Do you want to be online as soon as you arrive in Dubai and avoid high roaming charges? Then you should definitely get an eSIM for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card that is installed on your smartphone like an app. It is therefore no longer necessary to change the physical SIM card.
There are tariffs valid for different countries, regions or worldwide. These usually range from 1 GB to unlimited data and are valid for between one and ninety days.
There are now numerous providers who offer their virtual SIM cards at different prices. This doesn’t always make it easy to find the best and cheapest option. We have compared the best eSIM providers for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to make your choice as easy as possible.
And now – have fun with our list!
Which are the best eSIM providers for Dubai?
Top 5 Providers
- Saily – Very affordable provider
- Airalo – Flexible tariffs and good network coverage
- Holafly – Best provider for unlimited data
- alosim – Local phone number included
- Nomad – Easy to set up
Best eSIMS for Dubai
Saily
Validity: 30 days
Calls and SMS: Not included
Network: Use of the 5G/4G/LTE network
Hotspot: No restrictions or limits for hotspots.
Price: 19.99 USD
Saily offers five data packages for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, starting at just USD 3.99. Unfortunately, there is no data and calls package. Unfortunately, there is no data and calls package.
The following tariffs can be found on the website:
- 1 GB: Valid for 7 days, at the price of USD 3.99
- 3 GB: Valid for 30 days, at the price of 8.99 USD
- 5 GB: Valid for 30 days, at the price of 11.99 USD
- 10 GB: Valid for 30 days, at the price of 19.99 USD (5% discount with code SAILYSPRING)
- 20 GB: Valid for 30 days, for the price of 33.99 USD (5% discount with code SAILYSPRING)
How does the Saily eSIM for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates work?
- You choose your data package
- Download the Saily app
- Your eSIM will be activated automatically within 30 days upon arrival in Dubai
Mobile network: The Saily website does not specify which local network is used.
Network coverage: No information
Pros and cons of Saily for Dubai
✅ Advantages
✔️ Very affordable prices – ideal for price-conscious travelers
✔️ Works in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – coverage of the most important destinations
✔️ Easy activation
✔️ No identity verification required – Ready to use without any additional steps
✔️ Global, regional and local rates – Flexible choice for different travel types
✔️ 24/7 customer support – Help available around the clock
Disadvantages
❌ Only data tariffs – No support for calls or SMS
❌ No unlimited or prepaid plans – Only fixed data packages available
Airalo
Airalo offers several eSIM data plans for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Here is an example:
- Data volume: 10 GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5G network
- Price: EUR 20.00
The renowned eSIM provider airalo offers a total of seven tariffs. One positive aspect is that there is also an unlimited tariff. Furthermore, airalo uses the best mobile network in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
These are the data packages:
- 1 GB: Valid for 7 days, price €4.50
- 2 GB: Valid for 15 days, price € 7.00
- 3 GB: Valid for 30 days, price €9.00
- 5 GB: Valid for 30 days, price € 12.50
- 10 GB: Valid for 30 days, price € 20.00
- 20 GB: Valid for 30 days, price € 33.50
- Unlimited data: Valid for 10 days, price €33.50
Mobile network: Airalo uses the 5G Etisalat in Dubai
Network coverage and speed: Very good
How does Airalo work?
- Download the app
- Select the data package for the corresponding country
- Install eSIM via QR code
- Activation takes place automatically in the destination country
Pros and cons of Airalo eSIMs for Dubai
✅ Advantages of Airalo
✔️ Different eSIM types – Local, regional and global tariffs available
✔️ Flexible installation process – Several easy installation methods to choose from
✔️ Affordable prices – Attractive tariffs for different types of users
✔️ 24/7 customer service – Available around the clock for questions or problems
✔️ Supports calls and SMS – Can only be used with Discover+ Global plans
✔️ Works reliably in Dubai – Coverage in major cities
❌ Disadvantages of Airalo eSIMs for the United Arab Emirates
❌ No unlimited or pay-as-you-go tariffs – Fixed data packages without flexibility
Holafly - eSIM provider comparison
- Unlimited data
– Valid in Dubai & UAE - No calls or SMS
- Valid for 30 days
- Uses the 5G/4G/LTE network
- Price: 30 days: Unlimited data for €68.90 €2.30/day)
- Holafly offers tariffs from 1 to 90 days
Holafly only offers unlimited data plans, which means you don’t have to worry about how much you stream or download. The longer your. tariff is valid, the lower the daily price will be.
