Best Mobile Apps for Tourists in Dubai 2025
Friday, 4 July 2025
Planning a trip to Dubai in 2025? From iconic landmarks to vibrant shopping districts and world-class attractions, this city is packed with exciting experiences. But to make the most of your journey, having the right mobile apps on your phone is a must. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, shopping, or simply exploring hidden gems, here’s a detailed guide to the best mobile apps every tourist should download before visiting Dubai.
Table of Contents
- Careem – Your Go-To Ride-Hailing App
- Uber – International Convenience
- Wojhati – For Seamless Public Transit
- RTA Dubai – All-in-One Transport Companion
- Dubai Metro Interactive Map – Navigate Like a Pro
- Visit Dubai – Official Tourism App
- Dubai Calendar – Never Miss an Event
- Talabat – Your Personal Food Delivery Service
- The Dubai Mall App – Navigate the World’s Largest Mall
- Dubai Map and Walks – Discover the City on Foot
- GetYourGuide – Book Tours and Experiences
- The Entertainer – Save Big While You Explore
- Frequently asked questions
1. Careem – Your Go-To Ride-Hailing App
Think of Careem as the Middle East’s answer to Uber. Whether you need a ride from Dubai International Airport to your hotel or want to zip across the city for some sightseeing, Careem offers a smooth and reliable experience. The app allows you to book a ride in seconds, see the fare upfront, and choose to pay via card or cash. It’s ideal for short city rides, and even better—Careem also lets you order food, groceries, or send packages within Dubai through a single app interface.
Key Features:
- Multiple payment options
- Reliable drivers and quick pickup times
- Integrated food delivery and courier services
- Available on iOS and Android
2. Uber – International Convenience
If you’re already an Uber user globally, you’ll feel right at home using it in Dubai. Whether it’s a ride to Dubai Mall or transport from Palm Jumeirah to the Dubai Frame, Uber’s user-friendly interface makes travel stress-free. You can view price estimates, track your ride, and even share your trip details with friends or family for added safety.
Why it’s useful:
- Schedule rides in advance
- Real-time tracking and fare estimates
- Built-in emergency assistance features
- Accessible in English with local support
3. Wojhati – For Seamless Public Transit
Looking to explore Dubai without spending much on taxis? Wojhati, developed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), is the official public transportation planner. It helps you navigate the city’s five-system transport network—metro, bus, tram, monorail, and water bus. Simply enter your destination, and the app will suggest the best route with schedules, maps, and estimated travel times.
Best For:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Using Dubai Metro and buses
- Real-time public transport updates
4. RTA Dubai – All-in-One Transport Companion
This award-winning app is a must-download for anyone planning to use public or private transport in Dubai. Apart from planning your metro or tram journey, it also allows you to:
- Check and recharge your Nol card
- Book and pay for parking
- View traffic updates and route maps
Pro Tip: Use the app’s “smart parking” feature to find parking spots in crowded areas.
5. Dubai Metro Interactive Map – Navigate Like a Pro
If you’re relying heavily on the metro, this dedicated app helps you visualize your journey. It features an interactive offline map of the entire RTA Metro system. Simply tap on a station, and the app guides you with step-by-step directions. This app is perfect for tourists who want an offline solution to navigate Dubai’s clean and efficient metro.
Great For:
- Offline metro navigation
- Planning routes without internet
- New travelers using Dubai Metro for the first time
6. Visit Dubai – Official Tourism App
When it comes to exploring attractions, dining options, and cultural activities, the Visit Dubai app is your digital travel guide. Offered by Dubai’s Department of Tourism, this app is packed with up-to-date information on everything from festivals to hotel deals. It’s available in six languages and even offers offline access, making it your best friend for navigating the city.
Features to Love:
- Customizable itineraries
- Filters for interests (shopping, culture, adventure)
- Currency converters and emergency info
- Travel guidelines and visitor tips
7. Dubai Calendar – Never Miss an Event
Dubai is home to countless events—from shopping festivals to international concerts. The Dubai Calendar app is your go-to platform to stay updated on all the events happening across the city. Whether you’re into art, sports, live music, or food expos, this app lets you discover, bookmark, and buy tickets for events that interest you.
