# DubaiNow vs Viya

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DubaiNow at 63% against Viya's 30%. DubaiNow also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

DubaiNow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 346 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of DubaiNow's written reviews are positive against 30% of Viya's.

DubaiNow ships an update every 9 days, Viya every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DubaiNow | Viya |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dubainow/id619712783/reviews)** | [4.6 (346 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viya/id1496968726/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 346 |
| Positive reviews | **63.0% of reviews** | 29.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 183 MB | 128 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dubai eGovernment Department](https://appshunter.io/developer/567993892) | [Wasl](https://appshunter.io/developer/693990084) |

## What reviewers say

### DubaiNow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dubainow/id619712783)

This app is the official government platform for managing over 320 essential services from more than 50 entities in Dubai. It allows users to conveniently handle bills, driving, housing, health, education, and more, simplifying daily life with secure access to government and private sector services.

**Highlights:** Bill payments and top-ups, Vehicle registration and fines, Housing and DEWA management, Visa sponsorship and renewal, Health appointment management, Education directory access, Police clearance certificates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Comprehensive app for Dubai services
- ⚡ Efficient bill payment
- 🗓 Convenient access to government services

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Login and authentication issues
- 💳 Payment processing problems
- 🔄 Unreliable service and app functionality

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to log in or access accounts
- Frequent app crashes and freezes
- Incorrect or outdated information displayed
- Payment failures and processing errors

**Requested features**

- Improved app stability and reliability
- Seamless integration with other apps and services
- Enhanced user interface and experience
- Expanded payment options and support


### Viya

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viya/id1496968726)

Discover exclusive rewards and experiences across Dubai's top restaurants, leisure destinations, and golf courses. Access a world of offers at cafes, gyms, spas, pools, and private beaches, all within a free-to-download app.

**Highlights:** Lifestyle rewards, Exclusive offers, Restaurants and cafes, Leisure destinations, Golf courses, Gyms, spas, pools, beaches

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Great discounts
- 💰 Loyalty program beneficial
- ⛳ Good golf offers
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🌟 Amazing experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 OTP not received
- 🐛 App not working
- 🐛 Registration issues
- 🐛 Poor customer service
- 🐛 Unresponsive support

**Reported bugs**

- OTP not received via SMS
- OTP not received via email
- App crashes
- App not working
- Registration not possible

**Requested features**

- Allow spouse pass to work
- Fix OTP issues for registration and login
- Improve customer service responsiveness
- Provide clear and transparent information
- Allow refunds for unused passes


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DubaiNow free?

DubaiNow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Viya free?

Viya is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, DubaiNow or Viya?

DubaiNow is rated higher. DubaiNow averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while Viya averages 4.6 from 346 ratings.

### Do DubaiNow or Viya have ads?

Neither DubaiNow nor Viya shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DubaiNow or Viya?

DubaiNow ships an update every 9 days, and Viya every 6 weeks. Most recently, DubaiNow was updated on September 25, 2026 and Viya on September 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*