5 Apps Every Dubai Resident Needs: From Traffic Updates to Food Delivery

10 Oct 2025

By Vista Corp

Why Every Dubai Resident Needs These Apps in 2025

Living in Dubai is exciting, fast-paced, and super connected. But to keep up, you need more than just Wi-Fi and Google Maps. From navigating Sheikh Zayed Road traffic to paying your DEWA bill or finding the best vegan biryani at 2 AM—apps make life here smoother, smarter, and a lot less frustrating.

In 2025, Dubai isn’t just a city. It’s a smart city, where your phone is basically your second passport. From scanning into the Metro with your Nol card to getting groceries in 15 minutes flat, digital tools help you do it all. And when everything is designed to work through an app, knowing which ones are actually useful is non-negotiable.

So we went ahead and did the digging for you. Whether you’re an expat who’s just landed or a long-time resident juggling work, commute, and coffee shop hunts, this blog is your guide to the must-have apps in Dubai 2025. These aren’t just trendy downloads; they’re tools that will genuinely make your day-to-day simpler, faster, and more efficient.

We’ll cover everything—Dubai lifestyle apps, transport apps for residents, food delivery apps in Dubai, even apps that help you check traffic fines or recharge your Nol card online. No fluff, just the real stuff that matters when you’re living in one of the most digitized cities in the world.

Oh, and don’t worry—we’ve left out the generic “use WhatsApp” advice. This list is Dubai-specific, based on what people here actually use every day.

App #1: DubaiNow – The All-In-One Super App

DubaiNow – The All-In-One Super App Every Dubai Resident Needs

If you’re living in Dubai and you’re not using DubaiNow, you’re missing out—big time. This app is your gateway to everything government-related in the city, wrapped in a sleek, easy-to-use interface. Think of it as your digital butler for all things civic, official, and absolutely essential.

With DubaiNow, you don’t have to hop between ten different portals just to get things done. Need to pay your DEWA bill, top up your Nol card, renew your driving license, or check for Salik and traffic fines? It’s all right there in one place. No long queues. No messy paperwork. Just tap, confirm, and done.

Here’s a breakdown of what DubaiNow offers:

🔧 Government Smart Services (No More Queues!)

Pay your utility bills (water, electricity, and telecom)
View and pay Salik tolls and traffic fines
Renew your vehicle registration and driving license
Book appointments for visa and residency services
Check property rent history and manage Ejari documents

🛒 Lifestyle Features that Save Time

Recharge your Nol card online
Donate to approved Dubai charities
Find nearest COVID-19 testing centers (yes, still handy in 2025)
Access your children’s school results and vaccination records

🧠 Why This App Matters

The beauty of DubaiNow is how integrated it is. Whether you’re an expat navigating residency renewals or a business owner checking license renewals, this app consolidates everything. It reflects the city’s push toward smart governance, and it’s especially helpful for those new to Dubai.

For instance, instead of logging into multiple portals (RTA, DEWA, KHDA), you just use DubaiNow. The app stores your documents, receipts, and previous transactions. It even sends reminders before due dates so you don’t miss renewals or rack up penalties.

📱Pro Tip:

You can even use Apple Pay or Samsung Wallet inside the app, making transactions quicker. And yes, the app is fully bilingual—Arabic and English support comes by default.

This is hands-down one of the essential Dubai apps 2025 and tops every Dubai super app list Beyond Borders. Whether you’re paying for utilities or planning your next RTA Metro ride, DubaiNow is the city’s digital lifeline.

✅ App #2: Careem – From Food Delivery to Ride-Hailing, Now a Super App

Careem – From Ride-Hailing to Food, Now a Full Super App for Dubai Residents

Remember when Careem was just a ride-hailing app? Well, those days are gone. Careem in 2025 is no longer just for booking a car—it’s a full-blown super app used by nearly every Dubai resident. From food delivery to bike rentals, package sending, and even bill payments, Careem is redefining convenience for people living in Dubai.

This is not just one of the best apps for Dubai residents—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.

🚗 Transport, Redefined

Let’s start with rides. Careem still lets you book everything from a budget ride to a luxury car or even a chauffeur-driven car for a full day. You can also:

Pre-book airport pickups
Track your ride in real-time
Share location with family for safety
Book Careem Bike to avoid traffic in Downtown or Marina

If you’ve been wondering “Is Careem still used in Dubai in 2025?”—oh yes, and it’s more useful than ever.

