Which network does this eSIM use in the UAE?

It connects to Etisalat, also branded e&. Etisalat has the widest coverage in the country, which is why it works well not just in Dubai and Abu Dhabi but on the roads and tourist spots in between. You do not have to choose the network yourself. Your phone connects to it automatically once the eSIM is active.

Will my phone work with this eSIM?

You need an eSIM capable phone that is unlocked to any carrier. Most iPhones from the XS and newer, recent Google Pixels, and recent Samsung Galaxy models support eSIM. A quick check is to look for an Add eSIM option in your phone settings. If it is there, you are good to go.

Can I make WhatsApp and FaceTime calls in the UAE with this eSIM?

WhatsApp text chat, photos, and voice notes work fine. But voice and video calls over WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger are blocked across the whole UAE. This is a government rule, not a problem with the eSIM, so it applies on every network. For video calls, use BOTIM, the locally approved app.

Is it worth getting an eSIM for Dubai?

Almost always. Tourist SIM packages at Dubai shops commonly run the equivalent of $25 to $40 once data is added, and hotel WiFi does not follow you to the souk or the desert tour. Our UAE plans start at $2.38 for 1GB and $20.30 for 10GB over 30 days, working from the moment you clear the DXB jet bridge.

How much does an eSIM cost for Dubai and the UAE?

From $2.38 for 1GB. A week of normal tourist use fits comfortably in 3GB at $6.71, and 10GB over 30 days is $20.30. Daily unlimited style plans start at $2.38 per day. The UAE sits mid table in our global price index, cheaper than Switzerland, dearer than Egypt next door, and every price here is live from checkout.

Can I get a free eSIM or SIM in Dubai?

Arrivals at DXB are sometimes handed promotional SIMs with a small starter allowance. Treat it as a courtesy for the taxi ride, not a plan for the trip: the allowance is tiny and topping it up locally costs more than most travel eSIMs charge outright. If your visit is longer than a layover, arriving with data already installed is the calmer path.

When should I install the eSIM, before or after I arrive in the UAE?

Install it before you fly, while you still have wifi or home internet. The setup needs a connection to download the plan. Once it is installed, it stays dormant and only connects to Etisalat after you land in the UAE. That way you have data the moment you step off the plane at Dubai or Abu Dhabi airport.

How do I turn it on once I land?

In your phone settings, set the travel eSIM as your data line and turn on data roaming for that eSIM only. Roaming sounds like it would cost extra, but for a travel eSIM it is simply the switch that lets it use the local Etisalat network. Leave your home SIM in the phone for your own number. Connection to Etisalat happens on its own within a minute or two of arriving.

How much data do I need for a trip to the UAE?

For maps, messaging, and a few photos, 1 GB covers a short weekend, and the 1 GB for 7 days plan is $2.45. For a normal one week trip, 3 GB is comfortable. If you stream or share a lot, look at the 5 GB for 30 days plan at $11.20, and heavy users or month long stays fit the 10 GB for 30 days plan at $20.30.

What happens if I run out of data while in the UAE?

You can simply buy another plan and add it the same way you added the first one. Plans start at $2.38, so topping up is cheap. Many travelers begin with a small plan like 1 GB and add more only if they need it, which keeps the cost down rather than overpaying up front.

Best UAE eSIM - Unlimited Data from $2.38

Name: eSIM for United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Brand: MegaEsim
SKU: ESIM-AE
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (78 reviews)

Full speed each day	Validity	Per day	Price
1 GB a day Best value	1 day	$2.38	$2.38
3 GB a day	1 day	$7.50	$7.50
1 GB a day	3 days	$2.38	$7.14
3 GB a day	3 days	$7.50	$22.51
1 GB a day	7 days	$2.38	$16.66
3 GB a day	7 days	$7.50	$52.53
1 GB a day	15 days	$2.38	$35.70
3 GB a day	15 days	$7.50	$112.56
1 GB a day	30 days	$2.38	$71.40
3 GB a day	30 days	$7.50	$225.12

Data	Validity	Per day	Price
1 GB	1 day	$2.38	$2.38
1 GB	7 days	$0.35	$2.45
3 GB	1 day	$5.54	$5.54
3 GB	15 days	$0.45	$6.71
3 GB Best value	30 days	$0.23	$7.00
5 GB	1 day	$8.95	$8.95
5 GB	30 days	$0.37	$11.20
10 GB	30 days	$0.68	$20.30

01 The network behind this eSIM: Etisalat (e&)

Your eSIM runs on Etisalat, now branded e&. It is the older of the two national networks and it has the broadest coverage map in the country, especially once you leave the main cities. For a visitor that matters more than the name on the screen, because Etisalat is usually the safer bet on long desert drives and mountain roads.

