UAE settlement — essential apps

Official digital ID + e-signature. Required for nearly all government + many private services. Install on arrival.

Federal authority. Visa, Emirates ID, and Golden Visa lookup/applications.

Dubai all-in-one — RTA, DEWA, police, visa, schools, 100+ services.

Abu Dhabi unified government services. Essential for AD residents.

Local-first super-app — taxi, delivery, transfers. UAE default, even after Saudi Uber acquisition.

Dubai + Abu Dhabi. Common to compare fares against Careem.

Dubai metro / bus / tram — top-up and tap-to-pay. Can replace physical Nol card.

Driver-license booking, fines, Salik (toll) account.

Dubai electricity + water account, bills, top-ups. Set up right after move-in.

Dubai Land Department official — tenancy (Ejari), listings, transactions.

Abu Dhabi electricity + water (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company).

Digital-only bank launched 2022. Personal + SME. No-minimum accounts.

One of the UAE's largest banks. Integrates with Liv (digital sub-brand).

First Abu Dhabi Bank — largest by assets. Strong premium + wealth.

Best for Korea remittance — real-rate, low-fee, no intermediary banks.

Korea's KakaoTalk equivalent for the UAE. Government, hospitals, schools, and official notifications almost all run on WhatsApp. Install first.

#1 food + grocery delivery in the UAE. Widest restaurant coverage. Talabat Mart for groceries.

UAE's go-to broad e-commerce (electronics, home, fashion). noon Daily for quick-commerce.

Grocery delivery from local supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu, etc.) — same-store inventory.

du carrier app — number, plan, top-up management.

Etisalat carrier app — du and Etisalat are the two major UAE carriers.