eSIM Providers in the UAE: e&, du and Travel eSIMs

Looking for an eSIM in the UAE? Both local operators, e& (formerly Etisalat) and du, offer eSIM, and so does Virgin Mobile. They suit you if you live in the UAE or want a local number. If you're visiting, you have two simple routes: a free tourist eSIM from a local operator on arrival, or a data-only travel eSIM you install before you fly. This guide covers who offers what, how to get each one and what to know about calling apps in the UAE.

Just visiting and want data ready the moment you land? The UAE plans below are data only, so you keep your home number for calls and texts. For a closer look at the plans, see our best eSIM for the UAE guide.

Data-only plans for the United Arab Emirates · See all UAE eSIMs · All destinations

eSIM providers in the UAE at a glance

Apple's list of carriers that offer eSIM on iPhone includes du, e& and Virgin Mobile for the UAE. All three are listed for activation by QR code or carrier app, and for prepaid plans for international travelers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here's how they compare:

• e& (Etisalat): eSIM through the e& UAE app, the website or a store. Visitors can use its Visitor Line prepaid packs.
• du: eSIM through a du store, shop.du.ae or the du app. It also has a free tourist eSIM.
• Virgin Mobile: listed by Apple for eSIM and for prepaid plans for travelers. Check its own site for current plans.
• Travel eSIMs: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no store visit, ready before you leave.

e& (Etisalat) eSIM and Visitor Line

e& is the new name of Etisalat. Its official pages say:

• Visitor Line: a prepaid line designed for visitors aged 18 and above. Packs last 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days, 14 days or 28 days. The line stays valid as long as your visa, up to 90 days. You can subscribe and recharge with *101# or in the e& UAE app (e&: Visitor Line).
• Where to buy: at e& counters and airport arrivals in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, or through the e& UAE app and website (e&: Visitor Line subscriptions).
• eSIM requests: you must be in the UAE to request an eSIM, with location access turned on. Switching a SIM to eSIM in the app needs a facial recognition login, and you must activate within 24 hours of the request (e&: eSIM).

Khaleej Times reported in September 2024 that e& launched a free Visitor Line eSIM with 10 GB of data, valid for one day, which visitors can activate after passing immigration (Khaleej Times). We couldn't confirm this on e&'s own pages, so check the current offer before you rely on it.

du eSIM and tourist eSIM

du's tourist manual describes a free eSIM: you scan a QR code, and you get 10 GB of free data valid for 24 hours. After that you top up with its tourist bundles (du: Tourist Manual). The offer is also on du's tourist eSIM page. Bundle sizes and prices change, so check them there.

du's general eSIM page says all new and existing customers can get an eSIM, including tourists. Your phone must support eSIM. For a new line you buy a plan with the eSIM option at a du store or at shop.du.ae, then scan the QR code you receive under Settings > Add eSIM. Existing customers can use the du app (du: eSIM).

Do you need your passport for a local SIM or eSIM?

The UAE government's visitor guide says visitors must provide a copy of their passport and UAE visa to get a local SIM. It names the e& Visitor Line and the du Tourist Plan as the visitor options (UAE government portal: mobile and internet services). A local line gives you a UAE number and local calls. If you only need data, a travel eSIM skips the paperwork.

Calling apps in the UAE

Voice and video calls over the internet are a regulated activity in the UAE. The telecom regulator TDRA says it is illegal to use such software to make calls unless the provider is licensed by TDRA, works with a licensed operator, or is approved by TDRA. It also says licensees must block unlicensed VoIP services, and it links to a list of approved apps (TDRA: FAQs).

So check TDRA's list or ask your operator before you plan to call over apps. Texting apps are a different matter, and a data connection still covers maps, tickets, email and browsing. If you need to make calls, a local visitor line with call minutes is the safe route. More on how calls work with a data-only eSIM: phone calls with a data-only eSIM.

UAE travel eSIM: data without a local SIM

A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You get a QR code by email, install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, and it connects when you arrive. According to the SimOptions plan details for the UAE:

• Network: the plans support 4G and 5G. Our UAE page says they run on du and e&.
• Data only: no UAE phone number, no calls or SMS.
• Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach the UAE.
• No paperwork: no passport check and no store visit.
• Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
• Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.

Heading on to a neighbouring country? See our guides to eSIM providers in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, or the Oman eSIMs.

How to set up your UAE eSIM

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
2. Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
3. Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM and scan the QR code (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
4. Label the line "UAE" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
5. When you arrive, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.

Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?

An e& or du eSIM fits if

• You live in the UAE or stay for a long time.
• You need a UAE phone number and call minutes.
• You're happy to show your passport and visa, and you're already in the UAE when you request it.

A travel eSIM fits if

• You're on a short trip and want data the moment you land.
• You'd rather set everything up at home on Wi-Fi.
• You want to keep your home number on your phone at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.

FAQs

Which eSIM should I get for the UAE?

If you're visiting and need data, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. If you need a UAE number or call minutes, get an e& Visitor Line or a du tourist plan. If you live there, pick an e& or du plan.

Which mobile operators are in the UAE?

The UAE government portal names Etisalat (now e&) and du as the two mobile and internet providers. Virgin Mobile is also listed by Apple for eSIM in the UAE.

Does du offer eSIM to tourists?

Yes. du's tourist manual describes a free eSIM with 10 GB of data valid for 24 hours, and its eSIM page says tourists are eligible for eSIM. Bundles and prices change, so check du's tourist eSIM page.

Does e& offer eSIM?

Yes. e& offers eSIM through its app, website and stores, and Apple lists it for eSIM on iPhone. You need to be in the UAE to request one.

Can I use WhatsApp calls in the UAE?

The regulator says voice and video calls over the internet must come from a licensed or approved provider. Check TDRA's list of approved apps or ask your operator before you rely on calling apps.

Do I get a UAE phone number with a travel eSIM?

No. The SimOptions UAE plans are data only. For a UAE number, use an e& or du eSIM.

Can I use my home SIM in the UAE?

Yes, if your plan includes roaming there, but prices depend on your operator. See our guides to international roaming with an eSIM and how to avoid roaming charges.