Living in Dubai as a student can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re new international students in Dubai trying to navigate the city for the first time or a student trying to stay productive and budget‑smart. Then, no need to worry, as here are some of the right apps that can transform your student life in Dubai. From travel and local services to finances, study help, and social experiences, here’s a breakdown of must‑have mobile apps that make living and thriving in Dubai easier and more fun for any international student.
1. Local Daily Life & Government Apps For Students
DubaiNow – The All‑in‑One City App
DubaiNow is arguably the most important app for international or domestic students in Dubai. It consolidates over 130 government and private services in one place. With this app, you can access everything from paying utility bills to checking visa status or renewing documents. It’s like carrying the city’s administrative office in your pocket, saving countless trips and hours of waiting.
Why it matters: You can handle essential tasks like paying DEWA utility bills, topping up your Salik toll balance. Along with renewing documents with a few taps, it is especially useful for students with tight schedules and budgets.
UAE Pass – Your Digital Identity Key
This is your digital ID for accessing most of the official e‑services in Dubai as an international student in Dubai. It includes DubaiNow and government portals as well. Once set up, UAE Pass lets you securely sign forms, authenticate services, and log in to apps using your biometric verification. Think of it as your student “Swiss Army knife” for digital services — essential from visa procedures to banking.
2. Transportation & Commuting Apps For Students in Dubai
Careem – More Than Just Ride‑Hailing
Careem is Dubai’s homegrown ride‑hailing app and one of the staples for getting around town comfortably and quickly. It’s usually cheaper and faster than alternatives like Uber and also offers meal delivery and grocery services. So, if you are one of the international students in Dubai and looking for something to eat late at night, just download the Careem app.
RTA Dubai / S’hail – Official Transport Tool
For public transportation, Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) provides apps like RTA Dubai and S’hail that help you plan journeys in Dubai. Moreover, you can easily recharge Metro/bus cards (Nol cards) and check schedules for public transportation, perfect for commuting to campus on a budget.
3. Food Delivery & Daily Essentials Apps
Between lectures, assignments, and perhaps even part-time work, finding the time to shop for groceries or cook a full meal can be challenging. That’s where food delivery and daily essentials apps step in. These apps will save your time, energy, and stress by bringing food, groceries, and even household necessities straight to your door.
Zomato & Talabat – Hungry? Sorted!
After a tiring day, the last thing you want to do is cook. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, Talabat or Zomato are the most popular food delivery apps in Dubai that give you access to a wide range of restaurants and cuisines. From local Emirati dishes to international favorites, you can find something to suit every craving. The best part? Both apps offer deals and discounts, making it easier for students to save while satisfying their hunger.
Deliveroo – Quick & Convenient
Another essential for food delivery is Deliveroo. Known for its quick delivery times, Deliveroo works with a variety of restaurants across Dubai. The app is particularly popular for its premium food options, allowing you to indulge in gourmet meals from the comfort of your dorm room. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to treat yourself, Deliveroo has a wide selection of high-end restaurants, perfect for any occasion.
Noon App
For students who want variety, convenience, and good deals all in one place, Noon Food is a Dubai‑friendly app worth downloading. You can grab food and shop for groceries like snacks, drinks, or study‑fuel essentials without juggling multiple delivery apps. With promo codes and beginner discounts, Noon Food helps reduce delivery costs, a real plus when you’re trying to stretch student funds.
Carrefour & Instashop – Grocery Shopping Made Easy
When it comes to grocery shopping, Carrefour and Instashop make it effortless. Carrefour offers a full range of fresh groceries, snacks, and household essentials — all at the tap of a finger. Instashop, on the other hand, focuses on quick deliveries, often arriving within an hour. Both apps offer discounts and promotions for students in Dubai. Moreover, ensure that you can keep your kitchen stocked without burning a hole in your wallet.
4. Finance & Budgeting Apps For Students in Dubai
Managing money smartly is critical, especially in a city like Dubai, where living costs can add up fast. Here are some top finance apps that every student in Dubai should have:
SmartPocket – Tailored for Students’ Budgets
SmartPocket is a UAE-based budgeting app designed specifically for students in Dubai. It helps you track your daily expenses, set spending limits, and even offers student discounts and cashback deals. This app can link to your bank accounts and credit cards, offering real-time insights into your spending habits. Whether you’re buying coffee, paying for transport, or shopping, SmartPocket helps you visualize where your money is going and find opportunities to save.
YNAB (You Need A Budget) – Stay Ahead of Your Finances
YNAB is a powerful budgeting app that encourages you to assign every dirham to rent, groceries, or savings. It helps you plan ahead and avoid relying on credit cards or loans for day-to-day expenses. YNAB’s approach is all about proactive budgeting, helping you stay in control of your finances from the start of the month as a student in Dubai.
Revolut – For International Students in Dubai
If you’re an international student in Dubai, Revolut is a must-have app. It lets you hold multiple currencies, transfer money internationally without fees, and track your spending in real time. This is especially helpful for students who need to send money back home or pay for expenses in different currencies.
Dubizzle App for Students in Dubai
For students in Dubai, Dubizzle is like a digital marketplace that can help you with some of the most everyday needs of student life. UAE’s largest classifieds app for finding accommodation, second-hand furniture, electronics, jobs, cars, and even free stuff from people moving out. Dubizzle also doubles as a job search platform where employers post openings across various industries. This includes part‑time, internship, and freelance roles that suit students’ schedules.
5. Study & Productivity Apps for Students in Dubai
The Dubai Study – Localized Learning Resource
The Dubai Study is a Dubai‑centric educational app built with the UAE academic context in mind. This app provides exam‑specific resources, study materials, and practice quizzes. Moreover, it offers tailored prep tools that help you review and master subjects relevant to tests like the SAT, GRE, GMAT, and more, all designed to support students in Dubai.
Lock&Stock – Student Focus & Rewards App (UAE‑Built)
Lock&Stock is a unique app developed in Dubai that helps students improve focus and reduce distractions during study times. The app rewards you with points or keys for staying off your phone and focusing on your tasks. And those rewards can be used as real incentives, such as discounts or scholarship support. What else do you need as a student in Dubai?
Additional Useful Apps for Students in Dubai
- Washmen – On-demand laundry and dry cleaning service with same-day pickup/delivery.
- Airalo – For getting UAE eSIMs with local data plans.
- ToTok – UAE-based alternative to WhatsApp for voice/video calls (since WhatsApp calls are blocked without a VPN).
- Empay – Dubai’s cashless payment platform for government bills, split expenses and peer-to-peer transfers.
- The Entertainer – Paid app (yearly subscription) with 2-for-1 deals on restaurants, attractions, salons, and hotels. It is extremely popular among students in Dubai for saving money.
- Cobone – Middle Eastern discount app for deals on attractions, staycations, dining, and spa treatments.
- NoL Pay – For managing your NOL card (Dubai’s transport card), recharging balance, applying for a student NOL card (50% discount on transport), and using it as a payment method.
Images: Official handles
Also Read: Best Universities in Dubai for International Students in 2026
