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 best apps for Dubai tourists. Our top picks are listed below.
APPS FOR TRANSPORTATION AND NAVIGATION
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 best apps for Dubai tourists 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 is a useful app for tourists in Dubai. It is exclusively designed for a personalised experience and makes the car renting 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 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 S’hail RTA app, is a user-friendly app designed to help with the navigation and scheduling of all five public transport systems. You can manage timetables and get suggestions for short-distance routes to your destination.
The Dubai Roads & Transports Authority has created this app as an official service. It warns you about potential delays, allows you to share your route with others and most importantly shows the amount of travel time required.
DUBAI METRO
Dubai Metro is an ideal Dubai travel guide app designed to meet the needs of the travellers. This app keeps you vigilant and 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
The Careem ride-sharing app is one of the handiest for tourists in Dubai. In fact it is is one of the cheapest apps to travel in Dubai.
The city has an accessible public transport network, but at times you might prefer travelling via Careem for convenience.
If you plan to travel later, rides can be reserved in advance. RTA has collaborated with Careem to introduce the Careem Bike in Dubai.
2GIS UAE
2GIS is a 3D city map programme that displays minute details such as driveways and fences. 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 see the entire city’s transportation system on 2GIS.
APPS FOR OTHER INFORMATION
DUBAI TRAVEL GUIDE
Dubai travel guide app is one of the best apps for tourists in the emirate. This application is a genuine digital guidebook where you can find 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.
Now you do not need to go explore the streets without knowing about the area and its facilities. The app allows you to go through nearby hotels, restaurants and many other popular attractions to plan your day in a better way.
VISIT DUBAI
When planning a visit to Dubai, you need complete information about the city the Visit Dubai app can be extremely useful. This is the official tourism app from Dubai’s Department of Culture and Tourism.
The app 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 about the opening hours and contact information are also provided.
DUBAINOW
The DubaiNow app is probably one of the best apps for tourists in Dubai. Although it is aimed mostly at locals and residents, this app has many services that are useful for travellers. It is also operated by the city’s eGovernment Department.
The app provides essential information on a wide range of urban services, from housing to visas. The practical details, such as the weather conditions, open health centres or pharmacies, location of 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 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 best apps for Dubai tourists for various reasons. Most importantly, it provides suggestions about the best food and restaurants to Dubai travellers based on their location and preferences.
The app offers a highly user-friendly layout and excellent filtering capabilities. You can look for the meal and drink menus, read reviews, look up the locations and go through the images of the food and restaurants. Plus, one can also learn about the average cost and whether or not Wi-Fi is available at the venue.
TALABAT
Going out to eat isn’t always possible for everyone. The Talabat app is useful in such situations as you can 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 (we all do it from time to time)? You may just find 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 for helping 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. Its detailed map will alert you to any intriguing events, such as sales, restaurant promos and events happening in the mall. 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 to make that train journey more enjoyable.
You can select from a variety of genres, with music from international and local artists. This is a great way to your favourite music and discovers 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 people who have recently arrived) to walks that focus on a certain location or facet of the city, such as art and culture or nightlife.
All of the routes are plotted on a map with estimated travel durations. Because the maps and tours are available offline, there should be no worries 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 gives tourists a fantastic platform to keep up with what’s happening in the city, such as athletic events, performances, concerts, cultural activities, etc. Besides, there are always upcoming events in Dubai that you need to know about.
Another useful aspect of the Dubai Calendar app is that users can purchase tickets directly from the app, bringing together everything a person needs to stay updated with and attend events in one spot.
FAQS
HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD THE CAREEM APP?
Careem is available for both iOS and Android devices. Download the app from the relevant app store.
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 must visit Perfume Souk, Dubai Coffe Museum, Cinema Akil and among many other places.
And that concludes our list of the best apps Dubai travellers should use. We hope you find the information to be helpful. There are many things to do in Dubai to keep you busy during your visit.
Looking for more apps? You should consider using the top discount apps in Dubai to take advantage of exclusive deals. Tourists in Dubai may also need app that allow internet calling in Dubai to keep in touch with family and friends back home.
For more tips about travelling in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.