Best Apps for Expats in the UAE: From Real Estate to Food Delivery and Transport

Relocating to the UAE means entering one of the most digitally integrated societies in the world. Daily life — from renting an apartment to paying utility bills, ordering food, booking transport, or dealing with government services — is managed primarily through mobile applications.

For expats, these apps are not just conveniences. They form the digital infrastructure of everyday life in the UAE. Understanding which apps to use — and why — significantly reduces friction during relocation and long-term living.

This guide covers the most important apps for expats in the UAE, structured by real-life needs.

Real Estate and Housing Apps

The UAE property market is highly digital. Whether renting or buying, expats rely heavily on real estate platforms to understand pricing, neighborhoods, and availability.

• Bayut
  Bayut is one of the largest and most comprehensive real estate platforms in the UAE. It offers rental and sales listings, price insights, area guides, and verified agent listings. For new arrivals, Bayut is often the first point of contact with the local property market.
• Property Finder
  Property Finder is especially strong in premium residential and off-plan listings. It is widely used by professional brokers and developers, making it useful for both renters and buyers looking for higher-quality inventory.
• Dubizzle
  Dubizzle is a general classifieds platform that includes real estate. It can be useful for direct owner listings and secondary rentals, though expats should verify listings carefully.

These apps help expats compare prices, evaluate districts, and shortlist properties before committing to viewings.

Government, Residency, and Identity Apps

The UAE government operates on a digital-first model, and many residency-related processes are handled entirely through apps.

• UAE Pass
  UAE Pass is the official digital identity system. It allows residents to log into government portals, sign documents digitally, and verify identity across public and private services.
• DubaiNow
  DubaiNow centralizes dozens of government services, including utility payments, traffic fines, visa-related services, and vehicle registration. For Dubai residents, it becomes a daily-use app.
• ICP UAE
  This app is used for federal immigration services, including Emirates ID tracking, visa status checks, and residency updates.

These apps eliminate the need for frequent in-person government visits.

Transport and Mobility Apps

Transport in the UAE is fully integrated with mobile technology, whether you rely on taxis, public transport, or driving.

• Careem
  Careem goes beyond ride-hailing. In addition to taxis, it offers food delivery, grocery services, and even bill payments in some areas. It is one of the most versatile apps in the region.
• Uber
  Uber operates widely across the UAE and is often preferred by business users for its consistency and international familiarity.
• RTA Dubai
  Essential for anyone using public transport in Dubai. The app manages Nol cards, parking, routes, and real-time transport updates.

Mobility apps are essential in a country where convenience and efficiency are prioritized.

Food Delivery and Grocery Apps

Food delivery is deeply embedded in UAE lifestyle, particularly in major cities.

• Talabat
  Talabat is the most widely used food delivery app, covering restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, and daily essentials.
• Deliveroo
  Deliveroo has a strong presence among premium and health-focused restaurants and is popular with professionals.
• Instashop
  Focused on groceries and household items, often delivering within an hour. Particularly useful during the first weeks after relocation.

Banking and Digital Payments

The UAE is rapidly becoming a cashless society.

• Liv. and Mashreq Neo
  These digital banks are popular with expats due to simplified onboarding once Emirates ID is issued.
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
  Accepted almost everywhere, from supermarkets to taxis and restaurants. Efficient banking apps are essential for salary payments, rent transfers, and daily expenses.

Utilities, Internet, and Telecom

Setting up utilities is one of the first steps after securing housing.

• DEWA
  Used to manage electricity and water accounts in Dubai, including deposits, billing, and consumption tracking.
• Etisalat and du
  The two main telecom providers. Their apps manage mobile plans, home internet, roaming, and add-ons.

Property Management and Community Apps

Many residential buildings and master communities use dedicated apps for:

• maintenance requests,
• access cards and parking management,
• community announcements,
• service charge updates.

These apps reduce response times and improve communication between residents and management, especially for expats unfamiliar with local processes.

Apps for Families, Schools, and Education

Families relocating to the UAE rely heavily on digital platforms for education-related matters.

School apps are commonly used for:

• tuition payments,
• academic calendars,
• parent-teacher communication,
• activity scheduling.

This digital structure is especially helpful for expat families navigating international school systems.

Apps for Freelancers and Remote Workers

The UAE attracts a growing number of freelancers and remote professionals.

Relevant apps support:

• invoicing and expense tracking,
• co-working space bookings,
• client scheduling and communication,
• freelance permit and visa-related services (in some zones).

These tools help remote workers stay compliant while operating internationally.

Lifestyle, Services, and Everyday Convenience

Expats frequently use apps for:

• home cleaning and maintenance,
• laundry and dry-cleaning,
• pet care and veterinary services,
• personal services and repairs.

These platforms support the convenience-driven lifestyle the UAE is known for.

Safety, Emergency, and Public Services

Public safety is also supported digitally through apps that provide:

• emergency reporting,
• police and civil defense contact,
• safety notifications and alerts.

For expats, this adds reassurance and easy access to public services.

Cultural Integration, Events, and Social Life

Relocation is not only logistical but social.

Event and community apps help expats:

• discover cultural events and exhibitions,
• book entertainment and attractions,
• join professional and social communities,
• integrate into local life faster.

FAQ

Do I need all these apps immediately?
No, but real estate, transport, and government apps are essential early on.

Are these apps available in English?
Yes, most major UAE apps fully support English.

Can I use them without Emirates ID?
Some features are limited, but many apps work partially before ID issuance.

Are payments and data secure?
Yes. UAE apps operate under strict security and compliance standards.

Life in the UAE is fundamentally app-driven. For expats, understanding and using the right applications transforms relocation from a complex process into a streamlined experience. From housing and visas to food delivery and transport, mobile apps form the backbone of everyday life in the Emirates.

Being digitally prepared is not optional — it is part of successful integration.

DDA Real Estate works with expats and international clients relocating to the UAE by providing:

• property selection and rental support,
• guidance on districts and lifestyle choices,
• relocation and settlement consulting,
• long-term investment and residency strategies.

If you are planning to move to the UAE and want to settle smoothly — both offline and online — DDA Real Estate help you navigate the process clearly, legally, and confidently.