You do not pick the network by hand. Once the eSIM is active, your phone latches onto Etisalat on its own and shows the name in the status bar. There is no SIM card to swap and no shop to visit at the airport.

02 What speed you can actually expect

In Dubai and Abu Dhabi the UAE has one of the fastest mobile networks anywhere. On 5G in covered city areas you can see download speeds in the hundreds of megabits per second, often 300 Mbps or more. On regular 4G across the country you can expect a steady 50 to 100 Mbps, which is plenty for maps, video calls, streaming, and uploading photos.

Speeds like these mean a 1 GB plan loads just as fast as a 10 GB plan. The data amount only controls how much you can use, not how quick it feels. To get 5G your phone has to support it and you need to be in a covered zone, which now includes most of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

03 Where the signal is strongest

You will get full bars across all the places most visitors spend their time. That covers Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa area, the Palm, Dubai Mall, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Yas Island, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and the whole Sheikh Zayed Road corridor between the two cities.

Both airports are fully covered, so your eSIM can connect the moment you land at Dubai International (DXB) or Abu Dhabi (AUH). Indoor coverage in malls, hotels, and the metro is also strong, which is where a lot of travelers actually use their data.

04 Where coverage can dip

Signal stays good in far more places than you would guess, but it does thin out in a few spots. On the hiking trails around Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah and on the walking and kayaking routes in Hatta, the signal can weaken or drop once you are away from the main roads and visitor centers.

The same goes for deep desert. On a desert safari near the dunes, on the long empty stretches toward Liwa, or on quiet roads out to Al Ain, you may drop from 5G to 4G or hit a short dead patch. It usually comes back fast. If you are heading into the dunes, download your offline maps and any tickets before you go.

05 How much data to buy

Most short trips do not need much. If you mainly use maps, messaging, and the odd photo upload, the 1 GB for 7 days plan at $2.45 covers a long weekend. Light users on a one week stay are comfortable on 3 GB, and the 3 GB for 15 days plan at $6.71 gives you breathing room and a longer window.

If you stream music, post videos, or work from your phone, plan for more. The 5 GB for 30 days plan at $11.20 suits a busy week or a relaxed two week trip. Heavy users, families sharing a hotspot, or anyone staying a full month should look at the 10 GB for 30 days plan at $20.30. Prices start at $2.38, so it is cheap to top up if you run low.

06 One thing every visitor should know: calling apps

This is not a coverage issue, but it catches almost everyone off guard. In the UAE, voice and video calls over WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Messenger are blocked at the country level. Your eSIM will have a perfect signal and the calls still will not connect.

Text chat, photos, and voice notes on WhatsApp work fine, so you can still message normally. For video calls, BOTIM is the locally approved app that works on these networks. Knowing this before you arrive saves a lot of confusion when a FaceTime call refuses to ring.

07 How to install and turn it on

Set this up before you fly, while you still have home internet or wifi. After you buy, you get a QR code. On an iPhone open Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. On Android open Settings, then Network or Connections, then SIMs, and add an eSIM the same way. The plan installs in under a minute.

Leave your home SIM in place. In your phone settings, set the new eSIM as the line for data and turn on data roaming for that line only. This sounds wrong but it is correct, because roaming is just the toggle that lets a travel eSIM use the local network. When you land in the UAE, it connects to Etisalat by itself. Check that you have an eSIM capable phone first, since most models from the last few years are.

Verified reviews

What travellers say about United Arab Emirates (UAE) eSIM

4.9

78 verified reviews

“

Kept my home number and used the UAE eSIM for data. Perfect setup for travel. Customer support replied within minutes when I had a question.

