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Explore top Dubai apps that cater to a variety of needs and preferences, from shopping and dining to government services and more.
In Dubai, there seems to be an app for everything, which means you don’t have to be a local to know how to make the most of the buzzing city… but it does help. Below is a local expert’s curated list of Dubai apps that gives you access to everything the city has to offer, right at your fingertips.
Table of Contents
- Discount Apps
- Delivery Apps
- Dubai Online Shopping Apps
- Dubai Food Delivery Apps
- Government Apps
- Lifestyle Apps
- Transportation Apps
Discount Apps
The Entertainer
During your first few weeks in the UAE, you’ll quickly become familiar with the phrase ‘Is it on the Entertainer?’ And there is a good reason for that. In a place known for opulent brunches and luxurious afternoon teas, finding discounts is a delight. The Entertainer app serves as your golden ticket to extraordinary savings, making indulgent experiences, such as Michelin-starred dinners, accessible without breaking the bank.
This versatile two-for-one app keeps improving. Beyond dining deals, it offers fitness and activity discounts (don’t miss the exciting theme park offers). And here’s the cherry on top: you can even share unused deals with friends and family, spreading the joy of savings and nice experiences.
Groupon
As a renowned global app, Groupon has made its mark in Dubai as a go-to destination for savvy shoppers and deal-seekers. This popular online marketplace offers an extensive array of deals and discounts on an impressive range of products and services. From dining at top restaurants to experiencing exciting leisure activities, shopping for electronics, booking travel getaways, and indulging in pampering services like beauty treatments, Groupon provides an easy way to discover and enjoy cost-effective options in the city.
Delivery Apps
InstaShop
In a fast-paced world where convenience is paramount, delivery services are gaining prominence. InstaShop is among the favored online shopping apps in Dubai, providing a seamless and convenient experience.
All you need to do is to locate a nearby supermarket, select your desired items, and receive them in around 30 minutes. This service comes in handy, whether you’re in the midst of a dinner party and can’t step out for snacks or you find yourself missing a crucial ingredient while cooking. Moreover, InstaShop extends its service to include pet supplies, flowers, bakeries, cosmetics, and even pharmacy products, with both cash-on-delivery and credit card payment options available. Apart from UAE, Instashop operates in Bahrain, Egypt, Greece, Oman and Qatar.
CAFU
If you’ve been in Dubai for a few days, you’ve likely spotted CAFU trucks cruising the city streets. CAFU is an innovative fuel delivery service redefining the way Dubai residents manage their vehicle needs. Offering comprehensive services that encompass fuel delivery, as well as car washing, battery charging, engine oil changes, and tire changes, CAFU provides a one-stop solution for all your automotive needs.
This app not only simplifies the refueling process for cars but also caters to boat owners, offering refueling services at select marinas in Dubai. Notably, there’s no delivery fee for fuel, and the prices are the same as at the petrol station. Whether you’re in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, or Umm Al Quwain, CAFU ensures that your vehicle never runs on empty by delivering fuel directly to your parking spot.
Dubai Online Shopping Apps
Noon
Noon is a leading player among Dubai’s online shopping apps, serving as one of the largest online marketplaces in the region. Shoppers can browse and purchase products from various categories and have them delivered to their doorstep.
The e-commerce hub is famous for its extensive product selection, competitive prices, and regular promotions and discounts. It provides a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience for customers in the UAE and is a popular choice for online shopping.
Dubbizle
Dubizzle is the UAE’s premier online marketplace, offering an array of goods and services to explore. To put it simply, it’s much like a magical grand bazaar where you can discover anything you desire, whether it’s buying or selling second-hand items and cars, exploring properties, or even finding job opportunities in your field. The beloved app offers a user-friendly platform that simplifies searching and connecting with ease.
Ounass
Luxury shopping reaches new heights with Ounass, the UAE-based online store featuring curated collections from renowned brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi.
Browse through exclusive capsule collections from select designers or shop by category – from stylish shoes and handbags to exquisite gifts and homewares. You’ll likely discover everything you never knew you needed.
What sets Ounass apart is its remarkable two-hour delivery window for all orders in Dubai, ensuring you can select the perfect outfit during your morning coffee and have it ready for your brunch date.
The Dubai Mall App
Navigating the largest mall in the world isn’t always easy, but the Dubai Mall app simplifies the experience. With over 1300 stores and real-time notifications about the latest offers, you can explore the extravagance of The Dubai Mall before setting foot inside.
