Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
How to buy a Dubai SIM card: A 2025 guide
Dubai-bound and need to stay connected? Here’s a guide to the best SIM card options — perfect for exploring the city, or staying in touch.
Dubai has grown to be one of the biggest tourist draws in the world over recent years. And with millions visiting Dubai each year, you can be sure it offers no shortage of ways to get data. Buying a prepaid SIM in Dubai helps you avoid roaming charges and offers a local phone number for texts and calls if you need one.
Let’s take a closer look at the best local SIM cards in Dubai and Holafly, a top eSIM option with unlimited data plans.
Say goodbye to plastic SIMs
Our eSIMs can't be damaged, broken, or lost – they're the future for every type of traveler.
How much does a Dubai SIM card cost?
SIM card plans in Dubai range from AED 49 (~USD$13.50) to AED 525 (~$142.95), depending on the data allowance and validity period. Tourist SIM cards in Dubai usually have a validity of up to 28 days, though some can last as long as 90 days.
You can recharge or top up your SIM card if you need more data or a longer validity period. This can be done through the provider’s app, at retail stores, or online, allowing you to keep using the same SIM card without interruptions during a longer stay. You are also allowed to purchase up to two SIM cards in Dubai.
Where can I buy a Dubai SIM card?
You can buy a SIM card for Dubai before you travel or after you touch down at the airport. Here are some of the most popular ways to get your SIM:
- Buy online before you travel: You can buy your Dubai SIM card online from international SIM card retailers such as OneSimCard or SimCorner. Top local providers, such as e&, DU, or Virgin Mobile, may offer the option to order your SIM card online and pick it up at the airport once you arrive.
- Buy at the airport when you land: You’ll be able to buy a Dubai SIM card at the airport once you arrive. All major cell service providers in the UAE have dedicated SIM card stands or customer service centers at international airports. Most stores are open 24/7, so you can get connected no matter when your flight arrives.
- Buy in Dubai: Major telecommunications providers have stores in shopping malls, metro stations, and other locations around the city. You’ll need to present your passport and be over 18 to purchase a SIM card.
- Buy an eSIM instead: You can get an eSIM for international travel online and enjoy having local network coverage with a digital SIM card instead. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and access to the internet for the purchase process. You can use the Al Makoum or Dubai airport WiFi for that.
Which is the best SIM card for Dubai?
Now that you know where to look for SIM cards, the next question is: which one should you choose? It’s time to focus on the top three contenders: Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile.
We’ll dive into what each provider offers, including data packages, call minutes, and user reviews, so you can make the best choice for your needs.
1. e& (formerly Etisalat)
e&, formerly known as Etisalat, is one of the largest and most well-established telecom providers in the UAE. It offers extensive coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and remote areas like Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and the Hatta region.
e& has a separate line of plans dedicated to travelers called Visitor Line. It offers a decent range of data allowance options and phone call minutes.
| Plan | Allowance | Validity period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Line FREE SIM | 10 GB of data | 1 day | Free |
| Visitor Line | 4 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 49 (~USD$13.50) |
| Visitor Line+ | 6 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 79 (~$21.50) |
| Visitor Line Advance | 10 GB of data, 60 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 99 (~$27.00) |
| Visitor Line Premium | 8 GB of data, 120 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 125 (~$34.00) |
| Visitor Line Premium+ | 22.5 GB of data, 525 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 200 (~$54.50) |
| Visitor Line Unlimited | Unlimited data, 100 minutes of calls | 10 days | AED 319 (~$86.85) |
2. Du
Du is another major telecom provider in the UAE, launched in 2007 as a competitive alternative to e&. Du’s coverage extends outside of Dubai and across the UAE, including Fujairah and Hatta.
Just as e&, Du offers a free SIM card with 10 GB of data for 24 hours. Once the free validity period expires, you can get one of their travel plans online or in physical Du stores.
| Allowance | Validity period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 GB of data, 30 minutes of calls | 28 days | AED 49 (~$13.50) |
| 10 GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 28 days | AED 99 (~$27.00) |
| 15 GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 28 days | AED 139 (~$37.80) |
| 20 GB of data, 60 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 28 days | AED 189 (~$51.50) |
| Unlimited data, 100 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 7 days | AED 199 (~$54.25) |
| Unlimited data, 200 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 14 days | AED 299 (~$81.50) |
| Unlimited data, 400 minutes of calls, unlimited internet calling | 28 days | AED 499 (~$136.00) |
3. Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile UAE operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which means it uses Du’s infrastructure to provide its services. While both Virgin Mobile and Du share the same physical network, they are separate brands with unique SIM card options for tourists.
You can purchase these SIM cards at Virgin Mobile kiosks, Virgin Megastores, or through the online app with a valid passport.
| Allowance | Validity period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited data | 3 days | AED 103.95 (~$28.30) |
| 21 GB of data, 30 local minutes and 30 local texts, 20 international minutes and 20 international texts | 7 days | AED 150 (~$40.85) |
| 40 GB of data, 30 local minutes and 30 local texts, 20 international minutes and 20 international texts | 10 days | AED 200 (~$54.50) |
| Unlimited data | 10 days | AED 208.95 (~$56.90) |
| Unlimited data, 30 local minutes and 30 local texts, 20 international minutes and 20 international texts | 15 days | AED 275 (~$74.90) |
| Unlimited data | 20 days | AED 313.95 (~$85.50) |
| Unlimited data, 30 local minutes and 30 local texts, 20 international minutes and 20 international texts | 30 days | AED 525 (~$142.95) |
Do tourists get free SIM cards in Dubai?
Yes, you can get a free Dubai SIM card upon arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB). These are typically available at the telecom operator stands, such as those by e& and Du.
- What you need: To get one, you must be 18 or older, have a valid tourist visa, and present your passport.
- What’s included: Typically, you get 10 GB of data valid for 24 hours, after which, you can extend your usage by buying a tourist plan from the SIM card provider.
- Activation process: Once you insert the SIM, you’ll receive a verification message. Respond with your birth year to complete activation and start using your free data.
If you’re looking for more flexibility or want to skip the hassle of a physical SIM, you might want to consider opting for an eSIM instead. Let’s explore how eSIMs work in Dubai and what they offer.
Stay connected with a Holafly eSIM for Dubai
Holafly offers unlimited data and 24/7 customer support included in all Dubai eSIM plans. Simply get your eSIM for Dubai and forget about having to monitor your data usage. All eSIM-compatible, unlocked phones work with Holafly eSIMs, making it accessible for most users.
The plans range from 5 to 20 days, making it a great option for a medium or short trip. If you need an even shorter plan, you can get Holafly’s eSIM for the UAE, which provides coverage in Dubai and allows you to choose any number of days from 1 to 20. That way, you can match your eSIM to your trip and avoid paying for any days you don’t need. Plus, you can use WhatsApp in Dubai without restrictions.
Planning to stay in Dubai for a while longer? Holafly offers an eSIM subscription option with Holafly Plans. The prices range from $39.90 to $64.90/month (~AED146 to AED238/month), depending on the data allowance. Use it to stay connected as long as you need and cancel anytime, no long-term commitments or cancellation fees needed.
On top of Dubai, Holafly Plans offers coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide, including multiple destinations in the Middle East. This allows you to travel freely and visit top attractions throughout the world without having to worry about mobile internet whenever you cross a border.
Say goodbye to plastic SIMs
Our eSIMs can't be damaged, broken, or lost – they're the future for every type of traveler.
Traveling to other countries in the Middle East? Check out our other SIM card articles for the region:
Plans that may interest you
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.
