United Arab Emirates

Staying connected in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates, mainly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, draws visitors for shopping, trade fairs, multi-day stopovers and beach hotel stays. The most pleasant weather runs from about November to March; summer heat is intense, so most activities move indoors.

You will lean on data for ride-hailing between far-flung districts such as Downtown, Dubai Marina and the airport, and for booking Burj Khalifa tickets, desert safaris or the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Bear in mind that many internet voice and video calling apps are restricted here, although text messaging works normally.

Coverage and networks

There are 2 eSIM options for United Arab Emirates. Each network belongs to the option it is listed with, so compare them before choosing.

“TikTok” is part of an option’s name. If you rely on a particular app, check the conditions of that exact plan; the label alone does not guarantee access to any app.

If you are also visiting Qatar or Saudi Arabia, consider the Gulf 4 countries plan.

Signal and speed depend on where you are, your device and network conditions, and can differ between plans.

Choosing a data allowance

eSIM plans for United Arab Emirates currently last 1 to 30 days and come in these types:

• Daily data (500MB, 1GB, 2GB and 3GB per day): suits a steady routine. Check when the daily allowance resets and what happens once it is used.
• Total data (1GB to 50GB): one allowance for the whole trip, handy when some days are heavier than others.
• Unlimited: always read the fair-use policy; after a set amount, speed may be reduced.

Suggestions for this trip

• A 2–3 day Dubai stopover: 1GB or 2GB of total data covers maps, ride-hailing and messaging.
• A 5–7 day trip of shopping, sightseeing and photo posts: 1GB a day; choose 2GB a day if you post lots of video or stream on the go.
• Trade fairs or working on a laptop all day: 3GB a day or an unlimited plan (fair-use policy).

Count your arrival and departure days. Before paying, check the exact plan for when validity starts, how days are counted, and whether hotspot, calls or SMS are included; these differ between plans.

Before you go

• App calling: Voice and video calls over WhatsApp and many similar apps are usually blocked; licensed apps such as Botim are a common alternative, and text and voice messages still go through normally.
• Ride-hailing: Careem and Uber are widely used and can also book regular taxis; in Dubai the RTA's S'hail app is another option.
• Metro: Dubai Metro uses the Nol card, which you can buy and top up at station ticket machines.
• Wi-Fi: Malls, metro stations and airports offer free Wi-Fi, sometimes requiring sign-up with an email or phone number.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and never photograph people without asking first.
• eSIM setup: Before buying, make sure your phone supports eSIM and is not carrier-locked. Install the eSIM before you fly, on a stable Wi-Fi connection, following the instructions sent with your plan.
• On arrival: Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and follow its roaming instructions. Turn off data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected charges.