Question 1

Can I make calls via WhatsApp in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

WhatsApp messages, photos, voice messages and file sending work in Dubai without any restrictions, but voice and video calls are blocked throughout the UAE under federal VoIP regulations. This is not a fault of your phone, SIM card or WhatsApp account, but a deliberate, long-standing restriction on how the UAE regulates internet calls.

Question 2

Does EU roaming work in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

No, the United Arab Emirates is not part of the EU/EEA, so EU roaming rules ("like at home") do not apply there. Using your usual SIM card in the UAE will incur standard international roaming, which is usually quite expensive, depending on your operator's rates. For this reason, most travellers to the UAE choose an eSIM.

Question 3

Is it worth choosing du's free tourist eSIM?

Accepted Answer

Du is one of the two main mobile operators in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside e& (formerly Etisalat). Yes, it is worth choosing the free tourist eSIM as a quick solution for the first few hours. du offers a free tourist eSIM valid for 24 hours with about 1 GB of data, which can be activated right after immigration at the airport without any additional charges; however, the competing Etisalat (e&) offer is currently more generous and provides 10 GB for the same 24-hour period. Note that the free eSIM is valid for only 24 hours, after which you will need to top up with a paid package.

Question 4

Can I buy an eSIM after I have already arrived in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at the airport (DXB/DWC) there are Du, e& and Virgin Mobile kiosks where you can buy a physical SIM or activate an eSIM by showing your passport with a visa. You can also buy an international eSIM while already in the UAE. Still, it is more convenient to get an eSIM before the flight at home and activate it only after arrival.

Question 5

Which eSIM is best for Dubai / the UAE?

Accepted Answer

We recommend choosing a SimAbove eSIM right away. You can activate it quickly before the flight or after arrival, it works through reliable local network partners with 5G speeds across most of the country, and the price includes built-in VPN protection that additionally secures your internet traffic. Compared with local operators' (du, Etisalat) tourist eSIMs, SimAbove usually works out cheaper and more convenient overall, because everything is arranged online in advance, with no airport queues and no passport to show.

Question 6

Does eSIM work in all the Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the eSIM works in all 7 Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.); the connection does not drop while travelling between them. In the cities there is strong 5G, but in remote desert or mountain areas the signal may weaken.

United Arab Emirates eSIM

SimAbove eSIM for the United Arab Emirates: buy online

Why choose a United Arab Emirates eSIM

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How it works?

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