eSIM Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Cheaper Than a Tourist SIM Card

Are you planning to visit Dubai or Abu Dhabi and want to share your experiences with others, navigate the city using online maps on your phone, or perhaps book a restaurant at the last minute without access to Wi-Fi? Having a local data SIM card or eSIM can ensure uninterrupted internet access. We’ll show you whether it’s better to buy a SIM card locally or install an eSIM.

Data eSIM Dubai, UAE: How to Choose the Best One?

In the United Arab Emirates, you’ll mainly encounter two operators: du and Etisalat. You may also come across Virgin Mobile, a virtual operator using du’s network. Etisalat offers faster connectivity, while du has slightly better coverage. However, if you stay around major cities, you won’t notice much difference.

When it comes to local SIM card prices, the UAE is one of the most expensive countries. Therefore, we recommend purchasing an eSIM, which can cost up to half as much.

To select the best eSIM, consider the nature of your trip. If you’re planning an exploratory vacation on your own, you’ll likely need more data than usual. However, if you’re only transiting through the UAE or spending most of your time at a hotel, you won’t need large data packages.

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The Best Data eSIM for Dubai, UAE

Let’s take a look at the most popular data packages and their prices.

Cheapest Packages

The cheapest eSIM with 1 GB of data and a 7-day validity is available for $2.04 from eSIM4Travel. This eSIM uses Etisalat’s network.

GlobalYO also offers an excellent deal: 1 GB for 7 days at $2.99. This eSIM can connect to multiple operators, selecting the one with the best signal in your area.

Other companies like MobiMatter or Airalo offer similar packages priced around $5. Note that with Airalo, you’ll need to verify your documents.

Moderate Data Usage (5 GB)

For larger data needs, the best provider remains the same. The cheapest 5 GB eSIM is available from eSIM4Travel for $10.74, valid for 30 days.

A close second is Saily, offering 5 GB for $10.99. They even have a promotion where you get 2 GB extra for free, making it a great choice if you’re unsure whether 5 GB will be enough.

Other options include MobiMatter for $10.99 and Airalo for $13.

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Heavy Data Usage (10 GB)

The cheapest 10 GB eSIM is from Saily, priced at $17.99, valid for 30 days. They currently have a promotion, giving you an additional 5 GB for free.

Another option is MobiMatter, offering a 10 GB package for $18.99. They also have plans with 60, 90, or even 180-day validity or eSIMs that work in multiple countries, albeit at a higher price.

Other providers like eSIM4Travel or Airalo offer similar plans for around $20-$21.

Unlimited Data

If you want to stay connected at all times, several providers offer unlimited data plans (also known as daily plans).

Most plans are limited to 1 GB per day, after which the speed drops to 512 Kbps. This is usually sufficient for typical tourists. The cheapest option is available from Nomad (under the Day Plans tab), with prices ranging from $4 to $24 for 1 to 10 days. If you’re staying for two weeks, GlobalYO offers 15 days for $36.99.

For truly unlimited data, your only options are Yesim and Holafly. We recommend Yesim for several reasons. Their eSIM allows unlimited hotspot usage (ideal for working on a laptop) and includes a free VPN (useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi). Prices for Yesim and Holafly are similar: around $30 for 7 days and $50 for 15 days. Yesim is slightly cheaper, but Holafly allows you to choose the exact number of days, potentially lowering costs.

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Overview of the Best eSIM Packages

Traditional SIM Cards in Dubai, UAE

A traditional tourist SIM card in the UAE can only be purchased by individuals over 18 years old. If you meet this requirement, you will also need to present your passport when buying it.

You can purchase a SIM card either upon arrival at the airport or at a specialized operator store. There’s no difference between the two. If you’d rather not wait in line at the airport, you can pre-order your SIM card and pick it up at the operator’s desk.

At the airport, you can also get a free SIM card with 1 GB for 24 hours. This is especially useful if you’re only transiting through Dubai and need data for a few hours. Ask about this card at the immigration counter—staff sometimes hand them out proactively.

If you plan to stay longer, you’ll have a choice of three operators: du, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile. Etisalat and du offer all their SIM cards with 28-day validity and 30 (or more) free minutes. The amount of data depends on your choice. Prices are quite similar, although some plans might slightly favor du. Below is a price overview of some packages.

Virgin Mobile offers only four packages that may appeal to tourists: 21 GB for 7 days at 150 AED, 40 GB for 10 days at 200 AED, and two unlimited options—15 days for 300 AED and 30 days for 500 AED. All include 30 free minutes.

You should also know that internet calls and video calls through apps like WhatsApp or Messenger are not allowed in the UAE. Text messaging works fine on these apps. This restriction can be bypassed with an eSIM from Yesim, which includes a VPN.

Summary

The UAE is one of the most expensive countries for buying a local SIM card. For instance, a 10 GB eSIM from Saily costs $17.99, while the same data volume from a local operator would cost $38—almost double! That’s why we recommend getting an eSIM.

The cheapest eSIMs with limited data are available from eSIM4Travel or Saily, but providers like MobiMatter, Airalo, and Nomad also offer reasonable packages. Unlimited data plans are best purchased from Nomad or Yesim.