1 GB
Valid for 7 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€4.99
Buy
United Arab Emirates eSIM
12 data plans from €4.99 · instant delivery by email
For United Arab Emirates you do not need a local prepaid card: scan the QR code, switch on data roaming, done. Choose from 12 data plans from 1 GB to 50 GB or with unlimited data, valid for 3 to 30 days. You use the Etisalat network.
United Arab Emirates eSIM data plans
2 GB
Valid for 15 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€5.99
Buy
3 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€6.99
Buy
5 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€12.99
Buy
10 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€15.99
Buy
20 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€24.99
Buy
50 GB
Valid for 30 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
€80.99
Buy
Unlimited
Valid for 3 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
- Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€13.99
Buy
Unlimited
Valid for 5 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
- Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€19.99
Buy
Unlimited
Valid for 7 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
- Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€25.99
Buy
Unlimited
Valid for 10 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
- Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€32.99
Buy
Unlimited
Valid for 15 days
- Data only (no phone number)
- Starts on first use at your destination
- Network: Etisalat
- Manual APN: globaldata · How to
- Fair use: full speed up to 3 GB per day, then 1 Mbps
€61.99
Buy
Visiting several countries?
These regional eSIMs also cover United Arab Emirates:
Travel guide: United Arab Emirates
Between glittering skyscrapers and endless sand dunes, the UAE offers a blend of modern luxury and traditional heritage. The country is extremely safe, well organised and geared up for tourists – from taxis to five-star hotels. As for mobile internet, the networks are among the best in the world, and with an eSIM you'll be connected from the moment you arrive.
At a glance
- Currency
- AED (AED)
- Power sockets
- Type C, D, G · 230 V
- Emergency
- Police 999 · Ambulance 998 · Fire 997
- Country code
- +971
- Time zone
- UTC+4
- Driving
- Drive on the right
- Tipping
- Around 5–10% is usual
- Tap water
- Bottled water recommended
- Best time to travel
- Nov–Mar
Mobile internet in United Arab Emirates
The UAE has one of the fastest and most extensively developed mobile networks in the world. Etisalat, the largest provider, covers the entire country: in the cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah you'll usually surf on 5G, and reception is excellent even inside buildings. Even in the desert along the main roads, 4G is usually available.
Free Wi-Fi is available in almost all malls, hotels, cafés and at the airport – though often with registration via phone number or email and limited speed. Many hotspots disconnect after 30 to 60 minutes or throttle bandwidth. On beaches, in parks or in the desert, however, you'll rarely find Wi-Fi; there, a mobile data connection is essential.
With an eSIM for the UAE you keep your home SIM card for calls and texts while using the eSIM for mobile internet – this works on all recent smartphones without swapping SIM cards. Before your trip, you should download offline maps from Google Maps or Maps.me to save data. For driving navigation, real-time traffic data is useful, which won't work without internet. Apps like Careem, Uber, Talabat or language translators also need a stable connection.
Highlights in United Arab Emirates
Dubai Creek and Al Fahidi: old Dubai
Away from the skyscrapers, the Al Fahidi district with its narrow alleys, wind towers and art galleries shows Dubai before the oil boom. A crossing on a traditional abra across the Creek is an experience in itself – and costs just a few dirhams.
Al Ain: oases, forts and hot springs
The UAE's 'Garden City' lies inland and is known for its extensive date palm groves, historic forts and camel market. From Jebel Hafeet, the country's second-highest mountain, you get a sweeping view over the oasis landscape.
Sharjah: art and culture
Dubai's neighbouring emirate surprises with a dense museum landscape, galleries and the award-winning Rain Room. In the restored Souk Al Arsah you can buy handicrafts and soak up the atmosphere of an old Arabian trading town.
Liwa: gateway to the Empty Quarter
About 200 kilometres south of Abu Dhabi rise the UAE's highest sand dunes, including the famous Moreeb Dune. Overnight stays in desert camps with starry skies and silence are an unforgettable contrast to the city.
Jebel Jais: summit views and adrenaline
The UAE's highest mountain offers a spectacular mountain road, several viewing platforms and the world's longest zipline. In summer it's noticeably cooler here than on the coast, and in winter temperatures can even drop to single digits at night.
Hatta: mountains, water and heritage
Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Hatta beckons with a turquoise reservoir, kayak tours, hiking and bike trails and a restored mountain village. The drive from Dubai takes about 90 minutes and leads through an impressive rocky landscape.
Practical travel tips
- Book tickets for popular attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame or Louvre Abu Dhabi online in advance – this saves waiting time and secures your preferred time slot.
- Reserve a free visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque via the official website; there you'll also find the current dress code.
- For desert tours, choose a provider with good reviews, check for hotel pickup and allow at least half a day.
- Plan outdoor activities for the cooler times of day – especially from June to September it gets over 40°C at midday, when air-conditioned malls and museums are the better choice.
- Many shopping centres and attractions are heavily air-conditioned – a light jacket or scarf will protect you from the cold.
- Dubai has toll gates (Salik); with a rental car the fees are recorded automatically, so you don't need to stop.
Do’s
- Take off your shoes in mosques and wear appropriate clothing; many mosques provide free cover-ups.
- Bargain politely in souks – a smile often gets you a better price.
- Strictly observe speed limits when driving – there are many speed cameras and high fines.
- Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip so you can manage without internet.
- Respect Friday as a rest day: many shops and government offices don't open until after midday prayers.
Don’ts
- Avoid alcohol in public – outside licensed venues it is prohibited.
- Don't use your left hand when eating or handing things to people when dining with locals.
- As a man, don't enter the metro carriages marked 'Women & Children'.
- Don't make obscene gestures or use swear words – this can be punishable as an insult.
- Don't wear beachwear in shopping centres or restaurants – shoulders and knees should be covered there.
Entry, visa and safety: please check your government’s current travel advice before you go. Last updated: October 2026.
United Arab Emirates eSIM – frequently asked questions
Which United Arab Emirates eSIM plan do I need?
That depends on how much data you use: for navigation, messaging and occasional browsing 1–3 GB per week is usually enough; for social media, video calls or hotspot rather 5 GB or more. The plans cost between €4.99 and €80.99.
When does the validity of my eSIM start?
Validity only starts when the eSIM connects to a network at your destination for the first time. So you can safely install it before your trip.
Will my normal phone number stay reachable?
Yes. This is a data-only eSIM installed in addition to your SIM card. Calls and SMS still use your normal number – mind your provider’s roaming prices.
Does the eSIM work with my phone?
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. This includes all iPhones from XS/XR, Samsung Galaxy from S20 and Google Pixel from 3. See “Compatible devices” for the full list.
How do I set up the eSIM?
After purchase you receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone’s mobile network settings, select the eSIM for mobile data and switch on data roaming for the eSIM at your destination.
Do I need to set an APN?
Yes. After installation, enter the APN globaldata in the eSIM’s mobile network settings. We show you how, step by step, after your purchase.
Do WhatsApp, Google and Instagram work with the eSIM?
In most Asian countries, yes, without restrictions. In some countries (e.g. China) certain services are blocked on local networks; travel eSIMs usually route data abroad, so these services generally remain available. We cannot guarantee this, though.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a SIM card at the airport?
Often, yes – mainly because you do not lose time at the airport, do not need to show your passport and know the exact price in advance. Your normal SIM also stays in your phone.