What’s the most exciting part about owning a smartphone? The apps of course! If you have something on your mind, we’re pretty sure there’s an app for that. And while there’s all kinds of apps floating around – From the informational to the entertaining, from the handy to the downright weird – There’s no denying that apps have touched most aspects our life.
If you’ve just landed in Dubai or are looking to make your life here more hassle-free, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our pick of the top apps you need to download now, if you haven’t already.
Multiple government services on a single platform – DubaiNow
From helping you manage bills to facilitating car registration, DubaiNow is your one-stop platform for availing multiple government-linked services. The app is very user-friendly and gives you access to as many as 50 government services, aside from over a dozen private services. On DubaiNow, you can pay your utility bills, get your vehicle registration renewed, track flight departures and arrivals, get daily weather updates, find the nearest ATMs, track your posts, find DHA-registered medical professionals, track your visa application status and a lot more.
Car booking apps – Uber and Careem
The most popular car booking app in the world, Uber is a go-to platform for both daily commuters such as office-goers, as well people who want to go around the city without relying on public transport or driving on their own. Then there’s also Careem, an equally popular car booking app that primarily serves MENA countries. While Uber had recently announced its acquisition of Careem, both the apps are still being run and managed separately. Dubai residents are free to pick from both options.
Both Uber and Careem are fast becoming a popular mode of travel for the residents of Dubai, with cabs available in almost every corner of the city and at any hour of the day. Moreover, the app allows people to travel long distances, choose different categories of cars, and add multiple stops during your journey.
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Food delivery apps – Zomato, Deliveroo, Talabat, Uber Eats, Careem NOW
Craving pizza or burgers? In the mood for sushi or falafel? No matter what cuisine you’re after, the food delivery apps serving Dubai residents never fail to impress. We Dubai folks love our food, and given the number of top-notch food delivery apps available, we’re truly spoilt for choice.
While apps like Talabat, Uber Eats, Careem NOW and Deliveroo, all offer quick food delivery from multiple cafes and restaurants in the city, Zomato goes one step further. It is the go-to app if you want to compare eateries across Dubai, read reviews, add your own review or book a table at your favorite restaurant. With the Zomato Gold loyalty program, you can also enjoy 1+1 offers on food at Zomato’s partner restaurants.
Sort out your laundry with Washmen
If doing your own laundry seems like too big a commitment, the city’s many laundry services are here to take your laundry off your hands. And did you know there’s a really cool app called ‘Washmen’ that simplifies laundry pick up and drop off for you.
As the name suggests, Washmen is a laundry and dry cleaning service app that allows people the convenience of getting their clothes washed, cleaned and pressed without having to step out of the house. They also offer next day delivery in case you’re in a hurry.
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Groceries delivered to your doorstep with InstaShop
Do you hate doing grocery runs? And hate standing in long queues at the grocery store even more? The InstaShop mobile app is just for you! InstaShop is a grocery delivery app that allows you to order groceries and household supplies from popular supermarkets closest to your location. The app covers stores such as Union Coop, Almaya, Zoom, All Day, Spar, Metro and others. Depending on your location, InstaShop can deliver orders within 30 to 60 minutes, right to your doorstep.
Looking for home services? Download UrbanClap today
This app is the ultimate go-to platform for any Dubai resident looking to find reliable providers of home services as well as professional services. Under home services, the app allows you to hire service professionals such as electricians, plumbers, handymen, and others at pre-set prices. With a list of trusted professionals, UrbanClap allows you to compare quotes and read reviews from other users before hiring a service provider. Be it part-time maids, AC service and repairmen, packers and movers, carpenters, pest control services – You can avail an extensive range of professional services through this app.
Deals & discounts on your mind? Get The Entertainer, Groupon & Cobone apps
If you’re always on the hunt for a great offer, deal or discount that can save you a pretty dirham, these apps are just what you’re looking for. The Entertainer app helps you avail 2-for-1 offers on thousands of cafes, restaurants, local attractions, salons, spas, fitness centers and much more. You sign up for an annual package and can pick and choose from the saving categories to suit your lifestyle needs.
Groupon and Cobone, also offer similar deals and discounts around the country. These apps don’t require you to sign up for an annual plan. You can use the apps to browse through thousands of offers in the form of online coupons or vouchers. There are some big savings to be had across a wide range of spends like desert safaris, professional courses, staycations at local hotels, dining out and much more.
[Related: Online banking 2.0: Beyond just checking your account balance]
Want to send or fetch something locally? Get Fetchr to do it
Fetchr is an on-demand delivery app that has simplified pick up and delivery of items in the country. The app uses your mobile phone to track your address, so there’s no hassle of explaining directions to the courier guys.
They can even buy or sell items on your behalf. Want to sell a used item? They can take the item to the buyer and even collect cash and hand it over to you. Want to buy something without having to go all they way to the seller? Fetchr can buy the item for you and pay the seller on behalf.
Selling used items? Look no further than Dubizzle
Who in Dubai doesn’t know about Dubizzle? If you’re looking to buy or sell used items – something as big as a car, or something as small as kids’ toys – Dubizzle is the app for you. Newspaper classifieds are passé. Dubizzle is the new digital classifieds app that allows people to buy or sell used cars, furniture, home appliances, and much more. Beyond just that, you can also use Dubizzle to find properties for rent or sale, jobs across various sectors and so on.