Things to Know Before Buying an eSIM for Dubai, UAE

The essential checks that will help you choose the right UAE eSIM and avoid problems after arrival

✓ Quick Answer

Buy and install your travel eSIM before arriving in the UAE. In our experience, most international eSIM websites and apps are difficult or impossible to access from inside the country, which can stop you from buying or installing a plan after arrival. Before paying, also confirm that your phone is compatible and unlocked, the plan covers the UAE and the data allowance, network, hotspot rules and activation policy suit your trip.

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A travel eSIM is a super convenient way to get mobile data in Dubai and across the UAE, but plans vary considerably. Some provide 5G, multiple local networks or hotspot use, while others have lower speeds, limited data or no calls at all.

The biggest mistake is waiting until you arrive to buy an eSIM. We have tested many international eSIM providers from inside the UAE and found that purchasing and installing them can be extremely difficult once you are here. We’ve written about our pick of the Best eSIMs for the UAE if you’re on the fence.

Note: Although this guide focuses on Dubai where we spend the most time, the same purchasing and installation restrictions generally apply throughout the UAE.

1. Buy and install your eSIM before arriving in the UAE

You most likely will not be able to reliably buy or install an international travel eSIM after entering the UAE. We have just left the country and have tried purchasing and activating plans from many different providers. Most international eSIM websites and apps are difficult or impossible to access using UAE connections. This may stop you from opening the provider app, purchasing a plan, retrieving the QR code or completing the installation.

For example:

The websites and apps of BNESIM and Airalo do load, but warn you against purchasing UAE eSIMs from inside the country, as it may cause issues.

The websites and apps of Holafly and Saily do not load at all from within the country.

If you’re using Saily in the UAE, install it before arrival. Our When to install Saily installation guide explains exactly when to install and activate it.

Check your provider’s activation policy. The vast majority of plans start when they first connect to a UAE network, while 1 or 2 may start upon installation or manual activation.

2. Whatsapp and FaceTime calls don’t work the way you might expect in the UAE

WhatsApp messaging works using eSIM data, but WhatsApp voice and video calls are not available through normal UAE internet connections. FaceTime calls are also unavailable. Approved options include Microsoft Teams, Google Meet for meetings, Zoom and BOTIM.

We found that calling availability varied between the travel eSIMs we tested, likely because providers route data through other countries. However, this can change and you probably shouldn’t rely on it. Use a service approved for calling in the UAE if you need a dependable option.

You can read more about using WhatsApp with a travel eSIM, including how to keep your existing WhatsApp number.

Note: This warning applies to international travel eSIMs. You can still buy a locally issued UAE tourist SIM or eSIM after arrival.

3. Check UAE coverage, local networks and 5G

A plan advertised for Dubai should explicitly list United Arab Emirates or UAE under its coverage. It should then work in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other emirates wherever its local partner network has service. A UAE plan will not work in regional neighbors such as Oman, Qatar or Saudi Arabia. Choose a regional plan if your trip continues outside the country and check that every destination is listed.

International eSIMs in the UAE connect through Du, Etisalat e& or both. We have tested many plans across the UAE using an iPhone 17 Pro Max and connected to both networks. Our speed tests were conducted in Dubai Marina.

Check the network for the specific plan rather than assuming every plan from one provider uses the same network. Access to both networks can give you another option if the signal from one is weaker. You should also confirm whether the plan supports 5G. Both UAE networks provide 5G, but your actual connection and speed will still depend on the plan, phone, location, indoor coverage and network congestion. A plan supporting 5G does not guarantee that you will receive it everywhere.

To compare local networks and 5G access, use our Travel eSIM Network Database. We’ve tested multiple eSIMs in the UAE and outlined which networks each one works with and whether they connect on 5G too.

4. Should you buy a travel eSIM or a UAE tourist eSIM?

A travel eSIM is usually the easier option if you mainly need data at cheap prices and want everything set up before departure. A locally issued UAE tourist SIM or eSIM may be better if you need a UAE phone number, standard calls or local SMS.

