Before you land in Dubai, install a public transport app (nol Pay or S'hail), a taxi app (Careem), a maps app with an offline area downloaded, and a licensed calling app such as Botim. Most of these need only mobile data, so a travel eSIM covers them. The exception is any app that sends an SMS code to a phone number, which a data-only eSIM cannot receive.
Key takeaways
- Install and sign in to every app at home, on Wi-Fi, while your home SIM can still receive SMS codes.
- nol Pay is the RTA's official app for topping up nol cards; S'hail plans public transport journeys and can book taxis. Both are described in the Gulf News guide cited below.
- Download an offline map of the Dubai area before you fly. Google Maps offline navigation works only if the whole route is inside the downloaded area.
- WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are restricted in the UAE. Botim and C'Me are licensed calling apps.
Apps for Dubai at a glance
This table groups the apps visitors commonly use by job. Every app in it needs an internet connection for its main function, which is why a travel eSIM matters. We have not measured data use per app; for planning, see how much data you need in Dubai. Checked 2026-10-27.
| App type | Examples | Needs data? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public transport and nol card | nol Pay, S'hail (both RTA) | Yes | nol Pay tops up nol cards; S'hail plans Metro, tram, bus and marine journeys. |
| Taxi and ride-hailing | Careem, Uber | Yes | Careem offers RTA-licensed "Hala" taxis and private cars. Check sign-in options before you fly. |
| Maps and navigation | Google Maps, Apple Maps | Mostly; offline maps help | Download the area at home. Offline Google Maps has no transit or walking directions. |
| Voice calling | Botim, C'Me | Yes | Licensed in the UAE. WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are restricted. |
| Messaging | WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram | Yes | Text, photos and voice notes work; calls are the restricted part. |
| Meetings and work calls | Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack | Yes | Listed by Gulf News as allowed in the UAE. |
| Tourism and government | Visit Dubai, Dubai Police, UAE Pass | Yes | Official apps; see the section below for what each does. |
Public transport and the nol card
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) publishes the official nol Pay app. According to an RTA announcement dated 2023-07-31, the app tops up nol card balances, lets you link your nol cards to one account and is meant for residents, visitors and tourists. It runs on NFC phones on Android, Apple and Huawei.
The nol card is the contactless card used on the Metro, tram and buses. Gulf News describes a visitor edition, the nol travel card, launched by the RTA in 2024, which covers Metro, tram, bus, water bus, water taxi, Dubai Ferry, some RTA taxis and public parking, and links to the nol Pay app and noltravel.ae for offers. It reports a package price of Dh200 including Dh19 of transport credit, sold at Zoom stores, Europcar outlets at Dubai International Airport and some travel agents (Gulf News, updated 2025-10-03). Prices and sales points change, so check rta.ae or noltravel.ae before you buy.
S'hail is the RTA's journey planner. A Gulf News roundup (updated 2023-02-01) says it plans routes across Metro, tram, taxi, bus and marine options and can book taxis.
Tip
Install nol Pay and any transport app at home. Some account features may ask for a UAE digital ID, which a visitor may not have, so check what you need before relying on an in-app step.
Taxis and ride-hailing
You can flag a taxi in the street, find one at a rank, call the taxi centre or book through an app. Gulf News lists the call centre as 800 88088, street hailing at malls, hospitals, Metro stations and hotels, and the Careem app with its "Hala taxi" category for RTA-licensed taxis (source, updated 2022-12-13). The same article says Uber operates in Dubai.
The Hala taxi arrangement between Careem and the RTA was announced in 2019, according to Gulf News. Fares and booking fees change, so rely on the price shown in the app rather than on figures from older articles.
A taxi phone call needs a working voice line. A data-only eSIM cannot make ordinary phone calls, so an app is usually easier for a visitor.
Maps, and how to download them offline
A maps app is the single most useful app in a new city, and downloading an area at home gives you a fallback if signal drops in a tunnel or a basement car park. Google's help page says offline navigation works only if the entire route falls within the downloaded area, and that transit, cycling and walking directions are not available offline.
In Google Maps on Android, open your profile picture, then Offline maps, then Select your own map, adjust the area and tap Download. Offline maps expire and must be updated, and Google notes that downloads are not possible in some countries or regions. The steps and limits are on Google Maps Help. Menu names can differ on iPhone; check the app's own help. We did not verify Apple Maps offline behaviour, so check Apple's documentation if you prefer it.
