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Life in the UAE moves fast. Between the glitzy skyscrapers, busy roads, world-class malls, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You might feel juggling too many things in a day—bills to pay, errands to run, food to order, and traffic to dodge—all while trying to stay productive and sane.
Fortunately, there are plenty of mobile apps designed to make daily tasks a breeze, regardless of whether you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah.
Some of the top Emirati apps, including Careem, Talabat, DubaiNow, BOTIM, Xe Currency, and Airalo, are already making life easier for millions.
According to Statista, the UAE’s mobile app market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.86% and hit a target of US$673.90 million by 2030.
The statistics make it quite clear that there is solid potential to invest in our mobile app development company.
In this write-up, we have put together a list of must-have apps in the UAE that will save you time, reduce stress, and keep you organized.
Let’s dive in.
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Moving to or living in the UAE can feel like a whirlwind, characterized by busy streets, a fast-paced life, and endless to-do lists.
Luckily, there’s an app for almost everything, making everyday life smoother and less stressful.
If you want to save time and effort, these are must-have apps in the UAE that you’ll want to download today.
Careem is your everyday go-to app. You can book a ride, order lunch, get groceries delivered, or even top up your phone—all from one place.
It is among the super must-have apps in the UAE. Originally known for its efficient ride-hailing service, it has now become a full-fledged app that makes daily tasks a breeze.
You can enjoy a budget-friendly ride, a crisp food restaurant, or a luxurious hotel stay in just a few taps of the screen.
In the UAE alone, Careem is among the top 5 most downloaded lifestyle apps.
To cater to diverse user preferences, it offers eco-friendly rides and high-end options like Lexus and BMW for those seeking comfort and style.
Besides all this, it has also made going cashless easier. Users now use Careem Pay to manage payments for rides and ordering dinner.
| Feature | Description |
| Ride-Hailing | Book a ride in a snap—from economy cars to luxury options, plus bike rides. |
| Careem Food | Order meals from a variety of restaurants and track delivery in real-time. |
| Careem Quik/Shops | Get groceries, pharmacy items, and more delivered to your door fast. |
| Careem Pay | Manage payments for rides, food, and even money transfers securely. |
| User-Friendly Interface | A clean, simple design that makes navigation effortless. |
Also Read: “How much does it cost to build an app like Uber or Careem? Find out here.”
If you’re craving late-night burgers or need some essentials from the supermarket, Talabat is one of the food delivery apps in the UAE for this purpose.
Founded in 2004 in Kuwait, it has become one of the leading online food and grocery platforms in the Middle East, especially in the UAE.
Talabat app has expanded its horizons to restaurants, groceries, and even pharmacies across the city.
Today, it connects over 6 million active customers with 65,000+ restaurants, grocery stores, and pharmacies, supported by a fleet of 119,000+ riders across multiple countries.
Using it is quite easy. You just have to open it, browse through hundreds of options near you, tap to order, and enjoy it from the comfort of your couch.
You can track your delivery in real time, chat with the driver, or schedule meals ahead if you’re planning your week.
| Feature | Description |
| Restaurant Delivery | Access to thousands of restaurants across Dubai—from global chains to local gems. |
| Grocery Delivery | Shop daily essentials, snacks, and fresh items with fast delivery from nearby stores. |
| Scheduled Orders | Place an order now and schedule it for later—perfect for busy days or meal planning. |
| Live Order Tracking | Watch your order move from the kitchen to your doorstep with real-time GPS tracking. |
| Multiple Payment Options | Pay with card, cash, or Talabat Pay for a smooth and secure checkout. |
| Promos & Discounts | Get frequent deals, discount codes, and bundle offers, especially during holidays. |
| Multi-language Support | Use the app in both English and Arabic, making it easier for everyone to navigate. |
| Quick Reordering | Reorder your favorites in seconds without starting from scratch. |
Bonus Read: “Inspired by Talabat’s success? Learn how to build an app like Talabat with our detailed step-by-step guide.”
Dealing with paperwork, bills, and government offices can be a headache. However, fortunately, there is an app that alleviates most of this stress.
The DubaiNow app helps users to effortlessly pay utility bills, check visa status, renew car registration, and much more.
Positioning itself at the top of must-have apps in Dubai, this digital product feels like having all government departments at your fingertips.
You get access to over 280 services from 44 entities, both government and private, to manage all your official stuff without running from one office to another.
App users can even donate to charity, report violations, or check their health records.