On our latest UAE trip, we received a Du tourist SIM with a ton of free data allowance at immigration, we were quite excited. However, the included plan lasted only one day. Continuing to use it required passport verification and a paid top up, with prices considerably higher than many international travel eSIM plans.

From our experience, local tourist plans are usually more expensive than eSIMs, however, be sure to compare the current data allowance, validity, calls, top up prices and total cost before deciding.

5. Most travel eSIMs don’t include a UAE phone number

Most travel eSIMs for Dubai provide mobile data only. They normally do not include a UAE phone number, conventional calls or SMS. Data is enough for maps, messaging, Careem, Uber, restaurant searches and attraction bookings. Our guide to the best UAE travel apps for tourists explains which apps we actually use and how they work with foreign phone numbers and cards. However, a data only eSIM may not suit you if you need to call local businesses or receive messages on a UAE number.

One thing to bear in mind is, with the huge number of tourists and immigration to the country, people in the UAE are very used to foreign numbers and you can usually talk to most people via Whatsapp on your existing number.

Many providers offer calls or texts, but check exactly what is included. It may be a non UAE number, calls through the provider’s app or a separate internet calling service rather than a standard UAE mobile line.

6. Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked

Your exact phone model needs to support eSIM. Compatibility can vary by model number, country of purchase and carrier version too. The phone must also be unlocked. A locked device can support eSIM technology but still reject plans from other carriers.

Check our complete list of phones that support eSIM before purchasing a plan.

7. Check when the plan activates and how long it lasts

Installation and activation can happen at different times depending on the provider. Validity may begin when you install the eSIM, activate it inside the app or first connect to a supported UAE network.

Check this before installing the plan at home so you don’t start it too early. You should also confirm:

• How many days the plan remains valid
• Whether you must activate it within a certain period after purchase
• Whether you can add more data without installing another eSIM

Buying additional data is very difficult due to the blocks placed on eSIM providers, so make sure you have a sufficient amount.

Our eSIM activation and setup guide explains the technical steps in more detail.

8. Check the limits on unlimited data and hotspot use

Many “unlimited” plans still cap the full speed data you get. They provide a daily amount at full speed and then slow the connection until the allowance resets. Before buying an unlimited plan, check the full speed allowance, reduced speed, reset time and hotspot policy. Some plans limit hotspot use separately or just don’t allow it at all.

If you need reliable data for work, streaming or a laptop, a fixed data plan can sometimes be more predictable. Learn more about using an eSIM as a hotspot.

9. Choose enough data for your trip

You will probably use mobile data in Dubai for maps, Careem, Uber, attraction tickets, restaurant bookings, messaging and social media.

Maps and messaging use relatively little data. Streaming, video calls, cloud backups and laptop hotspot use consume much more. Choose your allowance based on what you will do rather than only the number of days you are staying.

Use our travel data calculator for a personalized estimate.

10. Avoid roaming charges from your home SIM

If your phone supports Dual SIM, you can use the travel eSIM for data while keeping your normal number available for messages and verification codes.

Turn off data roaming on your home line and select the travel eSIM for mobile data. The travel eSIM itself will also need data roaming switched on. Keeping your home line active can still lead to charges for calls, voicemail or other carrier services. Check your home carrier’s roaming rules before traveling and read our guide to how Dual SIM works.

Final thoughts: Is an eSIM a good choice for Dubai and the UAE?

Yes. A travel eSIM is a convenient choice for most visitors who mainly need mobile data. We have used many plans across the UAE on both Du and Etisalat e&.

The key is preparing before your trip. Buy and install the eSIM before entering the UAE, then check the phone compatibility, activation policy, network, data limits, hotspot rules and included services before paying.

Check out our our tested recommendations and current UAE eSIM prices to compare the available options.