Essential Digital Tools for Expats and Visitors in the UAE

If you’re an expat and not in Dubai, what are you doing? Probably in Bali. As of the latest data from 2025, over 88% of the UAE’s population are expats (Prime Alliance), with most people going there to enjoy the year-round heat (arguably too much heat in summer), networking opportunities, tax benefits, or the overall vibe.

 

And it’s not just expats; Dubai’s visitor numbers have broken records, with the total for 2025 reaching 19.59 million international overnight visitors heading for the Dubai Mall and a stroll along JBR beach.

For any expats or tourists planning to visit Dubai, we want to make it easier with the following digital tools.

 

A Reliable eSIM for Connectivity

Dubai is pretty well connected, and you can find Wi-Fi around every corner, literally, because you can’t walk five yards without passing a cafe or restaurant.

 

That said, you won’t always be connected to Wi-Fi, so we’d recommend getting a Holafly eSIM option before you go. That way, you can enjoy stress-free 4G and 5G internet when you’re relaxing on the beach or walking around.

 

It’s so easy to set one up before you go—just follow the instructions, install the eSIM to your device, and set it to the primary line when you’re there.

 

RTA Dubai for Public Transport

Have you attempted to drive in Dubai? No? Don’t.

 

Dubai traffic will have you sitting for hours when you literally could walk to your destination faster, especially in the areas of Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Dubai Marina/JBR, and Hessa Street.

 

It’s not so bad out of season, but we would still recommend downloading the RTA Dubai app to find public transport routes if you’re there when traffic is notoriously awful.

 

InstaShop or Uber Eats for Deliveries

Any expat will love this one—InstaShop and Uber Eats will become your new go-to. And you can get absolutely anything—sushi, burgers, salad bowls, acai, steaks, coffee, your weekly groceries, just anything your stomach could want.

 

With Uber Eats, you should be able to set your location to where you are in Dubai if you already have the app. We doubt you’ll have InstasShop, but you can easily download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

 

Revolut or Wise for Spending and Currency Exchange

Dubai gets a reputation for being expensive. We don’t actually think that’s true; unless you’re eating a sushi boat at the Praia Beach Restaurant and Lounge, you’re just trying to empty your bank account.

 

But tourist or expat, we’d absolutely recommend opening a Revolut or Wise account. It’s free to do, although you can pay for a premium account for different features, and you can easily add money using Google or Apple Pay and exchange your local currency for Dirham, the currency of Dubai.

 

It’s so much easier, the exchange rates are often better, and you only spend what you need rather than using cash.

 

Those are great beginner tools that we know expats and tourists would use a lot. Dubai is well-connected and literally designed for tourists and expats, so if you need anything more or experience issues, it’s so easy to find solutions.