🇸🇪

Sarah M.

Stockholm, Sweden

Verified Traveler

“MegaEsim made staying online in United Arab Emirates completely stress free. Great value, great speeds, and support that actually responds. Recommended.”

🇩🇪

Amina D.

Berlin, Germany

✓ Verified

“Streamed, navigated and shared photos all over UAE without a single dropout. Far better than the local SIM I bought last time.”

🇨🇭

David K.

Zurich, Switzerland

“Used MegaEsim throughout United Arab Emirates and it worked flawlessly from the moment I landed. Fast 5G everywhere, no roaming bill. Couldn't be happier.”

🇫🇷

Lucas F.

Paris, France

“My UAE eSIM connected automatically when I landed. I was online before I reached baggage claim. Genuinely the best travel eSIM out there.”

🇦🇪

Yuki T.

Dubai, UAE

“Set up my United Arab Emirates eSIM in under two minutes by scanning the QR code. Connected before I even left the airport. Brilliant service.”

🇪🇸

Julia A.

Madrid, Spain

“Great experience in UAE. The price was unbeatable and the signal was strong everywhere I went. Already recommended it to friends.”

🇸🇬

Marco R.

Singapore

“Travelled all over United Arab Emirates for two weeks and never lost signal once. So much cheaper than roaming with my home carrier. Highly recommend.”

🇮🇹

Patrick G.

Milan, Italy

“Was skeptical about eSIMs but MegaEsim changed how I travel. The UAE plan was fast, reliable and incredibly affordable.”

🇯🇵

Layla H.

Tokyo, Japan

“First time using an eSIM and the United Arab Emirates plan was effortless. Bought it before my flight, activated on arrival. Will never buy a physical SIM again.”

🇳🇱

Ying Z.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

“Visited UAE and stayed connected the whole time for a fraction of roaming costs. Setup took two minutes. Absolutely loved it.”

🇰🇷

Carlos B.

Seoul, South Korea

“The data speeds in United Arab Emirates were excellent, video calls, maps and uploads all worked perfectly. MegaEsim is my go-to for every trip now.”

🇮🇪

Raj M.

Dublin, Ireland

“The UAE data plan delivered exactly what was promised, fast 4G/5G, instant activation and no hidden fees. Smooth from start to finish.”

🇮🇳

Aisha S.

Mumbai, India

“No more hunting for a SIM card at the airport. My United Arab Emirates eSIM was ready the second I arrived. Simple, fast and great value.”

Mia K.

“Used MegaEsim in UAE for a family holiday. Everyone got connected easily and the coverage was rock solid. Will use again.”

🇳🇿

Lena J.

Auckland, New Zealand

“Honestly impressed with the coverage across United Arab Emirates. Full signal in the cities and even in remote areas. Worth every cent.”

Samuel T.

“Activated my UAE eSIM at home before flying and it switched on the instant I arrived. No stress, no shop queues. Highly recommend.”

🇿🇦

James C.

Cape Town, South Africa

“Bought the United Arab Emirates plan for a business trip and it saved me a fortune. Reliable connection the entire time, zero hassle.”

Hana R.

“Excellent coverage and speed throughout UAE. The checkout was lightning fast and the QR code arrived by email straight away.”

🇧🇷

Priya L.

São Paulo, Brazil

“As a frequent traveller, MegaEsim's United Arab Emirates eSIM is the easiest I've used. Instant delivery, clear pricing, and it just works.”

Robert H.

“Backpacking through UAE was so much easier with MegaEsim. One plan, reliable data, no roaming shock. 10/10 experience.”

🇵🇹

Omar P.

Lisbon, Portugal

“Used it across United Arab Emirates and the QR activation was the smoothest part of my whole trip. No contracts, no surprises. Five stars.”

Paolo B.

“I travel for work every month and MegaEsim's UAE eSIM is the only one I trust now. Consistent speeds and effortless setup.”

🇦🇹

Sophie V.

Vienna, Austria

“Kept my home number and used the United Arab Emirates eSIM for data. Perfect setup for travel. Customer support replied within minutes when I had a question.”

