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How to get a free SIM card in Dubai in 2025
Traveling to Dubai? Get your Dubai free SIM card once you arrive at the airport! Find out what you need and how to use it!
You can get a free SIM card in Dubai. These SIMs are readily available in Dubai’s international airports, but have a fixed data allowance and are only valid for 24 hours. Follow along to learn everything you need to know about free SIM cards in Dubai, including who can get one, what you need, and where to find them.
Not feeling the free option? We also discuss Holafly, an eSIM that’ll keep you connected throughout your whole stay.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
How can I get a free tourist SIM card in Dubai?
Du and e& (formerly Etisalat) are the two biggest Dubai SIM card providers, and they both offer free SIMs to tourists visiting the city. You can request your free SIM at Du and e& shops at the Dubai International Airport or the Al Maktoum International Airport.
These SIM cards have a 24-hour validity period and a 10 GB data allowance. Once the validity period runs out, you can buy a mobile plan with a longer validity from the provider that issued your SIM card. These free SIMs act as a promotion, encouraging you to buy more after the free period runs out.
Requirements for a free SIM card in Dubai
While it’s easy to get a free SIM card in Dubai, there are still some requirements you need to meet:
- Must be over 18 years of age
- Have a valid tourist visa for the UAE
- Have a valid passport or ID
- The information you provided must match the immigration records
Where can you pick up the SIM card?
You can pick up your Dubai free SIM card at the Dubai International Airport or the Al Maktoum International Airport. In some cases, the immigration officers will also hand out free SIM cards to travellers after checking their documents.
What does the free SIM card in Dubai include?
The free Dubai SIM card comes with 10 GB of mobile data and a 24-hour validity period. It also includes a phone number, but doesn’t include phone call minutes or texts.
How can I keep the free Dubai SIM card after the trial period?
Keeping your free travel SIM card is pretty easy. After your free validity period runs out, simply buy a phone plan from the company that issued your SIM card, and you will be able to keep using it. These packages range from AED 49 (~$13.50) to AED 525 (~$142.95), depending on the validity period and the allowance of data, calls, and texts.
Stay connected in Dubai with Holafly
The free Dubai SIM card may be great, but it has a validity period of only 24 hours. Once it runs out, the local prepaid mobile plans can be fairly expensive. Holafly’s eSIM for Dubai offers a way to stay connected with unlimited data beyond the first day of your trip.
All Holafly plans include unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, ensuring that you’ll always stay connected. Plan durations range from 5 to 20 days, with prices ranging from $3.09/day to $4.18/day, depending on the validity period.
If you want more flexibility, you can also get an eSIM for the UAE, which allows you to choose any number of days in the range from 1 to 20.
All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and an internet connection to buy your eSIM. You can use the data from your free Dubai SIM card or use the Dubai Airport or Al Maktoum Airport WiFi to do just that.
If you’re extending your stay in Dubai and want to ensure you can remain connected, Holafly Plans gives you fast, reliable internet — no contracts, no address needed. This pay-monthly eSIM subscription is perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term travelers who need a hassle-free way to stay connected.
Choose from 10 GB, 20 GB, or unlimited data plans ranging from $39.90 to $64.90/month. Each plan offers coverage in 170+ destinations with one eSIM, allowing you to stay connected pretty much anywhere without having to buy a new SIM every time you cross an international border.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
