Visiting the UAE this summer is no ordinary trip.

From the golden dunes of the desert to the sky-high towers of Dubai (yes, sights for days), and stunning skylines, a summer vacation in the UAE will surely be like no other.

But for a truly worthwhile stay, you’ll need more than just a Google search and last-minute bookings to navigate the seven Emirates. A true discerning traveller understands the need for curated experiences that are seamless, and what better way to do that than with UAE’s trusty apps to sort your trip from A to Z?

Whether you’re stepping off a long-haul flight into a chauffeured car to reach your hotel or prepping to visit the infamous J1 beach clubs or trending spots, GRAZIA has you sorted with a list of essential apps that will make your stay effortless and elevated.

Careem

It’s needless to say that a trip to the UAE requires an “everything app.” More than just a ride-hailing app, Careem is your on-the-ground concierge for nearly anything and everything . Whether you are booking private rides, ordering groceries, dining out, renting cars or even sending money, Careem is an ideal all-in-one tool to keep your vacay truly perfect and stress-free

Blacklane

For a true luxury arrival experience, Blacklane is your go-to for premium chauffeur service. Whether it’s quick trips, intercity travel, airport pickups, or a personalised chauffeur experience, Blacklane offers a smooth ride through the seven Emirates in style and on time wherever your plans may be. Aiming to keep your peace of mind (a need for your vacation), this app allows you to save time complete with complimentary wifi to make the most of the trip in the backseat.

Privliee

Naturally, for the best time across the Emirates, you’ll need access to all the exclusive experiences. Pivilee unlocks UAE’s most luxurious offerings, from hotels, beach clubs, elite gyms, to popular wellness centres (pilates included) and more. With just a tap of a finger, you can access five-star hotspots such as Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, Nikki Beach, Anantara The Palm and more.

Yacht service by J1 Beach

J1 Beach, home to 13 stunning beach clubs, now let’s arrive in a stylish way to its spot by sea. A novel of sorts, J1 Beach has partnered with D-Marin, the region’s leading marina network, where guests can set sail directly to the entrance of popular beach clubs. Hassle-free and endlessly chic, you can arrive at Kaimana Beach or the GRAZIA-approved Bâoli via a curated, private yacht.

The Entertainer

Let’s face it, even high-spenders love a good deal. A true unapologetic way to save coins, but still enjoy the array of culinary offerings in Dubai, The Entertainer is a savvy app where you can gain exclusive experiences at discounted rates. It covers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to UAE’s cult-favourites such as Armani/Mediterraneo and more.

Ounass

Summer often means you need to pack light. If you’re in need of some last-minute fashion fixer-upper, Ounass is a must-download for anyone with a penchant for style and quality service. Featuring coveted labels such as Valentino and Louis Vuitton to local favourites like Bougessa, this app offers curated edits and free 2-hour deliveries in Dubai. Perfect for when you need a quick wardrobe change asap.

Noon

Ask any UAE resident about the app they can’t live without, and it’ll be Noon. One of the region’s go-to e-commerce giants, it’s needless to say that it sets itself apart for its express deliveries and exclusive deals. Whether you’re looking to buy a new GoPro, groceries, or a quick bite, Noon will be your everyday essential that’ll keep your trip running smoothly.

Visit Dubai

Of course, as a first-timer in the city of gold and leisure, you’ll need an official app that acts as your personal tour guide. Visit Dubai is a travel planner that helps you curate the most organised itinerary, from giving you the necessary information to plan your trip (visa, application and more), to five-star recommendations, travel accessibility, and all the cultural and leisure attractions to see, this app will make navigating the Emirate easy.

THE DUBAI MALL APP

A visit to the UAE is never complete without visiting the iconic Dubai Mall. With a gorgeous backdrop of the infamous Burj Khalifa, over 1,200 stores from casual fashion to luxury, and a plethora of menus to skim over, the Dubai Mall app is your ultimate companion to streamline your experience at the world’s largest mall.