Download over Wi-Fi before the trip. Downloading a large area on a small data plan wastes allowance; see our data planning guide.
Calling and messaging apps
WhatsApp and FaceTime voice and video calls are restricted on UAE networks, according to a GigSky guide (published 2026-07-29, modified 2026-09-17). Text messages, photos, voice notes and status updates work. On a foreign travel eSIM, app calls sometimes connect, but that source says this is not reliable.
Botim is a licensed calling app in the UAE, and C'Me is described as another licensed option. A Gulf News list (updated 2024-09-09) also names GoChat Messenger, Voico, Comera, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco Webex and Slack. Free Teams meetings run up to 60 minutes and free Zoom meetings up to 40 minutes, per the same list.
Our guide WhatsApp calls in Dubai goes into the options. Install and set up a licensed calling app at home. If you plan to call a Dubai number, check the app's own page for pricing and availability, which we do not list.
Official tourism and government apps
A Gulf News roundup of free apps (updated 2023-02-01) describes these official apps. We list them as that source describes them and have not tested them.
- Visit Dubai: builds itineraries and books attractions and restaurants; developed by the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Dubai Calendar: finds and buys tickets for concerts, exhibitions, shows and sports events; also from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Dubai Police: contacts the Tourism Police, sends emergency alerts and SOS signals, and lets users pay fines.
- UAE Pass: a national digital identity for citizens, residents and visitors, used to access government services. Registration may need a UAE number or documents; check the official page before relying on it.
Emergency numbers are on our UAE quick facts page.
Apps that send SMS verification codes
Many apps verify your account by sending a code to a phone number. A data-only eSIM has no phone number and cannot receive SMS; TonMobile's terms say so explicitly, and Nomad and Holafly are listed as data only. We have not verified the sign-in method of any specific app, so we do not claim which ones need a UAE number.
What you can do:
- Create accounts and sign in at home, before you travel, while your home SIM works normally.
- Keep your home SIM active as a second line. Apple says that with both lines on, the primary line keeps working while the travel eSIM carries data, and that FaceTime and iMessage keep working on the home number with only the travel eSIM on (Apple Support). Check your carrier's roaming rates for SMS first.
- Choose sign-in options that do not rely on SMS where an app offers them, such as email or an authenticator app, and set them up before you leave.
- Save backup codes for banking and email apps in a safe place.
TonMobile's App Store listing says the home SIM stays active for SMS such as bank codes. Our eSIM not working in the UAE page covers what to do if data fails, and the iPhone vs Android comparison covers dual-line settings.
Pre-flight checklist
- Install the eSIM at home. Saily says its eSIMs cannot be purchased from within the UAE (setup guide).
- Install and sign in to transport, taxi, maps and calling apps on Wi-Fi.
- Download the offline map area.
- Keep the home SIM on for SMS, with roaming data off.
- Pick a plan with the plan finder or the provider rating; the full list is in the Dubai toolkit.
FAQ
Which apps should I install before going to Dubai?
A transport app (nol Pay or S'hail), a taxi app such as Careem, a maps app with an offline area, and a licensed calling app such as Botim. Install and sign in at home on Wi-Fi.
Is there an official app for the Dubai Metro and nol card?
Yes. nol Pay is the RTA's official app for topping up nol cards and managing them in one account. S'hail plans journeys across Metro, tram, bus and marine options, according to Gulf News.
Does Careem work with a travel eSIM?
Careem needs mobile data or Wi-Fi to book rides, which a travel eSIM provides. We have not verified its sign-in method, so set up your account at home and check whether it needs an SMS code.
Can I use Google Maps offline in Dubai?
You can download an area in advance, but Google says offline navigation works only if the whole route is within the downloaded area, and transit and walking directions are not available offline. Google also notes downloads are not possible in some regions, so test before you fly.
Which calling apps are legal in the UAE?
Botim and C'Me are described as licensed calling apps. Gulf News also lists GoChat Messenger, Voico, Comera, Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Webex and Slack as allowed. WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are restricted.
Will I receive SMS verification codes on a data-only eSIM?
No. A data-only eSIM has no phone number and cannot receive SMS. Keep your home SIM active as a second line and set up sign-ins before you travel.
Do I need a UAE phone number to use taxi and transport apps?
It depends on the app, and we have not verified each one. Create accounts before you leave and see which verification method each app uses.