eSIM for United Arab Emirates
Plans from $3.04 per day
United Arab Emirates
UAE plans use Etisalat and du, the country's two carriers, delivering some of the world's fastest urban 5G across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with strong coverage continuing through Sharjah, Ajman, and the outer emirates.
The eSIM's biggest advantage here is calling apps: local UAE networks block native VoIP (WhatsApp voice, FaceTime, Skype), but data routed through foreign carriers on an eSIM usually keeps those services working. For the most predictable behavior, install and activate before your flight rather than after landing.
A couple of caveats: tethering can be restricted on some plans, so confirm hotspot support before relying on it for a laptop, and local SIMs require an in-person passport scan and biometric registration, with tourist options at Dubai airport running $25+. The eSIM avoids all of that. Free Wi-Fi is common in malls and hotels.
When to activate
Activate before arrivalInstall AND activate before your flight if possible. The UAE restricts native VoIP apps (WhatsApp voice, FaceTime, Skype) on local networks, but eSIM data routed through foreign carriers often bypasses this restriction. Arriving with the eSIM already active makes the calling-app behavior more predictable.
Things to know about United Arab Emirates
- VoIP calling apps (WhatsApp voice, FaceTime, Skype) are restricted on local UAE carriers — eSIM users on foreign-routed data plans usually retain access.
- Tethering may be restricted on some plans — verify with the specific plan before relying on hotspot for laptops.
Network partners
Etisalat
du
Connection details
Networks
Etisalat · du
Speed
5G / 4G / LTE
Hotspot
Limited
From
$3.04/day
Country context
Currency
AED
Emergency
999 (police) · 998 (medical)
Plug type
G
Time zone
GST (UTC+4)
Why eSIM here, not a local SIM
UAE SIMs require a passport scan and biometric registration in person — and tourist SIMs at Dubai airport run $25+ with limited data.
Free Wi-Fi: Common. 5G is excellent in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; speeds in Sharjah, Ajman, and outer emirates are still strong but slightly slower.
From order to online in 4 steps
Step 1
Buy your plan
Pick a data plan that fits your trip, pay with card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Common questions about United Arab Emirates
Will WhatsApp voice calls and FaceTime work in the UAE?
The UAE restricts VoIP apps on local carriers, but Esim70 plans route data through foreign carriers, most users retain WhatsApp/FaceTime/Skype calling. Activate the eSIM BEFORE flying for the most predictable behavior.
When does my plan's validity start in United Arab Emirates?
Validity starts when your eSIM first connects to a local United Arab Emirates network, that's usually as soon as you land and switch off airplane mode. Installing the eSIM at home days before your trip doesn't burn any days.
Can I use my phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot in United Arab Emirates?
Yes, all Esim70 plans support tethering by default with no separate daily cap. Your phone can share its data connection with a laptop, tablet, or travel companion's phone.
Will my home number still work in United Arab Emirates?
Yes, modern phones support dual-SIM. Your home SIM stays active for calls and SMS while the Esim70 eSIM handles data abroad. You can keep WhatsApp / iMessage tied to your home number too.