Simply put, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop for everything you need to stay compliant, connected, and on top of your responsibilities.
| Feature | Description |
| Bill Payments | Pay DEWA, Etisalat, Du, and other utilities from one place. |
| Salik Recharge & Tracking | Recharge your Salik account and view toll gate trips instantly. |
| Car Registration & Fines | Renew your vehicle registration and pay traffic fines without visiting the RTA. |
| Visa & Residency Services | Check the status of visa applications or residency permits in real-time. |
| Healthcare Access | View medical test results and vaccination records linked to DHA. |
| Education Payments | Pay school and university fees in just a few taps. |
| Charity Donations | Make quick donations to verified local charities securely. |
| Police Services | Report lost items or track Dubai Police fines. |
| Parking Payments | Pay for RTA parking without sending SMS—just a few taps in the app. |
| Business Services | Access trade license renewals and business registration tools. |
Bayut is one of Dubai’s leading property apps with verified listings, prices, and neighborhood guides.
As one of the trusted must-have apps in the UAE, it offers a transparent house-hunting experience with verified listings, neighborhood insights, and market trends.
Bayut gives you access to thousands of up-to-date properties, quality images, virtual tours, and the ability to contact agents directly from the app.
To be precise, it simplifies the stressful home-searching procedure by making everything digital, intuitive, and insightful.
You can consider it as a kind of your digital real estate agent, available 24/7 and completely pressure-free.
| Feature | Description |
| Verified Listings | Only shows properties that are confirmed by agents or developers. |
| Advanced Search Filters | Search by price, location, property type, number of bedrooms, and more. |
| Virtual Tours | Explore properties from your phone through immersive 360° video walkthroughs. |
| Neighborhood Guides | Learn about the vibe, amenities, schools, and transport links in each area. |
| Saved Searches | Save your favorite filters and get notified when similar properties are listed. |
| Price Trends | View historical pricing to decide the right time to rent or buy. |
| Direct Agent Contact | Chat or call agents directly from the app—no third-party delays. |
| Map View | See listings on the map to understand proximity to schools, metro, etc. |
If you love 2-for-1 offers and exclusive discounts at restaurants, salons, gyms, and hotels, the Entertainer app pays for itself in no time.
It has a big name among discount apps. For a savvy spender, it’s a golden ticket to 1000+ BOGO offers and exclusive deals available at thousands of locations.
From high-end restaurants and gyms to family activities, hotel stays, and even delivery options, the savings add up fast.
Unlike most other popular apps in the UAE for residents, tourists also love them. You just browse, tap, and show your offer at checkout. It’s that easy.
Additionally, you can use it to find the best local places. The entertainer app is perfect for date nights, family days out, or treating yourself without breaking the bank.
| Feature | Description |
| Buy 1 Get 1 Free Deals | Enjoy BOGO offers on food, drinks, spa treatments, activities, and more. |
| Instant Redemption | No vouchers or printing—just tap the offer and show your phone at the venue. |
| Multi-City Access | Use your offers in multiple UAE cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc. |
| Hotel & Travel Deals | Get discounted hotel rates and offers on international and local getaways. |
| Delivery Discounts | Apply BOGO offers and discounts to food delivery from partnered restaurants. |
| Monthly Updates | New deals are added regularly, so you never run out of ways to save. |
| Easy Search & Categories | Quickly find deals by category, location, or keyword for faster browsing. |
Worthy read: “Check out how much a food delivery app development costs you. We’ve broken it all down—features, budget, timelines, and more.”
Who would love to get in touch with their loved ones abroad? For this purpose, BOTIM positions itself at the top of the list of must-have apps in the UAE for calling over Wi-Fi or data.
Licensed by the UAE’s telecom providers (Etisalat and Du), BOTIM gives you a secure, reliable, and high-quality way.
You can easily stay in touch with loved ones, whether they’re across the street or across the world.
With 90 million registered users and 25 million monthly active users, it is a top-rated calling app in the UAE, available on both iOS and Android.
For many UAE residents—expats, entrepreneurs, or remote workers—BOTIM is a lifeline that bridges long distances with just a tap.
| Feature | Description |
| HD Voice & Video Calls | Enjoy crystal-clear calls with minimal lag—even across long distances. |
| Licensed in the UAE | Unlike many other VoIP apps, BOTIM is officially approved and functional here. |
| Group Calling | Connect with up to 500 people in group chats or make group video calls easily. |
| File Sharing | Send documents, photos, audio, and even videos right through the app. |
| Secure Messaging | End-to-end encryption keeps your conversations private and protected. |
| Multi-Device Support | Use BOTIM on your phone, tablet, or even your desktop. |
| Subscription Integration | Works with Etisalat and Du internet calling plans for seamless connectivity. |
Read more: “Want to explore an alternative to BOTIM? We have compiled a list of the top 10 video calling apps in the UAE”
Selling your sofa? Looking for a car? Dubizzle is Dubai’s biggest classifieds app. You’ll find everything from electronics to jobs.
