Compare the best eSIM plans for the United Arab Emirates
Internet from the moment you land in Dubai or Abu Dhabi
- Instant activation
- iPhone and Android compatible
- From 0,94€
- 3400+ plans compared
Photo credit : San Photography
0,94€
Cheapest plan
3400+
UAE plans
26+
Providers available
4G/5G
Networks supported
Best eSIM deals for United Arab Emirates
Transparency: some links in this table are affiliate links. Datadopt may earn a commission at no extra cost to you ; the ranking stays independent.
Stellar eSIM
1 GB
7 days
AE
0,94€
eSIM.dog
1 GB
1 day
AE
1,30€
BNESIM
1 GB
30 days
AE
1,50€
eSIM4Travel
1 GB
1 day
AE
1,65€
Airhub
1 GB
7 days
AE
1,67€
Eskimo
1 GB
730 days
AE
1,72€
eSIM for United Arab Emirates at a glance
From
€5.08
For 5 GB / 30 days
Plan duration
1 to 30+ days
Depending on the plan
Local networks
Etisalat (e&), du
5G nationwide, ubiquitous 4G+
VPN needed?
Recommended for VoIP
WhatsApp/FaceTime calls blocked
Hotspot sharing
Available
On most plans
Compatibility
iPhone XS+ / Android 8.0+
Check your device
Internet in the UAE: everything you need to know
The UAE has 100% internet penetration and over 95% 5G mobile coverage (source: ITU DataHub, 2024). Mobile speeds are among the world's highest (>180 Mbps per Ookla). An eSIM connects to Etisalat (e&) or du on landing at DXB, AUH or SHJ, with no carrier-kiosk queue.
- ●5G/4G coverage everywhere : Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah, Fujairah, and even deep in the Rub al Khali desert along the E11, E22, E66 and Liwa highways.
- ●Average mobile speed ~180–220 Mbps download per Ookla (Q1 2025) : faster than wired 4G in most of Europe.
- ●IMPORTANT : VoIP (WhatsApp Voice, FaceTime, Skype, Zoom audio/video) is blocked at the network level. A VPN bypasses it. WhatsApp text/media works normally.
- ●Great for Careem (Uber equivalent), Talabat, Google Maps, Apple Pay (widely accepted) and Emirates NBD / ADCB / FAB mobile banking.
Sources: Internet Society Pulse: UAE, ITU DataHub: UAE, Ookla Speedtest Global Index
eSIM pricing in United Arab Emirates: what our data shows
According to the Datadopt Observatory, the best price per GB actually available in United Arab Emirates is 0.11 €/GB, across 1,777 plans compared. The real differentiator is not the headline rate but the depth of the offer: the more plans compete, the easier it is to find the duration and data volume that fit your trip.
Best price per GB
0.11 €/GB
Plans compared
1,777
Middle East average
0.39 €/GB
World ranking
60 / 215
United Arab Emirates is 72% cheaper than the Middle East regional average (0.39 €/GB).
Source: Datadopt eSIM Price Observatory, 170,286 plans analysed, measured 1 September 2026.
See the eSIM price Observatory by country →Which eSIM providers for United Arab Emirates?
Here are the 6 best-placed eSIM providers for United Arab Emirates, ranked by best price per GB. Prices are expressed per GB so plans of different sizes can be compared on the same basis.
| Provider | Price per GB | From | Max duration | Hotspot | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stellar eSIM | 0.87 €/GB | 0.94 € | 30 d | Yes | Yes |
 Billion Connect | 1.05 €/GB | 2.66 € | 1 d | Yes | — |
| 1.11 €/GB | 2.21 € | 14 d | Yes | — | |
| eSIM.dog | 1.14 €/GB | 1.30 € | 90 d | Yes | — |
 ByteSIM | 1.45 €/GB | 3.10 € | 1 d | Yes | Yes |
| BNESIM | 1.46 €/GB | 1.50 € | 30 d | Yes | — |
Providers ranked by best price per GB, across plans of at least 1 GB. Source: Datadopt catalogue.
Compare all plans →Device compatibility
eSIM is built into every iPhone XS and later, as well as Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3a+ and most high-end Motorola, Oppo, Sony and Xiaomi models.
Not sure about your device? Check compatibility here.
How to install your eSIM for United Arab Emirates
- 1. Compare offers on https://www.datadopt.com/en/compare/ae
- 2. Browse our partners' eSIM offers and choose the data volume and duration that fit your trip.
- 3. Purchase the eSIM plan that best fits your needs on our partner's site.
- 4. Receive a QR code by email after purchase.
- 5. Before you leave or during your stay, add the eSIM to your smartphone (Note: a stable Wi-Fi connection may be required during this step.)
- 5.1. On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Add Plan > Scan the QR code
- 5.2. On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Add a mobile plan
- 6. Once you arrive, turn on the data of your eSIM and enjoy reliable internet in United Arab Emirates.
Frequently asked questions
Does the eSIM really work in the UAE?
Yes. International eSIMs connect to Etisalat or du on landing in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. 5G coverage in all tourist and residential zones.
Does WhatsApp work in the UAE?
Text messages, photos and videos work. Voice and video CALLS via VoIP are blocked at the network level. Workaround : use a VPN, or the official paid BOTIM / ToTok apps.
How much data for 7 days in Dubai?
Plan for 3–5 GB : Maps, Careem, Apple Pay, cloud photos and messages. More if you call via VPN or stream video.
Can I use my European plan in the UAE?
Non-EU roaming is charged at premium rates (up to €10/MB). Check ; otherwise a travel eSIM is much cheaper.
Can I share the connection with other devices?
Most UAE eSIM plans allow hotspot : the field is listed on each Datadopt offer detail page.
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Ready to stay connected in United Arab Emirates?
Compare the best eSIM offers and enjoy data the moment you arrive, at the best price.