Highlights Include:
- Tailor events to personal preferences
- Ticket bookings within the app
- Real-time updates and push notifications
8. Talabat – Your Personal Food Delivery Service
Feeling too tired after sightseeing to step out for dinner? Talabat makes it easy to browse menus, order food, and have it delivered to your doorstep. From authentic Emirati dishes to global fast food chains, the options are endless. You can even use it to order groceries if you’re staying in an apartment or Airbnb.
Top Features:
- Real-time order tracking
- Advanced payment options (cash, card, Apple Pay)
- Notifications for promotions and new restaurants
9. The Dubai Mall App – Navigate the World’s Largest Mall
Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping destination—it’s a city within a city. With over 1,200 stores and attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, you’ll need this app to avoid getting lost. From indoor navigation to live updates on sales and events, this app helps you get the most out of your visit.
Features Include:
- Interactive mall map
- Turn-by-turn store directions
- Notifications on dining and retail offers
- Event schedules and fountain show timings
10. Dubai Map and Walks – Discover the City on Foot
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, this app provides self-guided walking tours of Dubai. It includes detailed city maps and curated walk themes like Art & Culture, Nightlife, and Shopping Districts. Best part? All maps work offline.
Other Perks:
- No internet needed
- GPS tracking and step counter
- Customizable walk routes
- Add photos and notes during your walk
11. GetYourGuide – Book Tours and Experiences
Planning your excursions is easier than ever with GetYourGuide. This app allows you to browse, book, and review activities like desert safaris, dhow cruises, and day trips to Abu Dhabi. You’ll also find curated travel experiences and flexible cancellation policies.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Last-minute booking options
- Verified user reviews
- Personalized recommendations
- Downloadable tickets and itineraries
12. The Entertainer – Save Big While You Explore
Dubai is known for its luxury, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good deal. The Entertainer App offers hundreds of buy-one-get-one-free deals on restaurants, attractions, spas, and more. Perfect for couples, families, or groups looking to save money while enjoying the city’s best.
Perks Include:
- “Lite” version is free
- Exclusive discounts across Dubai
- Offers at theme parks like Wild Wadi and Ski Dubai
- Ideal for dining, entertainment, and wellness
Final Tips Before You Download:
- Wi-Fi in Dubai is widely available, especially in malls, hotels, and public spaces. Still, consider getting a local SIM card with data for smoother app use.
- Use public transport for budget travel—Dubai Metro and buses are efficient and clean.
- Always check app permissions and reviews before downloading, and make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
Before jetting off to Dubai, download these essential apps on your phone to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. From saving time on commutes to discovering unforgettable experiences and snagging unbeatable deals, these apps are your digital travel companions in the City of Gold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are mobile apps necessary for tourists in Dubai?
Yes, using mobile apps can significantly enhance your travel experience in Dubai by helping you navigate transport, find attractions, order food, book tickets, and stay updated on events and local laws.
Do I need a UAE SIM card to use these apps?
While many apps work with Wi-Fi, having a UAE SIM card provides constant internet access, making it easier to use maps, ride-hailing services, and translation tools on the go.
Are Dubai’s tourist apps available in English?
Yes, most popular mobile apps in Dubai support English and often several other languages, making them easy for international tourists to use.
Are these apps free to download?
Most of the essential tourist apps, like Careem, Dubai Metro, and Talabat, are free to download. However, some may include in-app purchases or subscription options for premium features.
Can I use international credit cards on Dubai apps?
Yes, almost all major Dubai apps accept international credit and debit cards. Some also support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and cash payments.
Are these apps safe to use in the UAE?
Yes, apps featured in the official app stores and used widely in the UAE are generally safe. Be sure to download from trusted sources like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Is it legal to use VPNs for accessing apps in Dubai?
Using VPNs is legal in the UAE, but using them to access restricted services like VoIP calls can be considered a violation. Always follow local laws when using VPNs.
What is the best app for tourists to get around Dubai?
Careem, S’hail, and the Dubai Metro app are among the best for transportation. They offer real-time tracking, route planning, and ride-hailing options.
