Here are 5 free apps every Dubai resident and tourist should download

In the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Dubai was named the most popular travel destination in the world for the second consecutive year. It is extremely popular with international travelers because of its security, thrilling outdoor activities, and experiences tailored to tourists. Did you know that, according to a 2022 poll by the ex-pat networking organization Internations, Dubai is also the second-best city in the world for expatriates?

We have put together a list of seven free mobile apps that everyone, resident or visitor, must download.

1. UAE Pass

The UAE Pass, which is the country’s digital id for citizens, residents, and tourists, should be the first app you register for before downloading any other apps.

UAE citizens can sign up for the app using their cellphone number and Emirates ID number. If you are a resident or citizen of a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), you can quickly register on the app in a few minutes. If you are from outside the GCC, you must input your passport information.

Once you’ve registered, you can access more than 10,000 government services as well as some of the services listed below, such as using the S’hail app to book a taxi.

2. S’hail

If you use public transportation in Dubai, you must have this app since it makes it easier for commuters to plan their trips using the Metro, Tram, cab, bus, or any of the sea transit choices available in the city.

The app may be downloaded for free from the Huawei AppGallery, Google Play Store, and Apple App Store.

It provides the estimated fee as well as route information, such as the length of the trip and the arrival and departure schedule.

So, if you want to get from your hotel to any of the well-known tourist attractions in Dubai, all you have to do is enter your present position and your destination into the app, and it will show you all of the available public transportation alternatives.

The app also lets you reserve a taxi.

3. nol Pay

Users of Dubai’s public transportation must pay for their journey using a “nol card,” which can be purchased at any Dubai Metro station. However, you are not required to pay with cash at a public transportation counter if you want to add credit to your card.

You may top up your card and pay for public transportation using the “nol Pay” app. The app lets you pay for transportation on the Dubai Metro, buses, Dubai Tram, maritime transportation, and even taxis. It is also useful if you need to pay for public parking when driving a rental car in Dubai.

Here’s how you can quickly top up your card on the app:

1. Click “Top-Up nol card” after opening the app. After that, put the physical Nol card on the back of your smartphone and wait for the app to correctly scan it before removing it. Near Field Communication (NFC) is used by the app to recognize the card and top it off. Users of iPhone and Android devices have access to this capability. However, you might need to enable the “NFC tag” reader in your settings for some older iPhone models.
2. Type in the top-up amount or choose it from the available alternatives. When topping off a nol card online, the maximum amount that can be added is Dh150.
3. Next, tap ‘Confirm’.
4. Tap the ‘Pay’ button.
5. The app will then direct you to Dubai Pay, the official website for making online payments for Dubai government services.
6. Type in your credit or debit card information.
7. After that, put the card back on the phone’s back so the app may add more money to the card. Make sure to wait until the money has been successfully sent before removing it.
8. Following that, you can see a summary of your payment.

4. Careem

You can also order cabs via Careem, which offers a far greater selection of services. Not only can you book RTA-licensed taxis through the app’s partnership with the RTA, but you can also book potentially available private taxis in your area, with the option to select premium taxis.

To order a cab using the Careem app, follow these steps:

1. Get the “Careem” app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Create an account using the directions on the screen, then sign in.
3. You have the choice to book a “vehicle,” which refers to a private taxi, or a “Hala Taxi,” which refers to a taxi run by the RTA, on the homepage. Make a selection.
4. Type in the locations of your drop-off and pickup.
5. After that, press the “Confirm” button.
6. The app will provide all of the nearest taxi services that are available to you along with the projected cost of the trip. Depending on the timing (with peak hour reservations costing more) and the kind of taxi you choose, the fee for the same trip will change. Taking a luxury cab, for instance, would cost more than taking a regular taxi (assuming one was available at the time).
7. After making your choice, touch the “Yalla” button.
8. You will then get a notification verifying the trip’s specifics and a route update from your driver.

5. Dubai Police

With Dubai Police even establishing a specialized division named “Tourism Police,” which is charged with handling issues and demands connected to tourists, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for both residents and tourists.

Through the Dubai Police app, tourists can get in touch with the department’s special division. You can use them to ask questions, offer comments and suggestions, and provide feedback. Installing this app will enable you to contact the police quickly and easily as a local.

Emergency features on the Dubai Police app

One swipe on the Dubai Authorities app can let you alert the police in the event of an accident or other emergency in Dubai.

The app sends out an automated distress signal and recognizes serious events like automobile collisions (SOS)

– Special SOS service for women and children

The SOS button on the app also features a dedicated area for reporting crimes against women and children as well as other forms of abuse. In an emergency, women and children can also use this option to alert Dubai Police by sending an SOS.

– Sailing or going on a yacht? Use ‘Sail Safely’

Before leaving on a yacht or cruise, you should activate the “Sail Safely” service on the app, which can then assist you in remaining safe while traveling. The service alerts users to potential dangers and lets users send direct distress requests to Dubai Police.

Arabic, English, Russian, German, Chinese, French, and Spanish are among the seven languages that the app supports.

Also Read: The first five things you need to do when you land in the UAE