It’s basically the UAE’s online marketplace, where you can find second-hand furniture, electronics, cars, apartments, jobs—you name it.
Think of it as the modern version of affordable buying apps, but way smarter and right in your pocket.
You just have to browse by category, set filters, and chat directly with sellers. It’s fast, local, and super easy to use.
| Feature | Description |
| Classified Listings | Browse thousands of listings for real estate, cars, furniture, electronics, and more. |
| Post an Ad | Quickly upload items you want to sell, complete with images, price, and description. |
| In-App Chat | Communicate directly with buyers or sellers without needing to share your number. |
| Filters & Alerts | Narrow down search results and set alerts for new listings that match your criteria. |
| Verified Listings | Look out for “verified” tags for more trustworthy and high-quality posts. |
| Real Estate Section | Find apartments, villas, or commercial spaces for rent or sale across Dubai. |
| Motors Section | Buy and sell new or used cars, motorcycles, and boats. |
| Jobs Section | Search for job openings or post a vacancy across industries. |
| Mobile-Friendly UI | A clean, intuitive app design that makes browsing and posting effortless. |
Laundry? Ugh.
It’s one of those never-ending chores we all secretly dread, especially in a fast-paced city like Dubai, where time is everything.
The Washmen app makes laundry totally hands-off. Schedule a pickup, and they’ll return your clothes cleaned and folded.
If you still rely on conventional laundry services, give this one of the most useful apps in Dubai a try, and wonder how you ever lived without it.
So no more dragging heavy laundry bags through the building or hunting for coins at self-service machines.
No matter whether you need a quick shirt press for a meeting or weekly laundry help for your whole household, Washmen handles it all.
It’s perfect for busy professionals, families, and even tourists staying longer in Dubai.
| Feature | Description |
| Doorstep Pickup & Delivery | Schedule laundry pickup from your home or office and get it delivered fresh within 24–48 hours. |
| Dry Cleaning & Pressing | Professional care for suits, gowns, shirts, and delicate fabrics. |
| Wash & Fold | Every day, laundry is cleaned, folded, and packed—just like magic. |
| Eco-Friendly Process | Uses non-toxic detergents and water-saving methods for sustainable cleaning. |
| Stain Removal | Got a coffee spill or makeup stain? Their experts treat stubborn stains carefully. |
| App Tracking | Real-time updates on your laundry status—from pickup to drop-off. |
Life in Dubai can get hectic—between work, traffic, and family time, there’s rarely a moment to tackle chores.
From deep cleaning and AC maintenance to salon services at home, Justlife (formerly known as Justmop) home services app sends pros to your door.
It is extremely useful for busy individuals who value their time and convenience. Justlife is among the best apps for Dubai to manage your day-to-day home tasks.
You no longer have to hunt down service providers or worry about reliability.
Every service is just a few taps away, backed by trained staff, transparent pricing, and real-time booking updates.
| Feature | Description |
| Home Cleaning | Schedule regular or deep cleaning sessions for your home or office. |
| AC Maintenance | Book AC cleaning, repair, and servicing—especially helpful during summer months. |
| Salon at Home | Enjoy beauty treatments, haircuts, and grooming services without stepping outside. |
| Massage at Home | Book relaxing professional massages tailored to your schedule and preference. |
| Disinfection Services | Keep your home germ-free with professional-grade sanitization. |
| Laundry & Dry Cleaning | Pick-up and delivery laundry services right from your doorstep. |
| Pest Control | Eliminate unwanted pests with safe and certified pest control services. |
| Instant Booking | Real-time availability and booking for urgent service needs. |
| Verified Professionals | All service providers are background-checked and trained for quality assurance. |
Love trying new restaurants? Deliveroo offers top-notch delivery from Dubai’s best eateries, with great tracking and customer service.
If you haven’t tried these eating and food delivery apps, you’re missing out on one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to survive a busy day.
Unlike other must-have apps in the UAE that just list restaurants, Deliveroo partners with top-tier eateries, gourmet spots, and hidden gems.
The app satisfies your late-night cravings with hot, fresh, and fast services delivered straight to your door, featuring gourmet meals, local favorites, desserts, and coffee.
You can track orders in real-time and get accurate estimates. Plus, if you love planning ahead, you can even schedule your meals in advance.