Grace S.

“Connected in UAE within three minutes of landing. Maps and translation apps worked perfectly. Saved me so much time and money.”

🇳🇴

Henrik N.

Oslo, Norway

“Streamed, navigated and shared photos all over United Arab Emirates without a single dropout. Far better than the local SIM I bought last time.”

Alex J.

“The UAE eSIM was plug-and-play. No technical knowledge needed, just scan and go. Best decision before my trip.”

🇵🇱

Mei O.

Warsaw, Poland

“My United Arab Emirates eSIM connected automatically when I landed. I was online before I reached baggage claim. Genuinely the best travel eSIM out there.”

Sana C.

“Reliable, fast and cheap, my UAE eSIM ticked every box. Used it across the whole country with zero issues. Will definitely buy again.”

🇲🇽

Tom W.

Mexico City, Mexico

“Great experience in United Arab Emirates. The price was unbeatable and the signal was strong everywhere I went. Already recommended it to friends.”

Vera L.

“MegaEsim made staying online in UAE completely stress free. Great value, great speeds, and support that actually responds. Recommended.”

🇹🇭

Fatima D.

Bangkok, Thailand

“Was skeptical about eSIMs but MegaEsim changed how I travel. The United Arab Emirates plan was fast, reliable and incredibly affordable.”

Emma P.

“Used MegaEsim throughout UAE and it worked flawlessly from the moment I landed. Fast 5G everywhere, no roaming bill. Couldn't be happier.”

🇵🇭

Takeshi F.

Manila, Philippines

“Visited United Arab Emirates and stayed connected the whole time for a fraction of roaming costs. Setup took two minutes. Absolutely loved it.”

Lin V.

“Set up my UAE eSIM in under two minutes by scanning the QR code. Connected before I even left the airport. Brilliant service.”

🇪🇬

Anna A.

Cairo, Egypt

“The United Arab Emirates data plan delivered exactly what was promised, fast 4G/5G, instant activation and no hidden fees. Smooth from start to finish.”

Sandra N.

“Travelled all over UAE for two weeks and never lost signal once. So much cheaper than roaming with my home carrier. Highly recommend.”

🇹🇷

Diego G.

Istanbul, Turkey

“Used MegaEsim in United Arab Emirates for a family holiday. Everyone got connected easily and the coverage was rock solid. Will use again.”

Ivan O.

“First time using an eSIM and the UAE plan was effortless. Bought it before my flight, activated on arrival. Will never buy a physical SIM again.”

🇩🇰

Nadia Z.

Copenhagen, Denmark

“Activated my United Arab Emirates eSIM at home before flying and it switched on the instant I arrived. No stress, no shop queues. Highly recommend.”

Chloe W.

“The data speeds in UAE were excellent. Video calls, maps and uploads all worked perfectly. My go-to for every trip.”

🇺🇸

Kevin M.

New York, USA

“Excellent coverage and speed throughout United Arab Emirates. Checkout was lightning fast and the QR arrived straight away.”

Daniel D.

“No more hunting for a SIM card at the airport. My UAE eSIM was ready the second I arrived. Simple and great value.”

🇬🇧

Amina K.

London, UK

“Backpacking through United Arab Emirates was so much easier with MegaEsim. One plan, reliable data, no roaming shock.”

Noor F.

“Honestly impressed with the coverage across UAE. Full signal in the cities and even in remote areas. Worth it.”

🇨🇦

Lucas T.

Toronto, Canada

“I travel for work every month and MegaEsim's United Arab Emirates eSIM is the only one I trust now. Consistent speeds.”

Felix A.

“Bought the UAE plan for a business trip and it saved me a fortune. Reliable connection the entire time.”

🇦🇺

Julia R.

Sydney, Australia

“Connected in United Arab Emirates within three minutes of landing. Maps and apps worked perfectly. Saved time and money.”

Ana G.

“As a frequent traveller, MegaEsim's UAE eSIM is the easiest I've used. Instant delivery and it just works.”

Patrick H.

“The United Arab Emirates eSIM was plug-and-play. No technical knowledge needed, just scan and go. Best decision before my trip.”

