Simple and easy: The best apps for tourists in Dubai
Vacationing in Dubai is an experience like no other! From iconic skyscrapers and gigantic shopping centres to heritage sites and adventure spots — the emirate is full of action and surprises! To plan your trip to this magnificent destination like a pro and enhance the overall experience, it’s a wise move to acquaint yourself with the must-have apps for tourists in Dubai. Our top picks are listed below.
MUST-HAVE APPS FOR TOURISTS IN DUBAI FOR TRANSPORT
Tourists sometimes face difficulty in finding the best attractions or places to shop and eat due to lack of guidance, resources and knowledge. Whilst Google helps, it’s definitely not as insightful as some of the travel apps in Dubai.
We have compiled a list of the applications that can help you significantly during your time in the city. Let’s begin with the Dubai public transit applications.
RTA DUBAI DRIVE
RTA Dubai Drive, considered among the popular apps for drivers in Dubai, is a useful app for tourists in Dubai. It is exclusively designed for a personalised experience and makes the car rental process in Dubai quite simple. You do not need to rely on a transportation schedule or driver’s availability for travelling to your destination.
The app is supported by the city’s transportation authority, RTA Dubai and it assists you through everything related to driving in the emirate. The app includes tracking, payments for parking and navigation for the most part.
S’HAIL
A lot of tourists prefer public transportation in Dubai because of the reasonable fares. The transportation system has been designed to cater for the needs of residents and tourists. You can opt for buses, monorails, trams, water buses and the metro.
Among other apps for tourists in Dubai, Wojhati, now rebranded as the S’hail RTA app, is a user-friendly app designed to help with the navigation and scheduling of public transport systems. You can manage timetables and get suggestions for short-distance routes to your destination.
The Dubai Roads & Transport Authority has created this app. It warns you about potential delays, allows you to share your route with others and most importantly, shows estimated travel time.
DUBAI METRO
Dubai Metro is an ideal Dubai travel guide app designed to meet the needs of travellers. This app keeps you informed about the city’s train and bus schedules. The Dubai Metro app offers stations, stops and fare information. It also includes a brief history of the Dubai Metro as well as all of the fines that passengers may incur if they fail to adhere to the rules while using this mode of public transportation.
CAREEM, DTC AND OTHER TAXI SERVICES
The Careem app is one of the handiest for tourists in Dubai. In fact, it is also considered one of the many apps useful in Dubai for residents as well. The city has an accessible public transport network, but at times you might prefer travelling via Careem for convenience. If you plan your travel ahead of schedule, rides can be reserved in advance. RTA has collaborated with Careem to introduce the Careem Bike in Dubai as well.
If you want to book a public RTA taxi (coloured roofs), go for the Hala Taxi option in the Careem app. These are typically less expensive than private ride-hailing options and are more readily available.
Other ride-hailing options, such as DTC (Dubai Taxi Corporation), Yango, Uber, Zed and Bolt, also offer ride-hailing services in Dubai.
2GIS UAE
2GIS is a 3D city map programme that displays minute details, such as driveways, and features a live traffic map. It is available both online and as an offline application for PCs and cellphones.
This app displays the exact location of transportation stops as well as the routes that connect them. You can view the entire city’s transportation system on 2GIS.
INFORMATION TRAVEL APPS FOR DUBAI TOURISTS
DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE
The Dubai Travel Guide is one of the best apps for tourists in the emirate. This application is a comprehensive digital guidebook that provides unlimited information about Dubai and all it has to offer.
One of the best features of Ulmon’s city guide apps is the map service. This Dubai tourist map app is extensive, detailed and simple to use both online and offline.
The app allows you to browse nearby hotels, restaurants, and many other popular attractions to plan your day more effectively.
VISIT DUBAI
The Visit Dubai app is the official tourism app from Dubai’s Department of Culture and Tourism.
The application provides detailed information about tourist sites and natural attractions that you can combine to create your own personalised itinerary. The software also features a currency converter, which will be helpful when calculating menu prices at dinner or bargaining at the various Dubai souks.
The latest news, updates and contact information for popular venues are also provided, including details about opening hours.
DUBAINOW
DubaiNow is probably one of the best apps for tourists in Dubai. Although it is primarily aimed at locals and residents, this app offers many services that are also useful for travellers. The city’s eGovernment Department operates it.