🍔 Food & Grocery Delivery (Careem Quik)

Food cravings at midnight? No problem. Careem now offers:

Careem Food: Partnered with hundreds of restaurants across Dubai
Careem Quik: Grocery deliveries in under 30 minutes
Filter options for vegan, Indian, or diet-specific preferences

Careem Food competes closely with Talabat and Deliveroo, but many prefer it for its reliable delivery timing and reward points system.

📦 More Than Just Cars & Food

Careem’s added so many services, it’s basically a personal assistant. Through the app, you can now:

Send packages across Dubai with Careem Box
Recharge your mobile plan
Pay utility bills and Salik
Book cleaning, salon, or PCR testing services to your home

🎯 Why Careem is a Must-Have App in Dubai 2025

What sets Careem apart from other on-demand apps in the UAE is its versatility. You don’t need five different apps anymore. Careem acts as a multi-purpose digital hub, especially useful for expats managing life in Dubai on a tight schedule.

Careem Pay, their wallet feature, also helps with instant payments and transfers within the UAE, making it one of the best payment wallet apps in Dubai.

Whether you’re trying to book a quick ride, get biryani delivered, or top-up your SIM card, Careem has you covered. That’s why it makes every list of must-have apps Dubai expats rely on daily.

✅ App #3: Waze – The Must-Have Traffic Navigation App for Dubai Drivers

Waze – The Must-Have Traffic Navigation App for Dubai Drivers

If you’ve ever been stuck on Sheikh Zayed Road during peak hours, you already know—Dubai traffic doesn’t play around. That’s where Waze steps in. It’s not just another GPS app. Waze is a community-powered, real-time navigation tool that helps you avoid traffic jams, find faster routes, and even dodge surprise speed traps.

This is one of the top apps for Dubai traffic updates, and trust us, once you use it, there’s no going back to default maps.

🚦 Why Waze Beats Traditional Navigation Apps in Dubai

Waze isn’t like Google Maps. It’s smarter in how it reacts to what’s happening right now on the roads. That’s because the app relies on user-reported data, including:

Traffic congestion and roadblocks
Accidents and emergency slowdowns
Construction zones and closures
Speed cameras and radar points
Unexpected reroutes and alternative shortcuts

The app updates your route in real-time based on this input, saving time (and sometimes your sanity) during Dubai’s unpredictable rush hours.

🚗 Perfect for Daily Commuters and Delivery Drivers

Dubai’s road network is vast and well-maintained, but with rapid development, new roads, and sudden diversions, even locals get caught off-guard. Waze helps with:

Navigating backroads in Jumeirah, JVC, or Al Barsha
Dodging bottlenecks near Business Bay or SZR
Choosing smarter paths during school pickup or weekend mall traffic

Whether you’re an expat renting a car, a parent on school runs, or even a delivery driver, this app is practically essential.

💡 Pro Tips for Using Waze in Dubai

Link it to your calendar for automatic route planning
Set preferred avoidances (e.g., toll roads like Salik)
Turn on voice-guided navigation (Arabic, English, and more available)
Sync with Spotify or Apple Music for a smoother drive

And yes, Waze works exceptionally well in Dubai because of the active local driving community that keeps it updated. It doesn’t just tell you what’s ahead—it tells you why and what to do about it.

If you’re searching for Dubai navigation tools, traffic alerts Dubai, or wondering which app helps you avoid jams in Dubai, Waze is your go-to.

✅ App #4: InstaShop – Dubai’s On-Demand Grocery App You’ll Actually Use

InstaShop – Dubai’s On-Demand Grocery App You’ll Actually Use

You know that moment when you open the fridge and find… nothing? No milk. No eggs. Not even hummus. That’s when InstaShop becomes your best friend. It’s not just a grocery delivery app—it’s one of the most essential Dubai apps for residents in 2025, especially if you like having your favorite brands delivered in under an hour.

InstaShop is built for Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle, and it’s ideal whether you’re in a high-rise in Downtown or a villa in Mirdif.

🛒 What Makes InstaShop a Must-Have?

Unlike bulky supermarket apps, InstaShop offers real-time delivery from:

Local supermarkets like Carrefour, Spinneys, and Al Maya
Specialty stores for organic, vegan, and keto items
Pet shops, butcheries, water delivery services
Pharmacies and beauty stores

It’s not just about groceries anymore. It’s about convenience, customized to how you live.

🕒 Same-Hour Delivery is Real

One of the biggest reasons InstaShop stands out from other grocery delivery apps in Dubai is its hyperlocal network. The app assigns your order to stores near you, ensuring deliveries often happen within 30–60 minutes. Perfect for:

Forgotten ingredients mid-recipe
Last-minute guests
Your weekend lazy brunch plans

And yes, you can track your rider live as they zip through the city on a bike or scooter.

