Internet and mobile communications in Dubai

You will certainly need internet and mobile communications in Dubai. The following mobile operators provide services in the UAE:  DU, Etisalat, Virgin Mobile  and  Swyp . After landing, you can automatically use roaming or purchase a SIM card specifically for use in Dubai during your trip. It is also very convenient to order a SIM card in advance and pick it up at the airport. In addition, you will have many options for connecting to Wi-Fi. Read on if you are looking for internet and mobile in Dubai to easily find your way, share photos and stay in touch with family and friends.

Mobile operators in the UAE: which are better and where to buy a SIM card

Firstly, I’ll make a reservation right away that mobile communications in Dubai are quite expensive. At the exit from the baggage claim area, there are specialized shops where you can buy tourist SIM cards. They are intended for travelers temporarily visiting the UAE. Prices for mobile Internet and calls from local operators in the UAE are not much different. In the shops mentioned at the airport, persons over the age of 18 can purchase tourist SIM cards upon presentation of a passport.

I recommend you buy DU or Etisalat tourist sim cards. Etisalat has the best coverage, internet speed and call quality. Swyp and Virgin Mobile are subsidiaries of the aforementioned operators. Don’t buy their SIM cards as there are a lot of bad reviews on the internet related to call quality, auto-renewing subscriptions and poor customer support.

I advise you to pay very close attention to the duration of the tariffs, which are usually indicated in days. Also, please note that there may be limits on the amount of traffic per day. SIM cards of local mobile operators can also be purchased at major shopping centers, such as Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Local mobile numbers consist of 10 digits. UAE code: +971.

In addition, you can conveniently pre-order a SIM card online before your trip and receive it upon arrival at Dubai airport at the operator’s store or from an authorized dealer. For example, in convenience stores of the well-known and very reliable Kitmytrip chain right in the terminal of Dubai International Airport, right at the exit from the baggage claim area. Using the link below, you can buy an Etisalat SIM card and conveniently receive it at the Kitmytrip store, where they will help you register and activate it. The price at Kitmytrip is exactly the same as in the official store of the mobile operator. Just select the date of receipt and the tariff plan.

How much does a tourist sim card cost in Dubai

Mobile operators DU and Etisalat offer the following tariff plans:

Etisalat SIM card prices in Dubai

  • 49 AED = 2 GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • 79 AED = 4 GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • AED 125 = 8 GB + 120 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • AED 200 = 22.5 GB + 525 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • 319 AED = Unlimited internet + 100 minutes of calls (valid for 10 days)

Calls can be made to local and international numbers. In addition, as of August 2022, when buying an Etisalat SIM card, a 20% discount is offered on four taxi rides.

DU SIM card prices in Dubai

  • 49 AED = 2 GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • 99 AED = 6 GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • AED 139 = 10 GB + 30 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • 189 AED = 20 GB + 20 minutes of calls (valid for 28 days)
  • 299 AED = Unlimited internet + Unlimited internet calls (valid for 10 days)

SIM card for Dubai + NOL transport card

The aforementioned dealer Kitmytrip has another very advantageous offer if you are going to use not only cellular communications in Dubai, but also transport. You can buy a discounted  Dubai SIM card and a NOL Silver Transport Card  (with a balance of 19 AED) for travel on the metro, buses and trams using the link below. Such a transport card in vending machines and ticket offices costs 25 AED. Normally you would pay: AED 49 (sim card with 2 GB internet) + AED 25 (silver transport card) = AED 74. At the link below, this combination costs only 65 AED.

Free SIM card at Dubai airport

By the way, for several years now, when passing through passport control at the Dubai airport, small blue envelopes with a SIM card from the DU operator have been handed out for free. Passengers are usually issued up to three thousand of these SIM cards per day. To activate the card, you will need to register with your passport data or contact the store of this operator. This SIM card has a number of limitations. For example, the specified free internet package is valid for only 24 hours, and then you need to purchase a new one.

Can I use my SIM card while roaming in Dubai?

After landing in Dubai, you can also, of course, continue to use your own SIM card or SIM cards (if you have more than one) while roaming. Mobile operators offer various packages. I recommend that you find out about the tariffs before traveling to Dubai. Everything can be very individual, depending on the connected tariff plan and operator. In my experience, this option is always more expensive, and to save money, you have to rely on Wi-Fi.

eSIM card for Dubai

Recently, I discovered a new way to use cheap mobile internet in Dubai with an eSIM card. This is essentially a virtual SIM card, which is built into almost all modern smartphones and even tablets. An eSIM card is convenient because it won’t get lost, and it’s also environmentally friendly because no natural resources are transferred. After purchase, you can easily add a data package in the settings section of your phone. All you need to do is scan the QR code with your camera or a dedicated app and activate the data package.

I really liked the huge selection of tariff plans. For example, there is a chance to buy a tariff plan with traffic from 1 to 5 GB for use in the UAE for 30 days or a daily traffic of 500 MB for 7, 14 or 30 days. 1 GB traffic for 30 days costs only about $10. You can buy such a mobile internet package while at home or already in Dubai, and top it up if necessary. By the way, do not forget to first check if your phone supports the built-in eSIM card function.

Where can I use Wi-Fi in Dubai

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, malls, cafes and restaurants. In addition, in tourist areas, mobile operators have their own free Wi-Fi networks, but you need a SIM card from a local operator to access them. To connect, you will receive an SMS with a password.

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