If you’ve ever landed in a foreign country and immediately panicked because you couldn’t find the taxi rank, the Wi-Fi wouldn’t connect, or the map showed your hotel as somewhere in the Persian Gulf… welcome to travel. Fortunately, the UAE – and especially Dubai – is one of the easiest places to explore if you’ve got the right apps on your phone.
From summoning a ride in seconds to translating street signs, travel apps in the UAE do more than just help – they can save you real time, money, and headaches. And with everything from 2-for-1 dinner deals to apps that track metro timings to the second, you’re spoilt for choice. Below, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to the best travel apps to use whilst travelling the UAE, including comparisons, prices, and insider tips.
🚖 Transport & navigation apps
Getting around in the UAE is like being in a video game – clean, efficient, and futuristic. But without the right app? You’ll be that player walking into walls.
Top apps for getting around:
| App | Use | Download Cost | Best Feature |
| RTA Dubai (Nol) | Metro, tram, bus & bike planning | Free | Real-time schedules & mobile top-up for Nol smartcard |
| Careem / Uber | Ride-hailing | Free | Promo codes, ride credits, multi-language interface |
| Google Maps | GPS & transit directions | Free | Offline maps, real-time traffic |
| Citymapper | Public transport planner | Free | Step-by-step metro/bus/bike directions |
| Dubai Metro / Tram | Specific metro/tram info | Free | Maps, station history, fine alerts |
| DXB Navigator | Airport guide | Free | Terminal info, flight tracker, indoor airport maps |
| Dubai Police App | Safety & assistance | Free | Report incidents, live alerts, contact police quickly |
Pro tip: If you’re planning on using Dubai Metro regularly, the RTA Dubai app is non-negotiable. You can plan trips, check schedules, and top-up your Nol card from your phone. It’s like having a local travel guide in your pocket.
Careem (homegrown UAE brand) and Uber both operate in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and often beat traditional taxis in price – especially if you use promo codes or subscribe to Careem Plus (approx. AED 19/month with ride credits).
For those travelling during peak hours, Citymapper offers brilliant alternate routes and real-time updates to dodge any delays. If you’re arriving by air, DXB Navigator helps you glide through Dubai International like a pro.
🏨 Booking, flights & accommodation apps
Booking a five-star suite? Or just crashing somewhere budget for the night? Either way, these apps have your back.
| App | Function | Cost | Key Benefits |
| Wego | Flights + Hotels | Free | Best for MENA deals; compares across airlines & hotels |
| Skyscanner | Flights | Free | “Everywhere” search; best for flexible budgets |
| Expedia | Flights + Hotels bundles | Free | Book hotels & flights together; often get discounts |
| Booking.com | Hotels & rentals | Free | Huge range of hotels with reviews |
| Agoda | Hotels & serviced apartments | Free | Great for budget and business accommodation |
| Airbnb | Short-term home rentals | Free | Unique local stays, sometimes cheaper than hotels |
If you’re planning ahead, set alerts on Skyscanner or Wego to grab the cheapest flights. Rihlat’s own travel tip? Always check The Entertainer for local hotel offers too – even luxury stays get slashed in price.
For those venturing beyond the UAE (think quick Euro trips), download Omio or Trainline. They’re essential for Europe-bound connections post-UAE.
📱 Essential Finance & Deal Apps
Travelling in the UAE doesn’t have to break the bank. You just need a few clever apps in your corner.
| App | Function | Cost | Benefit |
| The Entertainer | 2-for-1 deals | Free (app) / ~AED 625/year | Dining, attractions, spas – saves hundreds |
| Groupon / Cobone | Local deals | Free | Up to 70% off activities & meals |
| XE Currency | Currency conversion | Free (ads) | Live rates; works offline too |
| Revolut / Wise | Foreign currency cards | Free | Spend in AED with no bank fees |
| Talabat / Zomato | Food delivery & menus | Free | Late-night food, local favourites, discounts |
Want to halve your trip cost? The Entertainer app gives you 2-for-1s on everything from burgers to Burj Khalifa. Yes, it costs AED 625/year, but even if you use it for two brunches and a waterpark day, you’ll be up.
For dining in, Talabat is a go-to (even operates 24/7). And to keep an eye on currency fluctuations, XE lets you check exchange rates offline.
🗣 Language, culture & local know-how apps
Let’s face it – not everyone speaks fluent Arabic. Thankfully, you don’t need to.
| App | Function | Cost | Why It’s Useful |
| Google Translate | Translation (text/speech) | Free | Camera mode, offline Arabic pack, real-time voice translation |
| Duolingo | Language learning | Free | Learn Arabic phrases on the go |
| Culture Trip | Local guides & insights | Free | Insider culture, etiquette, hidden gems |
| Dubai Calendar | Live event finder | Free | Music, sports, exhibitions & more |
| Visit Dubai | Official tourism guide | Free | Cultural rules, attraction info, etiquette tips |
| Muslim Pro | Prayer time reminder | Free | Respect local customs, even if you’re not Muslim |
| Maps.me / WiFi Map | Offline navigation & WiFi | Free | Stay connected and on track without roaming costs |
Download Google Translate and the Arabic language pack before you land. Want to go a step further? Duolingo makes learning a few key phrases surprisingly addictive.
Apps like Culture Trip help you see beyond the Burj – think Emirati history, quiet neighbourhoods, and offbeat foodie finds. Plus, if you’re visiting during Ramadan or Eid, apps like Dubai Calendar will keep you updated on festival hours, prayer times, and public etiquette.
Rihlat’s internal guide on Rules in Dubai: what every tourist should know offers more handy advice on local laws, dress codes and Ramadan customs.
🧠 Insider tips for UAE app use
1. Download before you fly: WiFi in airports can be spotty. Install all your key apps ahead of time, including offline maps for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
2. Save battery & data: Keep your screen brightness down, and set maps to offline mode when possible. Data roaming can cost a bomb.
3. Keep emergency apps front & centre: The Dubai Police App can literally be a lifesaver – from reporting an incident to finding the nearest help point.
4. ID & etiquette matters: In the UAE, it’s required by law to carry ID. Most apps don’t replace this, but they can remind you of etiquette rules – like no public eating during Ramadan and dressing modestly in malls.
🔗 Related articles
Looking for more ways to make your UAE trip smoother, safer, and more affordable? You might also enjoy:
- Is Dubai expensive? A complete guide to costs and budgeting
- Rules in Dubai: Essential guide for tourists
Both offer even more local insight and pair perfectly with the apps above for a fuss-free journey.
✈️ Your UAE cheat sheet
In a country as fast-paced and tech-savvy as the UAE, not using travel apps is like showing up at a desert safari without water. The right apps can handle the planning, booking, navigating, translating – and even score you discounts you didn’t know existed.
Here’s your cheat sheet:
- Transport? RTA + Careem + Google Maps
- Booking? Skyscanner + Booking.com + Airbnb
- Deals? The Entertainer + Groupon + Talabat
- Culture? Google Translate + Culture Trip + Dubai Calendar
With these on your home screen, you’re no longer just a tourist. You’re a savvy, culturally-aware explorer with a digital edge. So download, plan, and enjoy the ride – from the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai to the peaceful mosques of Sharjah.
As we say at Rihlat: Download now, stress less later. Happy travels!