Hiroshi Z.

“Used it across UAE and the QR activation was the smoothest part of my trip. No contracts, no surprises.”

Ying B.

“Reliable, fast and cheap. My United Arab Emirates eSIM ticked every box. Used it across the whole country with zero issues.”

Maya M.

“Kept my home number and used the UAE eSIM for data. Perfect for travel. Support replied within minutes.”

Raj S.

“MegaEsim made staying online in United Arab Emirates completely stress free. Great value, great speeds, responsive support.”

Tomas K.

“Streamed, navigated and shared photos all over UAE without a single dropout. Far better than the local SIM.”

Mia J.

“Used MegaEsim throughout United Arab Emirates and it worked flawlessly from the moment I landed. Fast 5G everywhere, no roaming bill.”

Leila T.

“My UAE eSIM connected automatically when I landed. Online before baggage claim. Best travel eSIM out there.”

Samuel C.

“Set up my United Arab Emirates eSIM in under two minutes by scanning the QR code. Connected before I even left the airport.”

Ben R.

“Great experience in UAE. The price was unbeatable and the signal strong everywhere. Already told my friends.”

Hana L.

“Travelled all over United Arab Emirates for two weeks and never lost signal once. So much cheaper than roaming. Highly recommend.”

Olivia H.

“Was skeptical about eSIMs but MegaEsim changed how I travel. The UAE plan was fast, reliable and affordable.”

Robert P.

“First time using an eSIM and the United Arab Emirates plan was effortless. Activated on arrival. Never buying a physical SIM again.”

Mateo B.

“Visited UAE and stayed connected the whole time for a fraction of roaming costs. Setup took two minutes.”

Paolo V.

“The data speeds in United Arab Emirates were excellent. Video calls, maps and uploads all worked perfectly. My go-to for every trip.”

Zara S.

“The UAE data plan delivered exactly what was promised. Fast 4G/5G, instant activation, no hidden fees.”

Grace N.

“No more hunting for a SIM card at the airport. My United Arab Emirates eSIM was ready the second I arrived. Simple and great value.”

Erik J.

“Used MegaEsim in UAE for a family holiday. Everyone got connected easily and coverage was rock solid.”

Alex O.

“Honestly impressed with the coverage across United Arab Emirates. Full signal in the cities and even in remote areas. Worth it.”

Nina C.

“Activated my UAE eSIM at home before flying and it switched on the instant I arrived. No shop queues.”

Sana W.

“Bought the United Arab Emirates plan for a business trip and it saved me a fortune. Reliable connection the entire time.”

Hassan L.

“Excellent coverage and speed throughout UAE. Checkout was lightning fast and the QR arrived straight away.”

Vera D.

“As a frequent traveller, MegaEsim's United Arab Emirates eSIM is the easiest I've used. Instant delivery and it just works.”

Clara P.

“Used it across United Arab Emirates and the QR activation was the smoothest part of my trip. No contracts, no surprises.”

Pieter V.

“Kept my home number and used the United Arab Emirates eSIM for data. Perfect for travel. Support replied within minutes.”

Ji-woo N.

“Streamed, navigated and shared photos all over United Arab Emirates without a single dropout. Far better than the local SIM.”

Ahmed O.

“My United Arab Emirates eSIM connected automatically when I landed. Online before baggage claim. Best travel eSIM out there.”

Sarah W.

“Great experience in United Arab Emirates. The price was unbeatable and the signal strong everywhere. Already told my friends.”

David D.

“Was skeptical about eSIMs but MegaEsim changed how I travel. The United Arab Emirates plan was fast, reliable and affordable.”

Yuki F.

eSIM for United Arab Emirates (UAE)

What Is a United Arab Emirates (UAE) eSIM?

Which networks you connect to in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

All United Arab Emirates (UAE) eSIM plans and prices

Travel eSIM vs SIM Card vs Roaming

MegaEsim travel eSIM

Local SIM card

Roaming on your home plan

Your number stays yours, and every app keeps working

From checkout to signal in three steps

Change of plans? No problem

UAE eSIM Coverage Guide: Where Etisalat Is Strong, Where It Dips, and What Speed to Expect