Last but not least, they offer Deliveroo Plus, a subscription with unlimited free deliveries
| Feature | Description |
| Wide Restaurant Range | Access top-rated restaurants, hidden gems, and fast food all in one place. |
| Real-Time Tracking | Watch your order travel from the restaurant to your doorstep with live updates. |
| Scheduled Deliveries | Pre-order meals for later—perfect for lunch breaks or dinner parties. |
| Contactless Delivery | Get your food dropped off safely with minimal interaction. |
| Loyalty & Promotions | Enjoy exclusive discounts, promo codes, and Deliveroo Plus subscriptions. |
| Custom Search Filters | Sort by cuisine, rating, delivery time, or dietary preferences. |
| Groceries On-Demand | Order essentials like snacks, drinks, and produce—delivered just like food. |
Bonus Read: “Hungry for more options? If you love the convenience of ordering in, check out the list of the best food delivery apps in the UAE”
Getting around Dubai has never been easier thanks to nol Pay, the official RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) app that lets you manage your nol card right from your phone.
It was introduced as a part of Dubai’s Smart City 2025 initiative to digitize civic and mobility services.
Instead of queuing at recharge machines or searching for a kiosk, users through this app can check balance, top up their card, and even review recent trips.
This app, due to its foremost importance, places itself at the top of our list of must-have apps in Dubai.
It’s designed to make commuting smoother, smarter, and stress-free. For those who rely on public transport, nol Pay is more useful and essential for them.
| Feature | Description |
| Balance Check | Instantly view your nol card balance and avoid surprises at the station. |
| Top-Up & Recharge | Add credit to your card anytime, anywhere using your debit or credit card. |
| Trip History | Track your recent metro, tram, or bus trips with full fare details. |
| Card Management | Link multiple nol cards and switch between them with ease. |
| Parking Payments | Use your nol card to pay for RTA parking—no need for coins or SMS. |
| Secure Transactions | Make payments safely using RTA’s encrypted system for peace of mind. |
| NFC Tap-to-Use (on supported devices) | Use your phone as an nol card by tapping it at the station gates. |
Xe Currency is sleek, simple to use, and refreshes its rates in real-time, ensuring you always work with the most accurate numbers.
If you’re dealing with international money (and most of us are in Dubai), Xe helps you check live rates and track transfers easily.
Unlike other payment apps, it’s a personal finance assistant for anything involving foreign exchange.
Xe supports live exchange rates for over 100+ currencies—including AED, USD, INR, GBP, EUR, PHP, and many more at competitive rates.
It’s quick, reliable, and trusted by millions globally to negotiate prices, plan a trip, or compare values across currencies.
Freelancers, business owners, remote workers, and frequent travelers can benefit from this app by staying informed about global currency trends.
| Feature | Description |
| Live Exchange Rates | Get real-time currency rates for over 180 currencies with automatic updates. |
| Currency Converter | Instantly convert amounts between your chosen currencies with just a few taps. |
| International Money Transfer | Send money to over 130 countries with low fees and bank-level security. |
| Rate Alerts | Set custom alerts to notify you when a currency hits your desired rate. |
| Offline Mode | Access saved rates and conversion tools even when you don’t have internet. |
| Historical Charts | View past exchange trends with interactive charts for better financial decisions. |
Must Read: “Check our step-by-step guide to building a Tabby-like app: cost, features & alternatives.”
2GIS is a highly useful app in the UAE with detailed directories, public transport routes, and even indoor maps.
Not everyone is familiar with Dubai, and we sometimes don’t have a steady internet connection to keep in touch with the location.
Unlike other must-have apps in Dubai, it features an office function that even allows turn-by-turn navigation without using a single drop of mobile data.
2GIS does leave you stranded the moment you lose signal. It’s like a mini business directory right in your pocket.
The app has detailed listings with phone numbers, hours of operation, building entrances—even floor-by-floor indoor maps for malls and office towers!
This digital product is perfect for those discovering hidden gems like cozy cafés, clinics, or salons you didn’t know existed.
| Feature | Description |
| Offline Maps | Download detailed city maps and use them without an internet connection—ideal for tourists or weak signals. |
| Business Directory | Search for businesses by name or category with info like contact numbers, hours, and websites. |
| Turn-by-Turn Navigation | Get voice-guided directions for driving, walking, or public transport—even when offline. |
| Public Transport Routes | Check bus and metro schedules, routes, and travel times across Dubai. |
| Indoor Maps | Navigate inside malls, office buildings, and complexes with floor-by-floor views. |
| Building Entrances | Know exactly where to enter a building—great for deliveries or hard-to-find spots. |
Airalo lets you install an eSIM instantly, so you can stay connected in Dubai without paying exorbitant roaming fees.
