Life in the UAE can look like many things. It can be days spent by the beach, eating the finest cuisine, or visiting the plethora of malls for the ultimate shopping experience. Whatever your day looks like, there are a number of UAE apps you need to download to make life that bit easier and safer.
Here, GRAZIA reveals the best apps that all Dubai dwellers should be adding to their home screens. From shopping and beauty to travel and music, these are the UAE apps you need to download, stat.
Careem
The self-proclaimed “everything app” of the region, Careem is one of those creations that make you question “What can’t it do?” It offers transport, food delivery, a digital wallet and an errand service. Its transport services offer over 10 options, from affordable HALA taxis to luxurious Premier rides, to options like Hala Kids and 10hr personal drivers. A truly endless vacuum, you can even book concert tickets and get your laundry sorted. Or pay your bills, all while munching on your favourite takeout. Which yes, you also ordered via Careem…
BOTIM
With a 90% expat population, the UAE understands that staying in touch is vital. The BOTIM app offers free and secure calls to loved ones abroad and in the country. It specifically offers seamless video calls alongside voice and text messages, all free of charge. All you need is WiFi or data and a phone, and this app makes staying connected easy and free.
Deliveroo
Of all the food delivery UAE apps, Deliveroo stands out for a reason. Known for its magnitude of options and prompt customer service, it’s the nation’s favourite for a reason. They partner with the best-rated local restaurants and groceries to cover all your food-related needs, all without sacrificing quality. With daily discounts and deals, they offer a vast range of cuisines, fom your favourite fast food chains to artisanal international restaurants, beloved local desserts, and even trusted grocery options. This app fills plates, and fridges, across the UAE, all day long.
InstaShop
Internationally loved, the InstaShop app is UAE’s favourite grocery delivery service. In ast little as 30 minutes, all your weekly grocery needs can be delivered right to your door. With brands like Spinneys, Carrefour, Choithrams, Waitrose and more, you can choose from a range of household grocery brands. Additionally, if you’re after niche products, like meats from an Italian butcher, it’s go you covered. You can even stock-up on your meds, too. Comprising famous bakeries, pet shops and flower shops galore, this app is a no-brainer.
RTA
Adding seamlessness to your transport needs. The RTA app offers over 40 services that deal with the tedious tasks that come with driving around your city. From topping up your Nol card or parking meter to renewing your license, this UAE app offers an all-in-one place to tick off your to-do list. It even notifies you of traffic updates, parking availability, the metro/bus schedule and much, much more. Gone are the days when you’re waiting in long lines and stuffy rooms to get your car services sorted because the RTA Dubai app is here to save the day.
JustLife
Delivering peace of mind to your front step, JustLife handles all your home-related needs. Whether you need regular home cleaning or an occasional thorough deep clean, you can find the most affordable trusted options on this app. They have top-rated professionals with same-day availability for the ultimate pristine home upkeep, and there’s everything from sofa cleaning packages to comprehensive bathroom cleaning services to leave each corner of your home in pristine condition.
OUNASS
Trust Ounass, the region’s “Definitive Home of Luxury,” to have one of the best apps in the business. Consider this your one-stop shop for all high-end fashion brands. Curated for women, men and kids, it’s home to premium local and international designers, which you can shop with the touch of a button. From Bottega to Burberry, your next it-girl outfit is just two hours away thanks to this app’s speedy shopping services.
The Entertainer
Having fun and eating well can get expensive, but with its subscription-based format,The Entertainer is a life-saving, money-saving app you need to download. From dining and leisure to beauty and fitness, it has three membership options. Starting at Dhs 495 a month, you can indulge in over 9,000 options across the UAE. From chartering a yacht to going out for drinks, save money and do more around town with the ever-giving The Entertainer app.
Noon
Whether you’re in the market for an air fryer, setting spray or iPhone, Noon is a shopping must-have. Dubbed “the Middle East’s Amazon”, this app offers products from fashion, electronics, home, sports, toys and beyond. With millions of products, jaw-dropping deals and same-day delivery, noon is one of the most convenient platforms the UAE has.
Namshi
A shopper’s dream, Namshi is the Middle East’s largest online fashion shopping platform. With reasonably priced pieces that range from trendy street style to elevated basics, Namshi offers thousands of brands. A personal expression hub, you can scroll for hours through brands like Levi’s, Topshop, Adidas and more. And that’s without mentioning its beauty offering… Other UAE apps for shopping, take note.
Spotify
With daily curated playlists and addictive podcasts, Spotify is pure fun for your ears. With over 100 million songs and 5 million podcasts, it’s become the preferred audio platform of all the related UAE apps. For just Dhs 21.99 a month, you can get uninterrupted access to the world’s largest streaming service.
Bloomingdale’s
Whether you like doing your shopping from your couch or prefer to try pieces on before purchasing, the Bloomingdale’s Middle East app is for you. With same-day delivery or a 2-hour turnaround click-and-collect service, you can scroll through a myriad of designer brands from the likes of Gucci and Saint Laurent to on-trend cool-girl brands like Ganni and Staud. The platform offers features like app-only promotions and weekly content refreshes to help guide you through your personal style development.
Level Shoes
From Gen-Z-approved limited edition Adidas Sambas to the elevated Maison Margiela tabis, the Level Shoes app offers a wide range of prices, brands and styles to explore when it comes to all things footwear and beyond. Don’t let the name fool you, as the platform also showcases bags, jewellery and eyewear to shop through. Your next Amina Muaddi sling pumps are waiting for you…
Sephora UAE
World-class skincare, exciting makeup, mesmerising fragrance, and so much more – the Sephora app is the only destination for premium, best-selling beauty, skincare fragrance and haircare products. With brands like Huda Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, Estée Lauder, Dior Beauty and more, it’s one of the most established must-have UAE apps. Additionally, you get early access to exclusive products, trend alerts and free/mini samples with every order made through the app.