Here are a few examples of Holafly tariffs:
- 1 day: Unlimited data for €5.90
- 5 days: Unlimited data for 18,90 EUR (3,78€/day)
- 7 days: Unlimited data for €26.90 (€3.84/day)
- 15 days: Unlimited data for €46.90 (€3.13/day)
- 30 days: Unlimited data for €68.90 (€2.30/day)
How does a Holafly eSIM work?
- Select location and number of days
- Easy to install via QR code or manually
- Activated automatically upon arrival in the destination country when connected to the local network
Mobile network: Holafly also uses the Etisalat network
Network coverage and speed: Very good
Pros and Cons of Holafly in the United Arab Emirates
✅ Pros
✔️ Unlimited data tariffs available – Ideal for frequent users and longer stays
✔️ Simple activation via QR code – Quick to set up, even on the move
✔️ 24/7 customer service – Support via live chat and WhatsApp
✔️ Multiple eSIMs can be purchased at the same time – Practical for groups or different devices
✔️ Local, regional and global tariffs – Flexible use, even beyond the Emirates
Cons
❌ No call or SMS function – Only data-only usage possible
❌ Hotspot usage limited – Data sharing limited to 500 MB per day
alosim
- Data volume: 10 GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5G/LTE network
- Price: 21.00 USD
alosim has a number of flexible data tariffs and uses the best network in Dubai, Etisalat. There is no tariff consisting of data and calls. The possibility of using a hotspot and the fact that you do not have to verify yourself is also positive.
Current data tariffs:
1 GB: Valid for 7 days, price $4.50
2 GB: Valid for 15 days, price $7.00 (🔥 Most popular)
3 GB: Valid for 30 days, price $9.50
5 GB: Valid for 30 days, price $13.00
10 GB: Valid for 30 days, price $21.00
20 GB: Valid for 30 days, price $35.00 (🎁 good value)
Mobile network: Alosim uses the Etisalat network
Network coverage/speed: Both very good
Pros and cons - eSIM comparison Alosim
✅ Pros
✔️ International phone number included – Allows calls and text messages via a separate app
✔️ Affordable prices – Good value for money compared to other providers
✔️ Easy installation – Several options for setting up the eSIM
✔️ 24/7 customer service – Available around the clock
✔️ Six local tariffs available – Flexible selection for different usage needs
❌ Cons of aloSIM eSIMs for the United Arab Emirates
❌ Calls and texts only via separate app – No native use with the phone app
❌ No unlimited data plan or pay-as-you-go option – Only fixed data packages available
Nomad - Best eSIMs for Dubai and UAE
- Data volume: 10 GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 4G/LTE network
- Price: 19.00 USD
Nomad’s data plans start at USD 6.00 and go up to a maximum data volume of 20 GB. There are also daily tariffs available, which allow you to continue surfing the Internet without limits once you have used up your data volume – albeit at a throttled speed. Region-specific tariffs are also available, for example for the entire Middle East. Tariffs with a combination of data and calls are not available.
The following plans are listed on the website:
1 GB: Valid for 7 days, price 6 USD
3 GB: Valid for 30 days, price 9 USD
5 GB: Valid for 30 days, price 14 USD
10 GB: Valid for 30 days, price 19 USD (instead of 25 USD – offer)
20 GB: Valid for 45 days, price 29 USD (instead of 37 USD – offer)
Wie funktioniert Nomad?
- Select plan
- Scan the QR code while you are connected to the Internet
- Card will be activated as soon as you arrive in your destination country or after 60 days (esim selected and data roaming active)
Mobile network: Nomad uses the provider du
Network coverage/speed: Good
Pros and cons of Nomad
✅ Pros
✔️ Simple setup of the eSIM
✔️ 5G support – if available from the device and network
✔️ Intuitive app with simple operation
✔️ Affordable tariffs – five low-cost data packages available
✔️ Local, regional and global tariffs available for Dubai
Cons
❌ No call function – only data usage possible
❌ Not compatible with all devices
Ubigi
- Data volume: 3 GB
- Validity: 15 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5G/LTE network
- Price: 49.00 EUR
Ubigi only offers two tariffs that are specifically valid in the United Arab Emirates. However, you can also choose from a tariff for the Middle East as well as global tariffs.
United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- 1 GB: Valid for 7 days, price €25
- 3 GB: Valid for 15 days, price €49
Middle East:
- 1 GB: Valid for 30 days, price €19
Worldwide (World):
- 500 MB: Valid for 30 days, price €12
- 1 GB: Valid for 30 days, price €24
- 3 GB: Valid for 30 days, price € 43
- 60 GB (5 GB/month): Valid for 12 months, price € 280
How does it work?
