Short stays and busy stopovers.
Travel eSIM for United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is both a destination and a major connecting point, so many travellers pass through on a stopover or a short stay. A travel eSIM suits both, with no need to buy a SIM during a tight connection.
Connecting in United Arab Emirates
If you are only changing planes, check whether you will leave the airport at all. If you do, having data ready makes the trip simpler.
Plans for United Arab Emirates are not on sale through this site yet. This page tells you how to prepare, so you are ready when they are.
Plans · Coming soon
Planned Data Plans for the United Arab Emirates.
- 1 GBValid for 7 daysUS$4.99Data only
- 5 GBValid for 30 daysUS$14.99Data only
- 10 GBValid for 30 daysUS$24.99Data only
Data only. No mobile number, voice minutes or SMS. Plans are not on sale through this site yet, and prices may change before they are. Compare prices for all destinations. Before you buy, confirm your phone supports eSIM and is network-unlocked: use the phone check and read the install guide.
Validity starts the first time you use the eSIM on a network. Hotspot sharing is allowed. A refill is used after your current plan ends, not added to it.
Networks
Which Network Will It Use in the United Arab Emirates?
Your eSIM is set up to work on:
du
Etisalat (e&)
Your phone normally picks the strongest of these automatically, so you do not need to choose. Which network connects can vary by location, and coverage is not guaranteed everywhere. Networks and coverage can also change over time.
No signal or no internet? First check that the eSIM line is on and Data Roaming is on for it. If it still fails, open the SIM settings for the eSIM, turn off automatic network selection and pick one of the networks above. Turn automatic selection back on when you leave the area.
Before You Fly
Get Ready at Home.
Check your phone supports eSIM. Use our phone check.
Make sure it is network-unlocked. Ask your carrier if you are unsure.
Install before departure, on Wi-Fi. The install guide has the steps for iPhone and Android.
For this trip: If you have a long stopover and plan to leave the airport, save your hotel or tour booking details before you fly.
On Arrival
Switch On in United Arab Emirates.
Turn off airplane mode.
Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line and set mobile data to that line. Keep your home SIM for calls and WhatsApp.
Wait a minute for the network to appear, then open a web page to test. If you are only transiting, keep the eSIM ready but leave Data Roaming off until you know you need it.
Good to Know
Notes for United Arab Emirates.
Stopovers. Layover travellers should install before departure. There is rarely time or patience for setup between connecting flights.
Visiting more than one emirate. Day trips between emirates are common. If you plan one, check that your plan covers each place you will visit.
Malls and public Wi-Fi. Hotels, malls and airports offer public Wi-Fi. Treat these networks as unknown and avoid sensitive logins on them.
Airport and hotel Wi-Fi is not secure. Anyone on the same network may be able to see what you do on it. Pair your eSIM with TasVPN for extra privacy on public networks.
Planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates?
Ask us anything about phone compatibility or installing your eSIM. Prefer email? Write to [email protected].
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