Why an eSIM is Recommended for the United Arab Emirates
No EU Roaming = eSIM Essential
Unlike European countries, the United Arab Emirates do not benefit from free EU roaming. Using your home plan in the UAE is very expensive (several dollars per MB). A local eSIM is therefore the only economical solution to have internet during your stay.
Important VoIP Restrictions
⚠️ IMPORTANT: VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype) are blocked in the United Arab Emirates. Only SMS and regular phone calls work. Some VPNs can bypass this restriction, but their use is legally risky and may result in penalties.
Network Coverage in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates has one of the best 4G/5G coverage in the world (99%) thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Used by |
| Etisalat |
99% |
Yes |
Airalo, GoMoWorld, Holafly |
| du (Emirates Integrated Telecom) |
98% |
Yes |
Saily, Ubigi |
Coverage by destination
- Dubai: perfect 4G/5G throughout the city, including artificial islands (Palm Jumeirah, World Islands)
- Abu Dhabi: excellent coverage, even in peripheral desert areas
- Desert: good coverage on main roads and tourist desert camps
- Louvre Abu Dhabi, Burj Khalifa: optimal connection to share your photos
- Sharjah, Ajman: excellent coverage in urban areas
How to Install Your United Arab Emirates eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48 hours before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in the UAE (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts (VoIP calls don't work)
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best United Arab Emirates eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 United Arab Emirates eSIM 2026"
countryCode="AE"
countrySlug="united-arab-emirates"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$13",
highlight: "Global leader + Etisalat network",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "10 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$19",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "7 days",
price: "$29",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8.50",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "ubigi",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$15",
highlight: "Reliable du network",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Etisalat network (99%), code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- GoMoWorld: best value for money with 10 GB, Etisalat network, code ESIMP (-10%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users
- Saily: built-in NordVPN (useful to bypass restrictions, but use at your own risk)
- Ubigi: reliable du network, good alternative
Conclusion
For all travelers to the United Arab Emirates, an eSIM is essential because EU roaming does not apply. French roaming charges are prohibitive.
If you choose an eSIM: Airalo 5 GB at $13 with code ESIMP15 offers a good quality-price balance on the Etisalat network (leader).
For heavy users: GoMoWorld 10 GB at $19 with code ESIMP offers the best value for money.
Important reminder: VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime) are blocked in the UAE. Plan to use SMS and regular calls, or a VPN at your own risk.
United Arab Emirates eSIM FAQ
