Phone Plans in United Arab Emirates

Compare 3 mobile plans from 2 carriers

2
Tourist SIM Cards
1
Prepaid Plans
0
eSIM Options
+971
Country Code

Mobile Network Overview in United Arab Emirates

Major Carriers

  • Etisalat UAE5G/4G/3G/2G • 99% urban coverage
  • du5G/4G/3G/2G • 98% urban coverage

Network Information

  • ✓ 4G/LTE coverage in major cities
  • ✓ 5G available with select carriers
  • ✓ Good coverage in tourist areas
  • ✓ Free WiFi widely available

Compare All Phone Plans

Plan NameCarrierDataMinutesPriceTourist Friendly
Unlimited Regional
postpaid
Etisalat
200GB
per month
Local: Unlimited
Int'l: 300
AED 399.00
per month
Tourist Plan Plus
tourist
du
40GB
per month
Local: 200
Int'l: 60
AED 199.00
per month
Data Rok
prepaid
Virgin Mobile
35GB
per month
Local: 250
Int'l: 50
AED 150.00
per month

Best Tourist SIM Cards

Tourist Plan Plus

du

AED 199.00
per month
40GB Data
200 local mins
No contract required
  • • 28 days validity
  • • Free incoming
  • • Airport kiosks

Data Rok

Virgin Mobile

AED 150.00
per month
35GB Data
250 local mins
No contract required
  • • App-based
  • • Data gifting
  • • Virgin rewards

Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which is Right for You?

Prepaid Plans

  • No credit check required
  • Perfect for tourists and short stays
  • No contracts or commitments
  • Control your spending

Best for: Tourists, students, temporary residents, budget-conscious users

Postpaid Plans

  • Better data rates and allowances
  • International roaming options
  • Device financing available
  • Requires credit check and ID

Best for: Long-term residents, business users, heavy data users

Where to Buy SIM Cards in United Arab Emirates

Airport Kiosks

Most convenient option for tourists. Available immediately upon arrival.

  • ✓ Open 24/7 at major airports
  • ✓ English-speaking staff
  • ✓ Tourist plans available
  • ✗ Slightly higher prices

Carrier Stores

Best selection and support. Located in shopping centers and city centers.

  • ✓ Full range of plans
  • ✓ Professional setup help
  • ✓ Device options available
  • ✗ May require queuing

Convenience Stores

Quick and easy for prepaid SIMs. Found everywhere in United Arab Emirates.

  • ✓ No waiting times
  • ✓ Basic prepaid options
  • ✓ Extended hours
  • ✗ Limited plan selection

Airport SIM Card Availability

Major International Airports

SIM cards are readily available at United Arab Emirates's main international airports. Look for carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall after clearing customs.

  • Multiple carrier options available
  • Tourist-specific packages
  • Instant activation service

What You'll Need

  • 1.Passport for registration
  • 2.Unlocked phone (check before travel)
  • 3.Cash or credit card
  • 4.Address in United Arab Emirates (hotel is fine)

SIM Card Activation Guide

Step-by-Step Activation

  1. 1
    Purchase Your SIM
    Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget
  2. 2
    Register Your Details
    Provide passport and local address for registration
  3. 3
    Insert the SIM Card
    Power off your phone, insert SIM, then restart
  4. 4
    Configure Settings
    Follow carrier instructions for APN settings if needed

Troubleshooting Tips

Phone Shows "No Service"?
Restart your phone and ensure airplane mode is off. Check if your phone is unlocked.
Can't Access Mobile Data?
Go to Settings → Mobile Data → APN and enter carrier's APN settings.
Registration Failed?
Ensure your passport details match exactly. Some carriers require online registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my phone number when visiting United Arab Emirates?

You cannot transfer your home country number to a United Arab Emirates SIM card. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, which are linked to your original number, over data. Consider using call forwarding to a VoIP service if you need to receive calls on your regular number.

Do I need to unlock my phone before traveling?

Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use a United Arab Emirates SIM card. Contact your home carrier before traveling to unlock your device. Most carriers will unlock phones that are fully paid off. You can test if your phone is unlocked by trying a different carrier's SIM card.

How long does SIM card registration take?

Registration typically takes 5-15 minutes at the point of purchase. Some carriers activate instantly, while others may take up to 2 hours. Tourist SIMs at airports are usually activated immediately to ensure you have service right away.

Can I top up my prepaid SIM online?

Yes, most United Arab Emirates carriers offer online top-up services through their websites or mobile apps. You can also top up at convenience stores, carrier shops, or through ATMs. International credit cards are usually accepted for online top-ups.

What's the difference between tourist SIMs and regular prepaid SIMs?

Tourist SIMs are designed for short-term visitors with simplified registration, more data, shorter validity periods (7-30 days), and sometimes include international calling minutes. Regular prepaid SIMs require more documentation, have longer validity, and are better for extended stays.

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