Best eSIMs for Travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers plenty to see, especially if you plan to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the most popular of the country’s seven emirates. A highly connected nation with a robust network led by two wireless carriers (Etisalat and DU), keeping in touch shouldn’t be difficult while staying there.

You can walk into shops in the UAE and get an eSIM, as most telecom providers in the UAE offer eSIMs at their retail locations. But purchasing an eSIM online eliminates the need to visit a physical store and means you can get connected from the moment you land.

Online platforms like Sim Local provide access to a range of eSIM plans tailored for different data needs in the Emirates. We created a list of our best eSIM plans to help you narrow down your options.

Best eSIM Plans: United Arab Emirates

Let’s take a look at some of the best plans currently available from Orange and Smartroam.

1. Smartroam 20 GB

Out of all our Smartroam plans for the UAE, this 20 GB plan offers the best value per gigabyte. It costs $35.25 and gives you plenty to work with over 30 days!

United Arab Emirates 20 GB 30 Days

Smartroam

20GB

$35.25

30 Days

Buy Now

Best Value

20 GB for 30 Days

‍Plans are easy to install in a couple of minutes through the Sim Local app. And when you run low, topping up is a piece of cake too. All Smartroam plans connect you to both du and Etisalat networks to deliver strong nationwide coverage with 5G speeds in major cities. And if you're travelling with friends, you'll be glad to know hotspots and data tethering are available.

• Data: 20 GB
• Network: du and Etisalat
• Hotspot included: Yes
• Duration: 30 days
• Setup time: 3 minutes

2. Smartroam 10 GB

Our top-selling UAE plan gives you 10GB of fast 4G/5G data to browse, map, message, and more! Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or exploring the desert, you'll stay connected on the du and Etisalat network—the two biggest networks in the UAE.

United Arab Emirates 10 GB 30 Days

Smartroam

10GB

$21.50

30 Days

Buy Now

Top Seller

10 GB for 30 Days

Hotspot-ready, easy to install via the Sim Local app, and valid for a full 30 days. Ideal for travellers who need solid data without breaking the bank.

• Data: 10 GB
• Network: du and Etisalat
• Hotspot included: Yes
• Duration: 30 days
• Setup time: 3 minutes

3. Smartroam 5 GB

Perfect for a week-long holiday or business trip, this plan gives you 5GB of high-speed data on the du and Etisalat network in the UAE. Whether you’re using Google Maps, uploading reels or staying in touch via WhatsApp, you’ll have just the right amount of data to do it all.

United Arab Emirates 5 GB 30 Days

Smartroam

5GB

$13.25

30 Days

Buy Now

5 GB for 30 Days

Hotspot-friendly and super easy to check usuage and top up through the Sim Local app. No contracts or ID required. Just fast mobile data from the moment you land.

• Data: 5 GB
• Network: du and Etisalat
• Hotspot included: Yes
• Duration: 30 days
• Setup time: 3 minutes

4. Smartroam 3 GB

Just need the basics? This 3GB plan is perfect for light travellers—great for checking emails and socials, managing bookings, and navigating on Google Maps.

United Arab Emirates 10 GB 30 Days

Smartroam

10GB

$21.50

30 Days

Buy Now

Top Seller

3 GB for 30 Days

Powered by the du and Etisalat networks with full hotspot access and 30-day validity, this is a great budget pick for minimal users. Activate in minutes using the Sim Local app and stay connected across the Emirates.

• Data: 3 GB
• Network: du and Etisalat
• Hotspot included: Yes
• Duration: 30 days
• Setup time: 3 minutes

5. Orange

Do your travels go beyond the UAE? For $32.00, this 10 GB eSIM plan with Orange covers 149 countries across the globe, ensuring you stay connected without roaming fees after crossing borders.

Global eSIM - 10GB for 14 Days

Orange FR

10GB

$32.00

14 Days

Buy Now

10 GB (Global) for 14 Days

No need to adjust your settings either; your phone will disconnect from the previous network and reconnect to the new local network automatically when you cross borders.

• Data: 10 GB
• Network: Orange
• Hotspot included: Yes
• Duration: 14 days
• Setup time: 3 minutes

Making sure your phone supports eSIM

To enjoy these plans, your phone must support eSIM functionality. While devices from popular brands generally do (every iPhone model since iPhone 12 is compatible), it’s not always guaranteed. Compatibility can sometimes be region-specific, where two variants of the same device – for instance, one in Europe and another in North America – may not share the same eSIM support.

You can check this list of compatible devices to confirm if your phone offers eSIM functionality. Note that some brands add eSIM support via software updates, so it’s best to check with the device manufacturer if you’re unsure.

In addition, your phone must be unlocked to enjoy all the benefits of a Sim Local eSIM while travelling. Manufacturers or wireless carriers may lock phones when they subsidise the upfront cost. It’s easy to check this, whether you have an iPhone or Android device, by following a few simple steps.

Using eSIM with a physical SIM card

If your phone has a physical SIM card from your local provider, you don’t need to remove it to use an eSIM. Your SIM card and eSIM can work together. For instance, a Sim Local eSIM can handle data while your home SIM maintains connectivity for calls and texts. However, keep in mind that the latter may incur fees with your native provider.

Why can’t I access eSIM providers in the UAE?

We’ve seen quite a few travellers run into this issue, so here’s what’s going on.

If you’re in the UAE and can’t access an eSIM provider's website or app, you’re not alone. This isn’t a tech glitch—it’s more about local regulations. The main mobile operators in the UAE (like Etisalat and Du) prefer you to use their roaming offers when you land, so some eSIM providers (like Sim Local) are blocked as a result.

What can you do about it?

Here are a few handy tips to keep you connected:

Download before you fly

Purchase and install your eSIM before you arrive in the UAE. At the airport? Use airport WiFi to get setup in under 3 minutes. Once you land, you might not be able to access the app or site at all.

Use airport WiFi or a VPN

A VPN can also work to bypass the block if you’re already there.

Reach out to our helpful customer service team

Need something that just works wherever you land? That’s what we’re here for. Whether you're heading to Dubai, Doha, or Dublin – we've got you covered. You can even contact us on WhatsApp.