Coming to Dubai for the first time there are several apps you can download on your phone in advance of your travel to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible once you hit the ground.
Here are our top 25 recommended traveller apps for Dubai
All are accessible via both Google Play Store and Apple App Store and free to download – check them out here and read on to learn more!
Getting Around – Useful Dubai Travel Apps
Dubai Metro – There are a few Dubai Metro map options but we think this one by Mapway is the best for visitors. It not only has maps but useful explanations on Metro rules too
Careem – your ride-hailing service in Dubai (now owned by Uber). Just as it works in other countries you can pin to your exact location and choose the type of ride you need.
RTA Public Transport Dubai – official Roads & Transport App which includes Buses, Trams, Marine & Metro maps, information & cost calculator, as well as Nol guidance and ability to top up your account.
RTA Smart Drive – if you plan on self-hiring at all during your Dubai trip you will definitely find this one useful. It contains very detailed maps
Waze – a favourite with local drivers. Maps are exceptionally good for spotting any traffic hold-ups and you can integrate the app with Spotify to still listen to your tunes in the car!
Did you know you can purchase a SIM card ready to use from Dubai Airport?
No need to struggle looking out for free wifi everywhere you go in Dubai. Get yourself a pre-pay SIM to make roaming easy in Dubai as soon as you land:
- Pick up your Du 4G SIM Card Package at DXB
- Get a Du SIM FREE when you purchase a Dubai Mall Pass
- Learn everything about Dubai SIM cards and mobile networks here
Restaurants & Food in Dubai
In a city renowned for its dining choices, you better believe there are plenty of food-related apps that you can choose from, from ratings to deliver to your accommodation and special offer coupons. Here are the top ones we would recommend:
The Entertainer – A long-time Dubai favourite famous for their 2-4-1 restaurant deals, they’ve also branched into spas, attractions, fitness and everyday services – over 4,200 offers in the core Dubai product. The app is free, but you need to purchase products as add-ons. If you are in Dubai for several days you will most definitely get your money’s worth out of this investment.
Talabat – our favourite for ordering food with a hugely extensive choice of supplying restaurants, good user interface and prompt delivery.
Let’s DXB – a necessity for dining and nightlife. Not only do information and filters to find the perfect dining, drinking and brunch spots in Dubai but they have special partner offers. Plenty of useful filters to get you to the information you need.
Zomato – Dubai’s most trusted dining review platform. Does have ordering capabilities too.
Yeebly – Your online grocery store. From fresh food to pantry items, perfect if you want to self-cater or even get your baby items delivered to the door of your accommodation.
Local News & Events in Dubai
Dubai Calendar – directly from the Department of Tourism, keep up to date with events around town, from sports to arts and live entertainment.
Kidzapp – best if you are visiting with kids and looking for fun activities around town. They have great search features allowing you to narrow down by activity, age, and even which part of town and they are always up to date with the latest events.
Timeout – always up to date with the latest restaurant openings and particularly Dubai’s foodie and nightlife scene.
The National – keep up to date with the latest events and international news with the country’s most popular English language paper.
Shopping & Attractions in Dubai
Visit Dubai – OK we know our site is pretty good at keeping you up to date! But if you want to hear it all straight from the tourism board this is a pretty comprehensive app covering top attractions and even has a useful built-in currency converter.
The Dubai Mall – trust us, once you see how big this place is you will see why you need a navigational app to get around! It is vast and easy to get lost. This makes finding the top attractions straightforward.
Get Your Guide – our go-to for city attraction tickets. The app is super easy to search and instantly purchase tickets, normally issuing you with an online ticket and QR code so you skip the line at top attractions.
Big Bus Dubai – super useful, obviously if you plan on using a Big Bus sightseeing hop-on-hop-off, but also a great guide to the most popular tourist attractions around town if you were looking to plot your own route!
Dubai Culture – find key locations, attractions and events that appeal to the culture and arts lover. Highly interactive app that allows you to upload your own images and partake in augmented reality experiences
Groupon – One for you bargain hunters. Especially good at last-minute hotel deals, to say desert resorts or nearby Emirates. Set alerts to get the latest deals then switch them off after your trip!
Cobone – best for those looking for deals they can use in Dubai immediately, will include things like last-minute cinema deals through to popular attractions and restaurants.
CinemaUAE – no need to download separate apps for every cinema chain; this fab app now consolidates all movie theatres across the city so you can narrow down by movie, time or location, and it allows you to purchase tickets through the app
Currency & Language Apps for Dubai
XE Currency app – always handy for those quick calculations
Muslim Pro – a great way to check on prayer times. This doesn’t impact tourists much, but if you visit during Ramadan, you will want to know when Maghrib, signalling breaking of the fast (iftar), occurs.
Google Translate – Although you will find English spoken pretty much everywhere, it never hurts during international travel to have a translation app handy.
Before you go – Things to know about visiting Dubai
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links.
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