The app provides essential information on a wide range of urban services, from housing to visas. The practical details, such as weather conditions, the location of open health centres or pharmacies, the nearest ATMs and prayer times for specific days, are more valuable to tourists.
APPS FOR FOOD AND RESTAURANTS
Some of the best apps for expats in Dubai include those that display food and restaurant information, such as the average food cost, location, ambience, contacts, timings and ratings. We have listed a few for you.
ZOMATO
The popular app, “Zomato,” has made the list of the must-have apps for Dubai tourists for various reasons. Most importantly, it provides suggestions about the best food and restaurants for Dubai travellers based on their location and preferences.
The app offers a highly user-friendly layout and excellent filtering capabilities. You can browse the meal and drink menus, read reviews, locate the restaurants and view images of the food. Additionally, one can learn about the average cost and whether Wi-Fi is available at the venue.
TALABAT
Going out to eat isn’t always possible for everyone. The Talabat app, among grocery apps in Dubai, is particularly helpful in such situations, as it allows you to get snacks and drinks delivered to your doorstep. This app caters to food cravings – whether it’s for lunch, supper or breakfast, you’re set for your meals.
There’s plenty of variety to choose from, including local food and favourites from international food chains. Missing home? You can discover your local cuisine in Dubai using Talabat. You can place your order in advance and have your food delivered to the convenience of your hotel suite as often as you like.
Both debit and credit card payment options are available, and you can also pay cash on delivery. Apple Pay is also an option for iPhone users.
APPS FOR ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dubai is a city bustling with incredible sights and attractions. Some of the following apps are available to help you look for these activities and destinations.
THE DUBAI MALL
The Dubai Mall app is another top app for Dubai tourists. Visiting the Dubai Mall is a must for every tourist. However, if the sheer size of the mall overwhelms you, don’t worry, the mall’s slick app will guide you to just where you need to be. A detailed map will alert you to any interesting sales, restaurant promotions and special events. You can also choose to receive notifications about food, leisure, fashion and various city attractions through this app.
ANGHAMI
Anghami, the “Spotify of Arabia,” is the Middle East and North Africa’s first legal streaming service, with a database of over 30 million songs. This local software allows you to stream music of your choice.
You can select from a variety of genres, with music from international and local artists. This is a great way to find your favourite music and discover new tracks as well.
DUBAI MAPS AND WALKS
Exploring places is the most interesting part of a travel trip, but where can you start? Dubai Maps and Walks includes self-guided walking tours available across the city. Choose from introductory walks (for those who have recently arrived) to walks that focus on a specific location or aspect of the city, such as art and culture or nightlife.
All routes are plotted on a map with estimated travel times. Since the maps and tours are available offline, you need not worry about roaming or data charges. Its easy-to-use features make it an excellent app for tourists in Dubai.
DUBAI CALENDAR
Dubai Calendar is a handy tool that keeps you updated on the city’s current activities and events.
This app provides tourists with a fantastic platform to stay up-to-date with what’s happening in the city, including athletic events, performances, concerts, cultural activities, and more. Additionally, there are always upcoming events in Dubai that you should be aware of.
Another valuable aspect of the Dubai Calendar app is that users can purchase tickets directly from the app, consolidating everything a person needs to stay updated with and attend events in one convenient location.
FAQS
CAN I BOOK RTA TAXIS DIRECTLY THROUGH THE S’HAIL APP?
Yes, you can book RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) taxis directly through the S’hail app in Dubai. It is a user-friendly app designed to integrate all RTA transportation services, including taxis.
Plan on visiting the capital? Download the best apps for tourists in Abu Dhabi before you go.
HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD THE CAREEM APP?
Careem is available for both iOS and Android devices. Download the app from the relevant app store. Before navigating the city, make sure you are aware of the dos and don’ts for tourists visiting Dubai.
WHAT ARE THE HIDDEN GEMS IN DUBAI?
Some of the local hotspots in the city are the souks, historic buildings, museums and conservation reserves. Those looking for hidden gems in Dubai should visit the Perfume Souk, the Dubai Coffee Museum and Cinema Akil.
And that concludes our list of the best apps Dubai travellers should use. We hope you find the information helpful. There are numerous activities to do in Dubai, keeping you busy during your visit.
Looking for more apps? Consider using the top discount apps in Dubai to take advantage of exclusive deals. Tourists in Dubai can also use apps that allow internet calling in the UAE to keep in touch with family and friends back home.
For more travel tips about Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.
