eSIM for United Arab Emirates
Instant deliveryPay onceNot sure how much data you need? Estimate it
United Arab Emirates eSIM plans start at $3.99. 4 prepaid packages cover 1 GB to 3 GB plus daily-unlimited over 3 to 30 days. Data runs on Du. Pay once and the QR code lands in your inbox — your regular SIM stays in the phone.
Fixed data
Daily unlimited
Trip data planner
United Arab Emirates trip: how much data do I need?
Pick a trip length and how you use your phone. Every answer is a United Arab Emirates plan on sale today.
Plan for about 3.4 GB–7 GB for this trip.
Recommended from the current United Arab Emirates plans
Its validity and daily high-speed allowance fit this usage profile for 7 days.
Every answer for United Arab Emirates at a glance
| Trip | Light | Everyday | Heavy | Video-heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Light | Everyday | HeavyNo plan fits | Video-heavyNo plan fits |
| 10 days | LightNo plan fits | EverydayNo plan fits | HeavyNo plan fits | Video-heavyNo plan fits |
| 14 days | LightNo plan fits | EverydayNo plan fits | HeavyNo plan fits | Video-heavyNo plan fits |
| 30 days | LightNo plan fits | EverydayNo plan fits | HeavyNo plan fits | Video-heavyNo plan fits |
Planning estimates, not a guarantee: video quality, uploads and hotspot use change real usage. Compare destinations in the data calculator
Using an eSIM in United Arab Emirates
The UAE has two mobile operators, e& (formerly Etisalat) and du. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have strong city coverage, and malls, hotels and the metro are all well served.
Calling is the unusual part. Voice and video calls over many internet apps, including WhatsApp and FaceTime, are restricted on UAE networks, while messaging and most other apps work normally. Licensed calling apps such as BOTIM are the usual workaround.
Good to know
- Expect voice and video calls on WhatsApp and FaceTime to fail or be blocked. Whether they connect can depend on how a plan routes traffic, so don't rely on it for anything important.
- Careem and Uber are the standard ride apps; both need a data connection.
- Dubai Metro and tram stations have mobile coverage; desert drives between emirates can have gaps off main highways.
United Arab Emirates eSIM questions
- Can I make WhatsApp or FaceTime calls in the UAE?
- Calls over many internet-calling apps are restricted in the UAE, so they often don't connect, while messaging works normally. Check current rules before you travel, use a licensed calling app such as BOTIM, or make ordinary cellular calls at roaming rates from your own SIM.
- Does the eSIM work across all seven emirates?
- The UAE's networks cover all seven emirates, with the densest service in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Desert and mountain areas away from main roads can lose signal.
- Will video calls on Zoom or Teams work for work trips?
- Business tools such as Teams and Zoom are generally usable, unlike many consumer calling apps. Join a test call before an important meeting, and keep a back-up such as a hotel line.