The app offers turn-by-turn navigation for a seamless journey through its vast expanse. What’s more, with every purchase, you’ll earn valuable Emirates Skywards points, making your shopping experience even more rewarding.
Dubai Food Delivery Apps
Talabat
Talabat is among the leading food delivery apps in the UAE, featuring over 10,000 restaurants on its platform. Being present in the entire region, it’s your ultimate destination for all things food.
Explore a diverse array of cuisines and restaurants, ranging from global franchises to local favorites. Talabat also provides a variety of payment options to accommodate your needs anytime, anywhere. Notably, you can use the guest checkout option for hassle-free access to this app without creating an account. Plus, the app conveniently keeps track of your previous orders for easy reordering.
Deliveroo
Deliveroo, a well-established food delivery service, is the go-to food delivery app for many residents and visitors in the UAE. Partnering with a wide array of local restaurants, Deliveroo offers a seamless and convenient way to enjoy diverse culinary experiences from the comfort of your home or office. With this app, users can effortlessly browse menus, place orders, and have their favorite dishes promptly delivered to their desired location. The real-time order tracking feature keeps you informed about the status of your delivery, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience.
Get it for iOS
Zomato
Similar to Deliveroo, Zomato also provides food delivery services, allowing users to conveniently order their favorite dishes from a diverse selection of restaurants. With a vast restaurant database, featuring menus, user reviews, and the average amount spent by diners, Zomato serves as a personalized guide for those seeking their ideal dining destination. With its user-friendly interface and dedication to culinary diversity, this food delivery app enhances your culinary journey in Dubai.
Government Apps
UAE Pass
The UAE Pass app simplifies access to various government websites and services through a single, mobile-based login. With this app, you can conveniently manage a wide range of tasks, including money exchange, banking, telecommunication services, and visa applications, which encompass filing and extensions. Access to this efficient and time-saving app requires an Emirates ID, ensuring secure and user-friendly access to essential government services.
DubaiNow
DubaiNow eliminates the stress and time associated with accessing government services, making life easier, especially for those who have just moved to the city.
While both the UAE Pass and DubaiNow apps serve the purpose of streamlining access to government services, they cater to different needs. With DubaiNow, you can seamlessly manage a variety of tasks, including paying traffic fines, renewing your car registration, updating your Salik account, handling parking fees, purchasing seasonal parking, buying or selling a car in Dubai, managing car insurance, checking real-time traffic accident locations, locating EV chargers, Tasjeel centers, and fuel stations. This makes DubaiNow the go-to app for those seeking a wide spectrum of time-saving conveniences in their emirate.
Lifestyle Apps
Viya
Viya partners with prominent hotels in Dubai, offering customers exclusive access to outstanding facilities, dining options, and beautiful beaches. Golf enthusiasts can also benefit from Viya’s services, gaining access to premium golf destinations in Dubai at special rates.
Viya’s reward program operates on a two-way loyalty system. With every AED spent at a Viya partner, you receive cashback, which can accumulate and be redeemed for luxurious experiences. Additionally, you can enjoy savings on every purchase made through the app.
Washmen
Say goodbye to the hassle of dry cleaning in Dubai. With Washmen, your laundry is picked up and delivered right to your door through a fully contactless service on the app.
All you need to do is place an order, specify your preferred pick-up and drop-off date and time, and a driver will promptly collect your laundry. The app offers both a clean and press service for your clothing, bedding, and towels, as well as a clean and fold service for your activewear.
Urban Company
Urban Company offers a versatile platform connecting you with trained professionals across various fields. Using this app, you can easily book salon or spa treatments, haircuts, pet grooming, home cleaning, gardening services, and more.
The app also provides access to repair experts, as well as professionals skilled in moving and painting services. All service providers on the platform undergo rigorous training with Urban Company before listing their services.
Transportation Apps
Blacklane
You knew it was coming… but seriously, no list of top Dubai apps would be complete without Blacklane! Booking a chauffeured ride through Blacklane provides you with the utmost convenience when navigating Dubai, saving you both time and hassle.
With the Blacklane app, you can instantly book a ride or schedule one in advance for different purposes, such as airport transfers or longer journeys to nearby emirates like Abu Dhabi. The app allows you to manage your rides with ease, and the best part? Blacklane’s fixed-price rides ensure there are no hidden costs to worry about when making a booking.
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.