If you are just visiting or someone who travels often, it is among the best apps for Dubai tourists to stay connected without breaking the bank.
You can download and activate an eSIM (digital SIM) directly to your phone within minutes.
No more searching for local SIM shops at the airport or switching out tiny SIM cards. Everything happens right from your device.
It works ideally for tourists, remote workers, or even residents who want a secondary data plan.
| Feature | Description |
| Instant eSIM Setup | Buy and activate data plans in minutes—no physical SIM card needed. |
| Affordable Rates | Get data plans starting as low as a few dirhams, with no roaming fees. |
| Dubai-Ready Plans | Offers UAE-specific packages with local network coverage and fast speeds. |
| Works Worldwide | Choose from eSIMs in 200+ countries—perfect for frequent travelers. |
| No Physical Store Trips | Everything is done online. Just download, install, and go. |
| Multi-Language Support | The app supports several languages and currencies, making it super tourist-friendly. |
Salik lets you top up your account, track trips, and avoid unexpected fines for crossing toll gates.
Dubai’s toll gate system is fully electronic, which means no toll booths, no stopping, and no paper tickets.
While that makes commuting smoother, it also means you’ve got to stay on top of your toll balance and usage.
So, no more logging in through a browser or standing in line to recharge your account.
With the Salik app, you can manage all aspects of toll payments from your phone, including topping up your account and checking your balance.
It’s a must-have for anyone living in the UAE who drives regularly in the city and wants to avoid surprise deductions or fines.
| Feature | Description |
| Balance Check | Instantly check how much credit is left on your Salik account. |
| Top-Up & Auto Recharge | Manually top up your account or set up auto-recharge to never run out of balance. |
| Trip History | View detailed records of when and where you crossed toll gates. |
| Vehicle Management | Add, remove, or update vehicles linked to your Salik account. |
| Fine Inquiry | Check if you’ve incurred any fines and pay them directly through the app. |
| Push Notifications | Get alerts when your balance is low or a recharge is successful. |
The UAE is leading the way in digital living, and with the right apps on your phone, daily life here becomes significantly smoother.
So go ahead—download a few (or all!) of these must-have apps in the UAE and take full advantage of the smart living experience.
Got a favorite app we missed? Or planning to build an app for the Dubai market? Let us know—we’d love to help you with the best apps in the UAE.
At Trango Tech, we possess 20+ years of hands-on experience in providing mobile app development services to UAE-based startups and enterprises.
Our experts possess extensive knowledge in building powerful, scalable, and user-friendly mobile apps for the UAE and beyond.
Honestly, it depends on your lifestyle, but apps like Careem, DubaiNow, Talabat, and S’hail are extremely popular because they cover a wide range of services, from transportation and food to government services.
Here are the must-have apps in the UAE to download, regardless of whether you are a resident or a first-time visitor:
Definitely S’hail. It gives you real-time schedules for buses, the metro, and even taxis. You can also plan routes and estimate fares before you leave.
Mobile app development costs in the UAE vary significantly depending on the project’s specific requirements. A simple app might cost around AED 30,000 to AED 70,000, while more advanced apps with additional features and support for multiple platforms can exceed AED 150,000.
If you’re living in Dubai, a few healthcare apps can make life a lot easier. Dubai Health (formerly DHA App) is great for booking appointments at government hospitals, checking test results, and managing medical records. Want to know how much healthcare app development costs? Use our app to calculate your exact quote.
Most everyday apps in the UAE, such as Careem, Talabat, Noon, DubaiNow, and the official telecom apps (Etisalat, Du, STC Pay), work perfectly fine without a VPN. However, apps that offer voice or video calls, such as WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime, often have these features blocked unless you use a VPN.
They are all perfect in their own way, like Talabat has wide coverage, Deliveroo is ideal for premium restaurants, and Zomato is perfect if you like to read reviews before ordering. Try all useful apps in the UAE and see what works best for you.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. Trango tech provider offers mobile app maintenance services in the UAE and is an expert in building powerful apps from scratch. If you have an app idea or need help developing one, we’re ready when you are. Just reach out and let’s talk!
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Daniyal is a passionate content writer & editor with 3+ years of experience crafting SEO-friendly blogs, web copies, and marketing content for an mobile app development company. He loves turning ideas into words that connect, engage, and deliver value. Currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Trango Tech, Daniyal holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature.
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