- Select plan and receive QR code
- Scan QR code and activate
Mobile network: Ubigi uses the du network in the United Arab Emirates
Network coverage: Good
Pros and cons of Ubigi
✅ Pros of Ubigi
✔️ Regional and global options – In addition, there are tariffs for the entire Middle East or worldwide use – ideal for frequent travelers.
✔️ 5G support – 5G speed is available in Dubai if supported by the device.
✔️ User-friendly app – Manage your eSIM, view data usage and top up easily via the app.
✔️ Ideal for short trips and business travel – The available tariffs are particularly well tailored to short stays.
❌Cons
❌ Only two local tariffs available – The choice for UAE-only tariffs is very limited (1 GB and 3 GB)
❌ Relatively high prices – Compared to other providers, the price per GB is rather expensive.
❌ No unlimited data tariffs – If you surf a lot, you either have to buy more or switch directly to a global tariff.
Only data-only tariffs – telephony and text messaging are not supported.
❌ No 24/7 live support – Support is available, but not around the clock in live chat.
Jetpac - eSIM Dubai & VAE
- Data volume: 10 GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5G/LTE network
- Price: 37.50 EUR
Jetpac offers eight different packages, ranging from 1 GB to 40 GB and valid in eight countries. The United Arab Emirates are covered, as are Oman and Qatar. In the UAE, Jetpac uses the Etisalat network. A combination of data and calls as well as unlimited data packages are not offered.
Mobile network: Etisalat
Network coverage: Very good
Pros and cons of Jetpac
✅ Pros
✔️ Works in Dubai and other regions of the UAE
✔️ Quick activation via QR code
✔️ Intuitive, user-friendly app
✔️ Support for 5G speed
❌ Cons
❌ Relatively high prices compared to other providers
❌ No support for calls and SMS
❌ No pure local UAE tariff – only combination with several countries available
Airhub
- Data volume: 10 GB
- Validity: 30 days
- Calls and SMS: Not included
- Network: Use of the 5G/LTE network
- Price: USD 17.20
Airhub offers a total of seven tariffs from one to 25 GB. The data packages start at USD 1.50 and use the du network.
How it works
- Select and buy a plan
- QR code will be sent to you directly after purchase
- Scan the QR code
- Activation takes place upon arrival in UAE
Network: you
Network coverage/speed: Good
Pros and cons of Airhub
✔️Pros
✔️ Large selection of tariffs – Airhub offers numerous data plans
✔️ Instant provisioning – eSIM is delivered as a QR code immediately after purchase
✔️ Flexible validity – tariffs are usually valid for 7 to 30 days, perfect for short and medium stays
✔️ Data packages for individual countries, regions or worldwide – tariffs for the entire Middle East or global options are also available
❌ Cons
❌ No unlimited data volume – All plans are volume-based
❌ Customer support not always available around the clock – No real 24/7 live chat
What you should consider before buying an eSIM for Dubai
There are a few variables and factors that you should consider when making your purchase. There are general points to look out for and individual preferences that you should take into account.
Here are a few things you should consider:
- Travel duration: Before you buy an eSIM for Dubai, you should consider how long you will need mobile data. For a shorter stay, you will probably need less data, which will also be reflected in the price of the card. Make sure that the validity of the eSIM matches the duration of your trip.
- Data volume: Do you use the internet intensively, stream videos or regularly download files? Then you should consider a larger data package or even a tariff with unlimited data volume.
- Network coverage: One of the most important factors is network coverage. Ideally, your eSIM should use one of the best local mobile networks. In Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, these are Etisalat and you.
Calls and text messages: Do you also want to use your eSIM to make calls and send text messages? Then make sure you choose a tariff that supports these functions – many eSIMs are data-only tariffs. - Data sharing (hotspot): Some providers do not allow you to share your mobile data with other devices or set a limit. If the hotspot function is important to you, find out in advance whether it is included in your chosen tariff.
- Price: Of course, the price also plays a role. Choose a plan that fits your budget. There are many different offers at different prices – you are sure to find the right plan for you. But remember: it’s not just the price that counts – good network coverage is just as important.
How did we rate the eSIMs?
How did we rate the best eSIMs for Dubai and the United Arab Emirates in our comparison? The following criteria were taken into consideration for our list:
Network coverage: which network is used and how well does it cover different regions in Dubai?
Network connectivity: Does the mobile network used provide a stable and smooth connection?
Speed: Is the 4G or 5G network used?
Compatibility: Is the eSIM (embedded SIM) compatible with a large number of devices?
Price: What is the price-performance ratio compared to other providers?
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