. Pay your fines or renew your car registration without leaving your office. It's all done in 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 application
Forget the image of a simple app to call for help with Dubai Police. This is a a genuine administrative management tool linked to safety and driving. It radically simplifies your daily driving life.
Its most useful function is to report a minor road accident without stress. You don't have to wait for a patrol at the side of the road, because the report is generated directly via the app.
You can also pay traffic fines or obtain a certificate of good conduct. Employers often ask for this specific document.
Getting around the Emirates: tools for stress-free mobility
Once you've secured your administration, you need to be able to move around. And in the Emirates, where the car is king but public transport is efficient, your smartphone is your best ally.
RTA Dubai: the master of public and private transport
The RTA Dubai application is not an option, it's a must. the official and central tool for anyone who wants to get around Dubai. Whether you're a public transport enthusiast or a daily driver, this platform handles it all. You literally can't miss out.
For public transport users, it allows them to plan your journey by metro, bus, tram or even water taxi with a redoubtable precision. You can also top up your NOL card instantly. It's quick, easy and a great way to avoid queues.
For motorists, this is the place to be. pay for parking on the street and top up your Salik toll account. No more coins or scratch cards; check out our tips for car hire in Dubai to optimise your journeys.
Careem and Uber: not just VTCs
VTCs are essential in a country where taxis are ubiquitous but sometimes difficult to hail at peak times. Everyone knows Uber, the world's leading taxi service, but it is absolutely essential to download Careem, the local player.
The difference is significant. Careem has evolved into a an essential «Super App. You can order food, do your shopping, hire a bike and even send parcels. It's a complete ecosystem.
A practical tip for your wallet: always compare prices between the two before each race, as they can vary significantly depending on demand and the time of day.
Waze and Google Maps: your co-pilots against traffic jams
We no longer need to introduce these two giants, but don't make the mistake of thinking that the local apps are all you need. They remain the absolute benchmarks for pure sailing in the UAE.
Their strength lies in real-time traffic information, which is vital here. In Dubai, with its often congested main roads, knowing the location of speed cameras, accidents and alternative routes thanks to Waze can help you to keep up with the pace of traffic. save precious time every morning.
Google Maps is still excellent for finding specific points of interest, restaurants or shops with reliable reviews. The two complement each other perfectly.
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Managing daily life: deliveries, shopping and home services
Once you know how to get around, you need to eat well. In the Emirates, the service and delivery culture is pushed to the limit, directly into your smartphone.
Talabat, Deliveroo and Careem NOW: the war for delivered meals
The market is dominated by a trio: Talabat (the historic leader), Deliveroo (the challenger) and Careem NOW. Competition is fierce on exclusive restaurants, which benefits the consumer.
My advice: keep all three applications installed. Delivery charges and promotions change all the time, so compare systematically.
InstaShop and Noon: your shopping from the supermarket to your door
When it comes to shopping, I recommends InstaShop for speed of execution and Noon for a wider choice. With InstaShop, you choose your local supermarket and receive everything in less than an hour. Perfect for emergencies.
Noon, the local equivalent of Amazon, is unbeatable for large-scale, planned orders via its dedicated services.
To navigate this jungle of options without wasting time, a comparison is in order. The table below summarises who does what best to avoid unpleasant surprises, depending on your needs.
| Application | Type of main service | Strong point | Ideal for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talabat | Meals & Shopping | The widest choice of restaurants | Ordering food every day |
| Deliveroo | Meals (premium focus) | Exclusive restaurants, meticulous interface | Discover more upmarket 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 filling up for the week |
| Noon | E-commerce & Shopping | Massive product offering (Amazon type) | Large planned orders and non-food shopping |
Communicating and staying connected: what makes the Emirates so special
Now that you're settled and mobile, you need to be able to talk to your friends and family. And here's a word of warning: communication rules in the Emirates are not the same.
Botim and GoChat: solutions for video and voice calls
You'll soon hit an unexpected digital wall. Voice and video calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime or Messenger are blocked in the Emirates. It's a brutal shock for many new arrivals who didn't know it.
Fortunately, local operators are providing an official alternative. They offer applications such as Botim or GoChat, accessible via a specific monthly subscription. The quality is good, but it's a unavoidable expense to stay in touch.
