From doctors to deliveries, here are the numbers and websites to know in Dubai
Whether you need an emergency doctor, car hire or grocery delivery…
Whether you’ve just moved to Dubai or you’re a seasoned expat, in a city such as this, when you need something, it can be hard to know where to look.
Be it an emergency dental appointment or an app that’ll get you everything, we’ve rounded up some of our go-to’s in this handy guide.
Here’s a little black book of numbers and websites you might need in Dubai…
Medical
24-hour Pharmacy
Life Pharmacy
If you’ve left it too late to get to a regular pharmacy, you can simply ring or even WhatsApp your local Life Pharmacy branch, 24/7 and get a prescription over the phone from a fully qualified Pharmacist, that delivers to your door.
Various locations, Dubai, 24/7. Main office tel: (04) 344 1122. . life-me.com
800-Pharmacy
This app is super-handy if you already know your prescription and need to order regular repeats. Simply download the app, create a personalized health profile including insurance and Emirates ID then upload your prescription. Order and get it delivered 24/7.
800-Pharmacy App, open 24/7. Tel: (800) 742 76229. 800pharmacy.ae
Aster Pharmacy
With over 200 branches in the city, Aster Pharmacy is pretty much on everyones doorstep. They have an easy-to-use site, which will help you find your nearest branch and service is 24/7.
Various locations, Dubai, 24/7. asterpharmacy.com
ALSO READ: Emirates offers free Uber rides to and from DXB airport this summer
24-hour Dentist
Drs. Nicolas & Asp
Drs. Nicholas and Asp Dental Clinics are one of the largest private dental clinics in Dubai, having been here for over 27 years. Whilst their usual clinics across the city are open daily from 8am to 8pm, they provide 24/7 dental service from their Jumeirah Centre.
Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 24 hour emergency available. Tel: (04) 394 7777. nicolasandasp.com
24 Hours Dental Clinic
Open 24/7, 24 Hours Dental Clinic will give you routine care and emergency dental service, even throughout public holidays. Simply book online through their website.
Crown Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, 24/7. Tel: (04) 355 4466. 24dentalclinic.com
The DentalSPA
These guys understand that most dental emergencies don’t happen during normal office hours, so they offer a 24/7 dental service for those times when the unfortunate happens.
Villa No 491b, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 24/7. Tel: (050) 563 0611. dentalspa.org/dental-emergency
Doctors
Marina Medical Centre
Marina Medical Centre cover all manner of medicine from general, radiology and and urology to cosmetics such as laser treatments and dermatology.
Botanica Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 10am to 9pm, Fri closed. Tel: (04) 399 9939. mmcdubai.ae
VIP Doctor 247
If you’re feeling too unwell to leave your house, VIP Doctor is on call to come and treat or diagnose you at home. VIP Doctor’s are licensed and registered health care provider operated under the Dubai Multi-Commodity Centre (DMCC), Dubai Health Authority (DHA) & the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health (MOH).
Indigo Icon Tower, Cluster F, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, 24/7. (04) 399 4881.
MediCentres
Covering everything from general practice, pediatrics, sports medicine, dermatology and everything in between, MediCentre are a great go-to. There’s three branches around the city too.
Various locations, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri 10am to 6pm (Jumeirah Park and Al Furjan), Fri 8am to 8pm (Motor City) . Tel: (04) 429 8888. medicentres.ae
Banks
Emirates NBD
Most British expats tend to go with Emirates NBD as it goes hand in hand with your Emirates ID process when setting up a bank in Dubai. If you’re new, check if your company has an existing relationship with Emirates NBD so they can help with your application.
HSBC
A familiar name world-wide, HSBC is another option for opening a bank account in Dubai.
Citibank
Banking with Citibank can earn you great rewards like up to Dhs1000 for every friend you refer. If you’ve been established in Dubai for a while, this is a good one to go for.
Courier Services
Aramex
If you want items locally delivered, or internationally, then give Aramex a try. They’re easy, quick and reliable.
Fetchr
This service is perfect for local deliveries in the UAE, especially if you have been buying or selling online. Couriers will pick up from your location and deliver to the recipient, even collecting cash from the receiver to deliver back to you, or paying on your behalf before bringing your package to your door.
DHL
If you’re looking for a bit of a familiar name, go for DHL who ship world-wide and have an easy to use site.
Service apps
Urban Clap
On this app you can find and book all manner of services from a maid service to electricians, plumbers, AC service repair, deep cleaning, packers and movers and even at-home salon treatments.
Helpbit
Helpbit will help you wherever you need, well, help. They cover electronics, home, pet care, car service, moving, beauty, nannying and fashion. They have some competitive pricing too.
Instashop
Instashop is a ggo-to app for if you have forgotten the small things e.g. ice, a pint of milk or a few groceries. They also do pharmacy delivery and have recently added beauty and maid service now too.
Grocery Delivery
Choithrams
Choithrams is your mid-sized supermarket that’s great to order a bigger shop from. They’ve always got loads of special offers on, so make sure to check them out on their website or app.
Carrefour
Perfect for your weekly shop, if you just can’t face going in there yourself. Carrefour have an app from which you can order and get your groceries delivered to you in an hour (depending on how big your order is).
El Grocer
El Grocer has everything you need for your weekly feed, from simple necessities and recognisable brands to a special organic range too. It uses a range of stores like Aswaaq and Bioorganic.
Ordering food online
Uber Eats
No surprise, Uber Eats is owned by Uber and is an easy to use online food ordering service that offers a range of cuisines at the touch of a button. Just download their app and off you go.
Deliveroo
Deliveroo are pretty reliable when it comes to delivering food. Their site and app are both easy to use, and you’ll get live updates once you place your order as to how far away your driver (and food) are.
Zomato
Zomato is one of the original food delivery services in Dubai. You can find pretty much any menu, anywhere on there.
Transport
Taxis
RTA
You’ll see RTA’s around everywhere – they’re perfect ad-hoc when you’re on the move so it’s best to just flag them down.
Uber
If you can’t be bothered to wait for a cab or it’s not easy where you live to get one, just order yourself an Uber from their app. You’ll be able to see their journey progress to you on the map.
Careem
Much like Uber, order a car from the Careem app and enjoy a comfortable ride to work. Make sure to select car on the options so as to avoid excessive prices on rides.
Car Rental
Hertz
International care hire brand Hertz have around a dozen branches across Dubai. They have a best price guarantee, so if you find a lower Hertz price, they will refund the difference.
Rent a Car Dubai
If you’re not sure about the different cars and costs available, Rent a Car Dubai is a great comparison site to see what and where your budget can get you.
Sixt
If you need a car straight from the airport, check out Sixt who will make it easy to drive straight out of there. One thing to consider is that it might be cheaper to wait until you get into the city.
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