8 apps all parents in the UAE need to know about

How anyone functioned as a parent without apps is, in this age of digital, baffling. Yet, thanks to a bunch of clever entrepreneurs across the world, this generation will never need to know how. While there is plenty of software out there that no doubt comes in handy in every parent's life, this list of apps includes those specifically designed for people with children living in the UAE. What for? Parenting advice The online shopping destination for mums launched a new Arabic and English community app in May 2020. It’s been designed for both parents and parents-to-be and aims to provide a platform for people to exchange advice, ask questions and share their experiences. It also offers access to health experts in nutrition, sleep, fertility and even finances – to name a few. “As a mother myself, I know how anxious and frustrating the parenting journey can be, searching endless forums trying to find answers, not knowing what advice is genuine and if it can be trusted,” says founder and chief executive Sarah Jones. "That was one of the main reasons we decided to create Sprii Community. We wanted to offer a dedicated space with a ‘neighbourhood community’ feel that would bring parents and trusted experts together in one place.” Topics are easy to browse and range from fertility to breastfeeding and local nurseries to healthy eating. There are recommended schools by neighbourhood and users will be able to see top answers to their questions based on their location. It’s free to download on iOS and Android devices. www.sprii.com What for? Leisure and activities Kidzapp is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Karim Ghassan and Nora Izzat. It’s a digital guide to all that is good and family-friendly in the UAE. It collates activities, venues, play areas, restaurants and events throughout the country, complete with deals, discounts, seasonal promotions and vouchers. And it’s packaged within a very easy-to-use app that’s broken down by categories (such as animal fun, afterschool activities and theme parks, for example). It’s free to download on iOS and Android platforms. www.kidzapp.com What for? Leisure and activities Five time-poor, tired mums residing in Dubai who were looking to balance their family and work lives teamed up to create what they claim is "the only kids' activities app you need". Qidz, which has been downloaded more than 50,000 times , has thousands of activities listed in and around the UAE and allows you to search by location, preferences and age group, as well as share your picks with friends, buy tickets or be notified of deals directly via the app. Parents can also recommend venues to be listed. www.qidz.com What for? Education and activities This is an education marketplace and payment platform that was only recently released free of charge to iOS and Android devices. Dubai mum Aarti Shah came up with the idea after she had her second child in 2018, and struggled to find affordable activities for her firstborn. Now, Kiddo brings everything to do with children – from education to leisure activities and birthday parties – together in one handy app. Users can search via location, interests and even by what their children's friends are doing. Shah has even made it easier to pay for it all through the affordable payment plans the app offers. www.thekiddo.app What for? Socialising This interactive platform promises to build your child’s social circle, while also offering discounts and deals through partner companies, such as Kids HQ and SugarMoo. It was devised in Dubai, but is now also available for download on iOS and Android in the UK and US, and has more than 1,500 members, according to its website. Through the app, users can choose where and when their children can play, and what their interests are, and then find a like-minded friend they can go on a play date with. www.myplaydateapp.com What for? Saving precious memories Dubai mum Jolene Nash used her passion for photography to create an app that allows you to make quality photobooks and prints in minutes, while cherry-picking pictures directly off your smartphone. It came about when she realised all of her son's best moments were stored mostly on her phone. While the app is not only for parents, Nash's biggest clientele base has quickly become people with children, looking to preserve those precious early memories. Now you can choose to make an album, get a framed print, opt for canvas and even create a calendar. www.cherrypix.co What for? Shopping Are you a first-time parent looking to set up your nursery? Or perhaps you need supplies for a child who is about to go to school for the first time? Pretty much everything you can think of – from baby clothes to nappies and even family-related medical products – is available on FirstCry.ae and through the online store's app. New on the site are sections for wares from well-known children's boutiques and party supplies, too . www.firstcry.ae What for? Shopping This brand was created in the UAE for mums, by mums, in 2011. It's about bringing all manner of affordable parenting products under one digital roof and this is available to shop online via the website or through the app. From bikes to bassinets and first birthday gifts to schoolwear for tweens, this e-store has everything to offer parents from the minute baby is born to the moment they leave home. www.mumzworld.com

8 apps all parents in the UAE need to know about

We round up some of the UAE's most handy parenting apps, which promise to make the matter of raising children that bit easier