8 Dubai Government apps that you should know about

Need to plan your itinerary? There’s an app for that. Need medical or police services? There’s also an app for that. Need to top up your Salik account or pay your tolls? Well, there’s an app for that as well.

Living in a smart city like Dubai means everything is accessible with a tap or two on your phone. Gone are the days when there was a need to visit a government building to book appointments or sort your bills.

On-the-go connectivity is a result of the government’s efforts to make technological solutions available to everyone. Whether that’s paying utility bills or accessing personal or medical records, everything has been made easier, faster and safer. 

In this list, we have compiled 8 essential Dubai government apps that you should install right now. Here they are: 

1. UAE PASS (Online Verification)

UAE Pass serves as a secure identity authentication service for accessing government services on your mobile phone. It is a simplified platform to prove who you are before you can start using services that require proof of identity. 

Once you download and sign in to the UAE PASS, you can use it to access other apps that are linked to your Emirates ID or residence visa. This means you won’t have to complete the sign-up process for each platform, making for a seamless experience across apps. It also allows you to sign and verify documents digitally.

2. DubaiNow (Multiple Services)

If you only want one app to download on your phone, then look no further. With DubaiNow, you can do virtually anything. From utilities to driving, education to health, and residency to security, it grants you access to various essential services all in one platform. 

You can set up your DEWA account, pay utility bills and top up your Salik and NOL accounts all from this app. You can buy or sell your car or renew your car registration. You can also obtain or cancel residency sponsorships for your family and even call emergency numbers including the Dubai Police or the Fire Department. You can even get real-time flight information from Dubai airports.

 DubaiNow allows you access to 130 services from over 34 entities, both private and public. Talk about a one-stop shop!  

3. Dubai Calendar (Events)

With so many events happening all at once, it can be hard to keep track of all the amazing things going on in Dubai! But, the Dubai Calendar app provides information for all the major events taking place in the city, whether you’re into music, culture, art, fashion, health or sports. 

Dubbed as the official listing of events in Dubai, you can find out the latest upcoming events in the city, add them to your calendar, share them with friends, and purchase tickets, all through this handy app. 

4. DHA App (Health)

Your health in your pocket! With the DHA App, you can access Dubai Health Authority’s services straight from your phone. The app can be used to manage patient services, allowing you to search for professionals and facilities, book an appointment for you and your family, and keep track of medications and lab results. For a more personalized experience, it can be integrated into your default health and fitness phone app!

5. Smart Salik (Tolls)

If you drive in Dubai, Smart Salik is a lifesaver. This is the Road Transport Authority's (RTA) official mobile app for Dubai’s road toll system. Using the app, you can check your balance, top up your account, add or remove registered vehicles, and most importantly, check your violations. You can also manage multiple profiles for your family and friends.

6. Smart Drive Dubai (Driving)

Smart Driving Dubai is another valuable app from the RTA, designed to help you navigate whilst driving. This easy-to-use app offers much more detail than Google Maps and is tailored to Dubai's road system, giving you important information like what lane to be in at junctions. The app is regularly updated and unlike other navigation apps, as long as you have wifi or mobile data when setting your destination, the app does not require a mobile internet connection whilst driving. 

7. S’hail (Public Transport)

Moving in and around Dubai is a breeze with its world-class public transport system. RTA’s S’hail app makes it even more convenient. A journey planner and map all at the same time, the app can help you plan your journey with the best public transport, whether that’s a single ride on the metro station or if it involves transfers between buses and trams. The app shows you the best routes and the total time of commute. Not only that, it allows you to top up your Nol card and explore top tourist locations.

8. Dubai REST (Real Estate)

As the UAE's leading real estate agency, this list would not be completed without mentioning the Dubai REST application - the go-to app for real estate services in Dubai. It is extremely useful not only for real estate brokers but also for end-users. Touted as the Dubai Land Department's smart and secure platform for all your real estate needs, users can access property information and documentation as well as request services such as mortgage bids, and property evaluations, and pay service charges. Most importantly, it allows property owners and tenants to manage registration, renewal, and cancellation of leases and submit rental dispute cases.