Apps You Need In Dubai: Daily Hacks & Hidden Gems

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Apps You Need In Dubai: Daily Hacks & Hidden Gems

18 Apr 2025

Photo: Nick Fancher

Living in Dubai often means rushing from one meeting to another, starting your morning by guessing how many calls are on your calendar today — four or five? With a pace this fast, you could really use a personal assistant to book your appointments, reserve spots at restaurants and spas for the evening, and even keep track of your yearly checkups. And if your salary does not quite stretch to hiring one, don't worry — there are a few apps that can do the job just as well. Here are some of the coolest picks that make life in Dubai way easier!

Health and Wellness Edition

AirVisual

This app has been gaining serious popularity in Dubai lately — and honestly, for good reason. AirVisual gives you real-time updates on air quality in your area, including pollution levels and weather forecasts.

Now you might be thinking, “Okay, but what is the point if I can't change the air?” Fair enough. But while you can not control the weather, you can protect yourself — whether it is wearing a mask on high-pollution days, avoiding outdoor workouts, or simply switching on your air purifier at home. The app even gives you these tips based on live conditions.

Photos:

Justlife

We all know Justlife for its cleaning services — but here is the great part: you can also book a massage at home. A professional shows up right on time, bringing everything with them — from aroma oils to candles — to turn your space into a mini spa.

And it doesn't stop there. You can also book lab tests, IV drips, and even vaccinations, all without leaving your home. Super handy if you, like me, suddenly get inspired to check your vitamin levels after falling into a late-night YouTube rabbit hole (collagen, zinc, ferritin — you name it). Better to know what your body actually needs, right?

Photos: Justlife

Fresha

Fresha is basically the Eat App of the beauty world. It pulls together all the top-rated salons, spas, beauty clinics, and massage spots into one app — and sorts them by category. So whether you are after a quick mani-pedi, a facial, or a deep-tissue massage, you can filter by location, price, and time, and book instantly.

No phone calls. No back-and-forth. Just easy beauty bookings — whenever you need a little self-care.

Car Owners Edition

Waze

The Perfect alternative to Google Maps — Waze shows you smart route options, toll roads, and even which lane to take (a lifesaver for Dubai drivers, given all the exits and split roads). It also highlights speed limits and gives live traffic updates, making it the go-to app for getting around the city with less stress.

Photos: Waze

CAFU

This is the app that helps keep your car clean and ready to go. It is my personal favourite, especially since the closest petrol station to my place always has endless queues. Forgot to refuel? No stress. CAFU comes to you — whether you are at the office or parked at home — and fills up your tank with no extra charge. Realised your car has not been washed in forever? That is sorted too. In just 30 minutes, CAFU shows up and leaves it sparkling clean.

Photos: Cafu

Dubai Police Eye

Getting blocked in a parking spot is nothing new — and I am pretty sure it has happened to everyone living in Dubai.

And we all know the drill: no note, no contact number, just pure stress. But here is something you might not know — the Dubai Police Eye app, the same one we use to report public disturbances or vandalism, actually has a special section for parking issues like this.

Just snap a photo, submit a quick report, and the police will contact the car owner for you. In about five minutes, you are free to go. Quick, easy, and no drama.

Photos: Dubai Police Eye

Food Lovers Edition

Eat App

Stuck in a new part of town and not sure where to grab a coffee? Or maybe it is Saturday morning and you suddenly feel like heading out for breakfast nearby, but not really sure where to go? EatApp has you covered.

Based on your current location, it shows a list of nearby cafés — including exact distance, cuisine type, and average price. It also lists all the current promotions and lets you reserve a table at the nearest available time. Super handy when you are short on time or out of ideas.

Photos: Eat App

Lifemart

Perfect for anyone craving home-style food at affordable prices.

Lifemart offers a great selection of dishes, making it the ideal solution for those who usually bring lunch to work but forgot it at home. Tasty, practical, and budget-friendly. And if you visit one of their offline spots, you will see — it is literally homemade.

Photos: Lifemart

Entertainment Edition

The Secret Society

Calling all content queens and kings who start their day filming GRWM TikToks and Reels! The Secret Society is a lifestyle and influencer collaboration app where businesses across different industries — from beach clubs and restaurants to salons and spas — invite UAE-based content creators to visit their venues on a barter basis.

The requirements vary, so once you apply, the app matches you with opportunities that fit your profile and follower count. (Me and my 20K followers in Instagram have landed plenty of great offers through it!)

Photos: The Secret Society

Platinumlist

This app lists all the best events in town, from major concerts and festivals to theatre shows and local happenings. Think Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, Etihad Arena — all in one place. Looking for something more niche, like a sound healing session in the desert or a creative workshop with a regional artist? That is in there too!

Just pick your category and preferred date, and scroll through an endless list of experiences waiting to happen.

Photos: Platinumlist

by Barbara Yakimchuk