New to driving in Dubai? Fortunately, the UAE has one of the best road networks globally, making it easy to get around within the city. Even so, there are several apps that can simplify things for new drivers on Dubai roads. From topping up your Salik account on the go to refuelling your car in an emergency, the services offered by these essential applications for drivers in Dubai will help you quickly adjust to the city’s roads.
Important apps to help new drivers in Dubai
Here are the most convenient apps for drivers in Dubai that help in parking, refuelling, car washes and more. Most of these apps can be downloaded from App Store or Google Play.
Ekar
Many new drivers in Dubai may not own a car just yet…and this is where car-sharing apps like Ekar can help. The car-sharing operator has a fleet of vehicles across the city, which drivers can rent on a pay-per-minute basis using the service’s app. Motorists do not have to pay for fuel and maintenance as well as some public parking spaces.
The app can also be used to locate the nearest available car, unlock the vehicle and pay for the services. This is also among the best apps for drivers in Dubai, who only need to access a vehicle for a short while, whether that’s for a day, an hour or even a couple of minutes!
UDrive
UDrive is also a car-sharing app to help new drivers in Dubai rent out cars on a pay-per-day and pay-per-minute basis. The app offers a range of cars from Kia Picanto to Mercedes-Benz A-Class that drivers can unlock with the app or the membership card. They can drive these vehicles without paying extra charges for fuel or public parking.
You can read up about these car-sharing apps in Dubai and how to use them in our detailed guide.
Cafu
Another handy app for drivers in Dubai is Cafu, an on-demand refuelling service! It’s the perfect solution for drivers whose vehicles run out of fuel with no petrol station in sight or those who want to skip the drive to refuel their cars.
One of the most useful apps for drivers, Cafu has its own fuel trucks driven by professionals certified to handle fuel delivery. One of the best things about Cafu is that they charge the same price for petrol as any of the fuelling stations in Dubai, with no additional delivery charges!
Waze
Want to know the fastest route to your destination? Avoid traffic, accidents and more with Waze, one of the most useful apps in Dubai.
The handy navigational tool utilises user-generated data from drivers and riders on the road. It uses the data to update its real-time map with information on traffic, accidents, hazards and speed cameras. It also informs drivers about the best routes for their journey.
Besides that, commuters can also use the app for carpooling while travelling solo and earn money.
Google Maps
Another long-standing favourite for drivers in Dubai, Google Maps is also a helpful navigation app. It helps drivers find the best routes for their journey, considering traffic conditions, road closures, estimated time of arrival, toll gates, and more.
Drivers also have the option to save the locations of frequently-visited places. Additionally, they can download maps for a certain area to use when they don’t have an internet connection. This makes it one of the best offline map apps in Dubai.
RTA Smart Drive
A helpful driving app by the Road and Transport Authority, RTA Smart Drive is a good option for drivers looking for navigational and route planning tools.
RTA Smart Drive also provides voice and visual instructions, speed limit alerts, live updates about traffic and accidents. Additionally, it also automatically reroutes to save drivers time. Drivers can use this map app for Dubai to explore points of interest in the city.
Smart Salik App
Another essential app for drivers in Dubai, Smart Salik, helps you manage your account for road tolls for Salik in Dubai. With Smart Salik, drivers can activate the Salik tag, check the balance or recharge their account as needed. Additionally, drivers can also add or remove vehicles from their accounts, keep track of any Salik violations and view recent trips made by their vehicles through the Salik gates.
RTA Dubai Drive
This app by RTA is a must-have for new drivers in Dubai as it offers a multitude of services on one convenient platform. Dubai Drive allows motorists to avail digital versions of their driver’s licences, vehicle registration cards and plate number certificates. The Dubai Drive app allows drivers to access multiple services related to vehicle registration, driver’s licence, parking and Salik. Furthermore, motorists can also use the app to pay traffic fines in Dubai.
Take a look at some of the services that can be availed through RTA Dubai Drive, one of the best apps for drivers in Dubai:
- Apply to replace lost or damaged driver’s licence
- Pay traffic fines
- Register or renew vehicles or driver’s licence
- Request for a plate number
- Apply for various certificates (such as Vehicle Ownership Certificate)
- Pay Salik fines
- Top up Salik account
- Locate nearby RTA centres
Keno
Don’t have time to take your car for a wash? Keno brings premium, on-demand car care services to you. Their range of services includes car and bike washes, tinting, stain and dent removals and more! Just add your details to the Keno app, select your service, book an appointment and you are good to go. Keno also allows customers to pay through multiple methods.
Keno’s vehicle wash price typically costs AED 30 for a bike, AED 35 for a sedan and AED 40 for SUVs and luxury cars. There is also an additional charge for cleaning the interior of the vehicle, which can range between AED 20 to AED 40.
Other popular car washing apps in Dubai also include Skynn, which offers an eco-friendly, waterless car clean! They have options for interior and exterior cleaning, as well as a special service that will leave your car sparkling.
RTA Dubai
This award-winning app by the RTA boasts more than 40 services and features, making it one of the top RTA apps in Dubai for drivers. The app supports multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Russian and Indian. Similar to Dubai Drive, the RTA Dubai app is the ultimate road companion. It provides you with access to e-services for parking, Salik, taxis, fine payment, public transport, RTA centres and more.
Those learning how to drive can practise for their Knowledge Test on the app itself. Furthermore, it also allows users to save their preferred settings and customise their experience on the platform.
Dubai Police
Got into a minor accident while driving in Dubai? You can easily report it via the Dubai Police app. This app allows motorists to report minor accidents and any traffic violations. You can look at how to report road accidents in Dubai through the app in our quick guide.
Additionally, motorists can also use the Dubai Police app to access an interactive map regularly updated with information on traffic accidents, nearby police stations and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking charges in Dubai?
Parking charges in Dubai range from AED 2 to AED 20 per hour, depending on the area. You can check out the details in our guide to RTA parking charges in Dubai. Knowing the parking charges in Dubai can help drivers save money and avoid any parking violations!
Where do I report traffic violations in Dubai?
You can report traffic or parking violations in Dubai to the Dubai Police. You can use the Dubai Police App for this.
Can I rent a car in Dubai?
Yes, there are plenty of car rental services in Dubai that provide various vehicles, including SUVs, saloons, vans, luxury cars and even trucks.
Which apps can make it convenient for me to use public transport in Dubai?
You can use different public transport apps in Dubai, including Careem, RTA Public Transport, Uber and more.
That concludes our list of excellent apps for drivers in Dubai. These applications help drivers in Dubai by providing an smoother experience on the roads. They also make it easier to access frequently-used and vital services on the go.
For new drivers, we also recommend reading up on the general tips for driving in Dubai. Motorists who are new to the roads should also be aware of the major highways in the UAE as it will help them get around easily within the emirates.
Stay tuned to MyBayut to learn more about driving in Dubai and more!