📲 User Interface That Makes Life Easy

InstaShop keeps things simple:

Filter by store, brand, diet preference, or product type
Reorder your previous carts in one tap
View estimated delivery times before ordering
Get real-time offers and promotions from top brands

Many expats rate InstaShop as the best app to get groceries delivered fast in Dubai, not just because of speed, but also because of how user-friendly and efficient it is.

🌱 Bonus: Supports Lifestyle Choices

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or on a low-sodium diet, InstaShop lets you shop smart. It’s not just for emergencies—it’s for everyday living that fits your routine.

This app definitely belongs in the toolkit of Dubai expat tech essentials and has earned its spot on every Dubai on-demand app list.

✅ App #5: The Entertainer – Dubai’s Ultimate Deals & Lifestyle App

The Entertainer – Dubai’s Ultimate Deals & Lifestyle App

If you live in Dubai and love dining out, spa days, or weekend getaways—but hate paying full price—The Entertainer is your secret weapon. This app isn’t just about saving money. It’s about living the Dubai lifestyle without breaking the bank. From buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) restaurant deals to discounted hotel stays and activities, The Entertainer is a goldmine for residents and expats alike.

In 2025, it remains one of the top lifestyle apps for Dubai residents, and its features have only gotten smarter.

🍽️ BOGO for Days: Restaurants, Cafes, and More

The Entertainer’s flagship feature? Buy One, Get One Free offers—available on:

Fine dining and casual restaurants across Dubai
Coffee shops and dessert spots
Buffets and brunches (yes, including those fancy Friday brunches)

You’ll find deals on everything from Indian thalis to Italian wood-fired pizzas to artisan sushi. You can easily save the price of your annual app subscription in just one dinner out (not saying cost… but you get the idea).

🧖 Lifestyle Experiences & Wellness

This isn’t just a food app. The Entertainer includes BOGO and discounted offers on:

Spas, massages, and beauty salons
Desert safaris and water park tickets
Hotel pool days and staycations
Fitness classes and wellness centers

So if you’re planning your next weekend or want to try a new spa in JLT, check the app first. You’ll probably find a deal that’s too good to ignore.

🌍 Perfect for Expats and Long-Term Residents

The Entertainer is particularly popular among expats who want to explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and beyond without overthinking the budget. The 2025 version now includes:

A digital wallet to track savings
Geo-location features to show nearby offers
A family plan to share access with your partner or roommates
Seamless integration with Careem rides, so you get there with less hassle

It’s the kind of app that turns your “maybe later” plans into “booked it already” moments.

🎯 Why This App Is a Game-Changer for Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re a foodie, spa junkie, or just love getting more value from your weekends, The Entertainer helps you make the most of Dubai. It’s frequently listed among the most downloaded apps in Dubai because it delivers real-life savings on real-world experiences.

And in a city full of luxury and experiences, smart living isn’t just about how much you earn—but how wisely you spend.

Conclusion: Living Smarter in Dubai Starts with the Right Apps

Dubai isn’t just a city anymore—it’s a full-blown tech-powered lifestyle. From smart government services to AI-powered traffic updates and on-demand everything, it’s built for convenience. But only if you know which tools to use. And now, you do.

Whether you’re an expat who’s just arrived or a long-time resident still learning new tricks, the apps we covered—DubaiNow, Careem, Waze, InstaShop, and The Entertainer—are more than just downloads. They’re daily survival kits, time-savers, and in many cases, total game-changers for how you move, eat, shop, and manage life in Dubai.

These aren’t just “nice-to-have” apps. They’re must-have apps for Dubai expats, digital nomads, professionals, and families navigating the complexities of urban life in 2025.

Here’s a quick recap:

DubaiNow: Your go-to for smart government services (bills, Salik, Nol, residency, and more)
Careem: A one-stop super app for rides, food, grocery, payments, and lifestyle services
Waze: A real-time lifesaver for dodging Dubai’s ever-changing traffic
InstaShop: Get groceries and essentials at your doorstep—fast, fresh, and fuss-free
The Entertainer: Double the fun with BOGO deals on food, spas, activities, and more

Each app reflects Dubai’s vision of being a global smart city, and using them doesn’t just help you keep up—it helps you thrive. With everything just a tap away, there’s no reason to wait in line, get stuck in traffic, or miss a deal again.

So, go ahead. Download, explore, and let your smartphone take care of the heavy lifting. Because in Dubai, the right apps don’t just improve your lifestyle—they define it.

