Pay 
Language 
Currency 
No results found
How to get a UAE SIM card in 2025?
You can get a UAE SIM card from Du or e& - UAE’s biggest cell service providers. The prices range from AED 49 to AED 499, depending on the plan you choose.
Looking for a UAE SIM card, but can only find information on Dubai? Well, the UAE extends far beyond Dubai, with Abu Dhabi or Sharjah being major hubs in the Middle East, and you’ll need to be able to stay connected wherever you go.
We will tell you everything you need to know about the best SIM that keep you covered in the entire United Arab Emirates, including prices, features, and advantages of the top options in the country. On top of that, we’ll introduce you to Holafly — an international eSIM with unlimited data in the UAE.
Traveling to Dubai? Check out our Dubai SIM card blog for more specific information instead.
SIM swapping is the past
Your eSIM is always on your phone, simply activate it whenever you need mobile data.
Where can I buy a SIM card for the Arab Emirates?
The UAE has millions of visitors every year, so they’ve made sure that it’s easy to get your SIM card and stay connected throughout your stay. Here’s how you can do just that:
- Buy your SIM online: You can order your UAE SIM card online from Du or e&, which are the biggest cell service providers in the country. You can also get it from international SIM card providers such as SimCorner or OneSimCard.
- Buy at the airport: You can buy a UAE SIM card on arrival at SIM card shops in any international airport in the UAE, such as the Zayed International Airport or Al Ain International Airport.
- Buy in the UAE: Look for Du or e& stores throughout the UAE to get your SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards are also available in most supermarkets and convenience stores.
- Buy an eSIM instead: Don’t want to waste your holiday time looking for a SIM card shop? Buy an eSIM online and activate it within minutes for near-instant internet access.
To get your SIM card, you’ll need to be over 18 years of age and have a valid ID with you. Keep in mind that tourist SIM cards only work on unlocked phones, so make sure your mobile phone is not tied to your home cell service provider before buying your SIM. If you ever run out of data, you can easily stay connected with a Holafly top up for eSIM.
Top tourist SIM cards for the UAE
Du and e& are the two main local SIM card providers in the UAE, both offering solid network coverage throughout the country. Let’s take a closer look at the tourist SIM card options available with each provider.
1. e& (formerly Etisalat)
e&, formerly known as Etisalat, is the oldest telecommunications company in the UAE, and was the sole such company in the country until 2006. It has a range of plans called Visitor Line, designed specifically for tourists visiting the UAE. There are over 90 e& stores in the UAE, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one in any of the bigger cities.
The price of its plans ranges from AED 49 (~USD$13.50) to AED 319 (~$86.85), with data limits ranging from 4 GB to unlimited data. All but the most expensive plan have fixed data limits and a validity period of 28 days. The unlimited data plan is valid for 10 days. All plans also include a local phone number and 30 to 400 minutes for local calls.
On top of that, e& offers a free SIM card with 10 GB of data, valid for 24 hours. You can continue using this SIM card after the validity period runs out, but you’ll have to get one of the Visitor Line plans to do so.
2. Du
Du is another major telecom provider in the UAE, and the one to end e&’s monopoly in the country. As it stands, there are over 60 physical Du locations throughout the UAE. It also provides extensive coverage with both fixed and unlimited data plans for the UAE.
The price of fixed data plans ranges from AED 49 (~$13.50) to AED 189 (~$51.50), with data limits ranging from 4 GB to 20 GB of data. All fixed data plans are valid for 28 days. Each plan also includes international calls, with the allowance ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the plan.
Du has a few more options for those who need more data, with three different unlimited plans. You can choose between a validity of 7, 14, or 28 days, with prices ranging from AED 199 (~$54.25) to AED 499 (~$136.00).
Du also offers a free SIM card with 10 GB of data for 24 hours. You’ll need to buy one of the aforementioned plans to keep using the SIM after the 24 hours are over.
How much does a UAE SIM cost?
Expect to pay anywhere from AED 49 (~$13.50) to AED 499 (~$136.00) for your UAE SIM card. The price depends mostly on your data usage, as the price increases significantly for SIM cards with a bigger data allowance or unlimited data.
Holafly eSIM for the UAE: Unlimited data at a better price
If neither of the UAE SIM card options feels like the right fit, Holafly eSIMs offer seamless connectivity throughout the country, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Holafly also provides global coverage, with 200+ destinations on offer. All Holafly plans include unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, ensuring you stay connected.
You can choose any plan duration from 1 to 20 days, which means you save money by not paying for any extra days you don’t need. On top of that, Holafly’s eSIMs for UAE are cheaper than excessive roaming charges or the unlimited travel plans offered by e& or Du. Here’s a side-by-side price comparison:
| Holafly | e& | Du | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $29.90 | – | AED 199 (~$54.25) |
| Unlimited data for 10 days | $36.90 | AED 319 (~$86.85) | – |
| Unlimited data for 14 days | $47.20 | – | AED 299 (~$81.50) |
| Unlimited data for 28 days | $93.80 (20 day plan + 8 day plan) | – | AED 499 (~$136.00) |
All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and temporary internet access to buy and set up your eSIM, which you can get from one of the free SIM cards mentioned above.
If you’re planning to travel the world for a while longer, you can choose Holafly Plans instead. It’s a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations, including most countries in the Middle East. Plans range from $39.90 to $64.90/month and don’t require any contracts or commitments. Use it to stay connected as long as you need and cancel anytime.
SIM swapping is the past
Your eSIM is always on your phone, simply activate it whenever you need mobile data.
Traveling to nearby destinations? Check out our other SIM card blogs:
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.