Please note that text messages, photos and voice notes on WhatsApp work perfectly. Only live calls (VoIP) are concerned by this strict government restriction.
Social networks and VPNs
Reassure yourself immediately about your social visibility. All the classic networks such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and LinkedIn are available to you. 100% accessible and widely used.
The question of VPNs is more delicate. Many expatriates use them discreetly to get round the blocking of VoIP calls. It's a complex grey area: technically it works, but their use to access blocked content is officially illegal.
To clarify this unclear situation and save you the trouble, here's a a simple summary of the reality on the ground concerning your communications :
- Text and voice messages (WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.) : ✅ Works perfectly.
- Video/audio calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) : ❌ Blocked by operators.
- Official calling applications (Botim, GoChat) : ✅ Works via a paid subscription.
- Using a VPN to call: ⚠️ Technically possible, but legally risky.
Finance, shopping and good deals: optimising your budget
Living well in the Emirates also means knowing how to manage your dirhams intelligently. A host of local applications are radically transforming the way we spend, save and, above all, manage our dirhams. enjoy lifestyle without breaking the bank.
Local banking applications: more than just transfers
Forget the dated banking interfaces we sometimes see in Europe. Here, players such as Emirates NBD with ENBD X or FAB are offering formidable mobile tools, a logical step after open a business bank account in the Emirates.
But the experience doesn't end when you consult the balance. We pay bills directly, manage international transfers in seconds and open savings accounts instantly, This is often coupled with very aggressive cashback programmes.
As a result, we almost never set foot in an agency. All controlled from the pocket, It's an efficient, time-saving solution for busy entrepreneurs.
Tabby and Tamara Fractional payments with an Emirati twist
The «Buy Now, Pay Later» (BNPL) concept has literally invaded everyday life in the UAE. Two giants dominate this market, and you'll see their logos everywhere: Tabby and Tamara.
The principle is as simple as child's play: you take the product with you straight away and the pay in four instalments, with no hidden charges. It's available both on e-commerce sites and in physical shops in malls.
It is a powerful lever for smooth out major installation costs without affecting your cash flow. But beware: the accumulation of small monthly payments can be surprising if you don't keep an eye on things.
The Entertainer and others: never pay full price
Paying full price in Dubai is a beginner's mistake. The Entertainer is a veritable institution for expatriates: this pay-as-you-go app often pays for itself in a single outing thanks to its «buy one, get one free» model.
Imagine a free main course for a purchase in a good restaurant, or free entry to an amusement park. Visit savings at the end of the year are quite simply massive, Whether you're on your own or with your family.
To fully appreciate the power of this tool, here is the type of offers that are systematically found, It's the perfect complement to other apps such as Zomato Pro :
- Restaurants : 2-for-1 on main courses.
- Leisure 2-for-1 on admissions (water parks, cinemas, etc.).
- Beauty & Fitness 2-for-1 on massages, facials or sports memberships.
- Hotels : Free hotel nights for stays of several nights.
Integration in the Emirates now goes digital. These applications are not simple conveniences, but the keystones of a successful installation and frictionless. By mastering this digital ecosystem as soon as you arrive, you can turn your smartphone into a veritable command centre to help you manage your new expatriate life effectively.
Frequently asked questions :
Can I make WhatsApp or FaceTime calls from Dubai?
No, it's a local specificity that every newcomer should be aware of. The messaging functions (texts, photos, voice notes) work perfectly well on WhatsApp, audio and video calls via these platforms (as well as FaceTime or Messenger) are blocked.
What applications should I use for video calls in the Emirates?
To replace blocked applications, you need to use officially accredited solutions such as Botim or GoChat. These applications enable video and voice calls to be made legally via the networks of local operators (Etisalat or Du). For business meetings, Zoom and Microsoft Teams generally work smoothly over fixed Internet connections.
What are the most popular social networks in Dubai?
The social ecosystem is very dynamic in the Emirates. Instagram is a must-have and often acts as the main showcase for businesses, sometimes more than their own website. LinkedIn is also used extensively for business and networking. Snapchat and TikTok remain very popular with a wider audience. Access to these platforms is free and requires no special configuration.