FAQs: Must-Have Dubai Apps 2025

What are the best apps every Dubai resident should have in 2025?

If you’re living in Dubai, these five apps are practically essential:

DubaiNow – Manage government services like bills, Salik, visa, driving license, and Nol card top-up.
Careem – A super app that lets you book rides, order food and groceries, pay bills, and more.
Waze – Real-time navigation with community-reported traffic updates.
InstaShop – For lightning-fast grocery delivery and pharmacy needs.
The Entertainer – For BOGO deals on food, spas, gyms, and activities.

Each app helps you save time, avoid stress, and make the most of what Dubai has to offer.

Which traffic apps help you avoid jams in Dubai?

Dubai traffic can be tricky, especially during rush hour. These apps help:

Waze – Best for real-time traffic updates, speed trap alerts, and rerouting suggestions.
Google Maps – Good for estimating travel time, but less proactive than Waze.
RTA Dubai App – Offers public transport route planning and parking, but not ideal for live traffic.

For personal driving, Waze is the top pick among Dubai drivers due to its accuracy and crowd-sourced alerts.

What is the most popular food delivery app in Dubai?

The top contenders in 2025 are:

Careem Food – Offers a wide range of restaurants, reward points, and integration with other Careem services.
Talabat – Known for broad restaurant coverage, daily promotions, and reliable service.
Deliveroo – A favorite for premium restaurants and fast delivery.

Among these, Careem Food continues to grow in popularity due to its seamless experience and loyalty system.

Are there any must-have public transport apps for Dubai Metro and RTA buses?

Yes, these apps make public transport easy:

RTA Dubai App – Plan Metro, Tram, and Bus routes; track schedules; recharge your Nol card.
S’hail App – Created by RTA, this app integrates Metro, buses, taxis, and even e-scooters.
DubaiNow – Lets you recharge your Nol card and view trip history.

For regular Metro and bus commuters, RTA Dubai App and S’hail are must-haves.

Which app provides accurate weather updates in Dubai?

Dubai’s weather can be extreme. Here’s what works:

AccuWeather – Offers hyper-local updates, sandstorm alerts, and air quality index.
The Weather Channel – Great for 7-day forecasts and radar tracking.
Windy – Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, or drone flyers.

Among residents, AccuWeather is most used for its push alerts and real-time accuracy.

What’s the best app for paying utility bills in Dubai?

The easiest and most official options are:

DubaiNow – Pay DEWA (water/electricity), telecom bills, and even donate to charities.
Etisalat/Du apps – Pay your phone and internet bills directly.
Careem Pay – A newer option allowing bill payment within the Careem ecosystem.

DubaiNow remains the most reliable for consolidated bill payments.

How can I check Salik and traffic fines online using an app in Dubai?

To stay on top of fines and tolls:

DubaiNow – Shows real-time Salik balance and traffic fines. You can also pay directly in-app.
RTA Dubai App – Also shows fines and violations under your vehicle number.
Careem – Includes a payment option, though it may redirect to official portals.

Most residents prefer DubaiNow for its simplicity and consolidated dashboard.

Which apps are useful for tourists and residents to navigate Dubai?

To get around confidently:

Waze – Best for driving with live traffic updates.
RTA Dubai App – Metro, bus, and Nol card management.
Google Maps – Helpful for walking and exploring.
S’hail – Combines multiple transport options.

Tourists often combine Google Maps and RTA Dubai for a complete experience.

Can I order groceries online in Dubai through an app?

Yes, and it’s super convenient. Top apps include:

InstaShop – Delivers from supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialty stores.
Careem Quik – Groceries delivered in under an hour.
ElGrocer – Another option with wide product availability.

InstaShop stands out for its speed and user experience.

Are there any all-in-one lifestyle apps for Dubai residents?

Absolutely. The top multi-service apps include:

Careem – Ride-hailing, food, groceries, payments, and package delivery.
DubaiNow – Government services, Nol top-ups, fines, utilities, and property info.
The Entertainer – Lifestyle deals and BOGO offers across restaurants, hotels, and wellness.

Each offers a unique focus, but Careem and DubaiNow are the most comprehensive.

Is Careem still used in Dubai for ride-hailing in 2025?

Yes, and it’s more powerful than ever.

Careem started as a ride-hailing service but has grown into a full-fledged Dubai super app. It’s still a top choice for residents who want:

Reliable and clean cars, including Economy, Comfort, and Business classes
Pre-booked airport rides with live tracking
Safe late-night options with driver details and ride sharing
Bike rentals (Careem Bike) for quick and eco-friendly short trips

Plus, Careem now includes Careem Pay, Careem Food, and Careem Quik (grocery delivery), so it’s used far beyond just catching a ride. It remains one of the best apps for UAE expats and everyday residents alike.

Which Dubai app helps track government services and documents?

The go-to app is DubaiNow.

It allows you to:

Renew your residency visa and driving license
Pay your Salik, DEWA, and other government bills
Track your Ejari contracts, vehicle registration, and document expiry dates
View and manage education records, health records, and even charity donations

This app is fully integrated with Dubai’s smart government services, and all data is secured. If you want to avoid dealing with physical paperwork or queues, DubaiNow is a must.

What is the best payment wallet or money transfer app in the UAE?

In 2025, residents commonly use these:

Careem Pay – Allows in-app bill payments, phone top-ups, and peer-to-peer transfers
Payit by FAB – A digital wallet designed for sending and receiving money easily within the UAE
Beam Wallet – Still popular in some retail stores and cafes
Apple Pay / Samsung Pay – Integrated for quick contactless payments at most places

For ease of use and integration with daily tasks like ride-hailing and food delivery, Careem Pay is gaining traction as a multi-service wallet in Dubai.

Can I renew my Dubai driving license through an app?

Yes, and it’s much easier than you think.

You can renew your Dubai driving license using:

DubaiNow App – Navigate to “Driving Services” and follow the steps to upload your eye test and proceed with payment
RTA Dubai App – Also allows license renewal with automated reminders
Both apps let you receive your new card by courier, eliminating the need to visit the service center

Note: You’ll still need an eye test at an RTA-approved clinic before applying. Once done, the process is 100% digital.

Which apps support Nol card top-up and Metro route planning?

Two main apps offer full Nol card services:

DubaiNow – Lets you top-up your Nol card instantly and check your trip history
RTA Dubai App – Provides detailed Metro, Tram, and Bus route planning with live timings

Both apps are essential if you use Dubai Metro or RTA buses regularly. They also notify you when your card balance is low, so you’re never stuck at a gate.

Is there an app to check Dubai visa status and expiry?

Yes, you can check your visa status through:

DubaiNow – Under the “Residency” section, you can view your visa expiry, Emirates ID status, and renewal options
ICP UAE App – Official app for all visa and residency records in the UAE (especially for other Emirates)
GDRFA Dubai App – For those who want direct access to immigration services in Dubai

For a smooth experience, most Dubai residents prefer DubaiNow, as it combines visa checks with other useful features.

How to use RTA Dubai app for parking and trip planning?

The RTA Dubai App simplifies car parking and trip planning in several ways:

Public Parking: Book and pay for parking with just a few taps. The app sends reminders before your time expires.
Metro/Bus/Tram Routes: Plan door-to-door journeys using public transport, complete with estimated times.
Taxi Booking: Book an RTA taxi through the app or get fare estimates.
Driving License Services: Renew, replace, or apply for your license.

If you’re someone who drives during weekdays and takes the Metro on weekends, this app keeps both worlds organized.

What food apps offer vegan or Indian food delivery in Dubai?

Several apps cater to specific dietary and cultural preferences:

Careem Food – Has filters for vegan, vegetarian, and cuisine types (like Indian, Chinese, Lebanese)
Talabat – Offers curated categories like “Vegan Restaurants” or “South Indian Breakfast”
Zomato (still active in some areas) – Known for reviews and ratings alongside delivery

For vegan options and Indian meals, Careem Food and Talabat are highly preferred due to wide restaurant coverage and quick delivery in most neighborhoods.

Which Dubai apps work best for apartment rentals or finding roommates?

Looking for a flat or roommate? These apps are helpful:

Bayut App – One of the largest platforms for residential property listings in Dubai
Dubizzle – Great for rental listings and roommate postings in shared accommodations
Property Finder – Ideal for expats searching for long-term homes

Some newer apps even allow virtual property tours, while real estate brokers often list units directly through these platforms.

What are the best medical and telehealth apps used in Dubai?

Health is now just a tap away. The most trusted apps include:

Okadoc – Book doctor appointments instantly at top UAE clinics and hospitals
Sehhaty – For teleconsultations and accessing lab reports
HealthHub by Al-Futtaim – Offers appointment booking, pharmacy refills, and online consultations
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) App – Manage medical records, vaccinations, and test results if you’re in the public health system

For convenience and variety, Okadoc and HealthHub are resident favorites, especially among those using private healthcare providers.