Best eSIM providers and plans for UAE in 2024

Using an eSIM can help keep you connected while you travel. It’s time to forget the tiny physical SIM cards you used to buy from local vendors and then wait hours for them to activate. Thanks to eSIMs, you can get instant internet connections in the UAE. They’re entirely digital, meaning the whole process is online, and you don’t have to replace any physical components.

An eSIM plan is also significantly more affordable, provides more flexibility, and will reduce expensive roaming charges. As a result, you’ll enjoy incredible convenience for a seamless experience on your trip to the United Arab Emirates.

In this article, we’ll explore and review the best eSIM options available in UAE, providing you with a comprehensive guide. Let’s begin!

Best 5 eSIM providers for UAE ﹘ our shortlist

1. Saily - the best UAE eSIM card in 2024
2. Airalo - prepaid eSIM for the United Arab Emirates
3. Nomad - UAE eSIM with 5G data
4. Jetpac - the most affordable UAE eSIM provider
5. aloSIM - Affordable UAE eSIM card with available VoIP phone number

The best eSIMs for UAE travel – our detailed list

After carefully testing several eSIM providers on criteria like coverage, ease of activation, and pricing, we’ve created our detailed list of the five best eSIMs for UAE travel. You can find the full details below!

1. Saily – the overall best eSIM UAE provider in 2024

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$3.99/week
Countries and regions:	150+ countries, including the UAE

Visit Saily

Saily is one of the most affordable eSIM providers on our list. However, its various eSIM plans will make your UAE trip even better!

Accessibility. Saily works with du as a primary local network partner in the UAE. This means you can connect to the best networks in the United Arab Emirates, which operate on LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G cellular technology, depending on availability. As a result, you’ll enjoy superb speeds and stable internet connections throughout your travels.

eSIM plans. Saily offers a few eSIM plans for the UAE. You can choose a 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB data plan. Saily has no regional or global plans, so you can only use the local data-only packages. More so, you can’t make phone calls or send messages without roaming charges, but you can use VoIP calling apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime.

Customer support. If you run into any issues, Saily has you covered. Thanks to its 24/7 customer support, you can ask questions whenever you need to via live chat or email. You can also browse the help center or the FAQ section. What’s best is that you’ll receive a quick response to help you overcome the problem.

Pricing. Last but not least, Saily is a very cost-efficient provider for the UAE. Its 1 GB data plan costs only $3.99/week.

If you want more details, check out our complete Saily review.

2. Airalo – UAE eSIM with prepaid data plans

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$4.50/week
Countries and regions:	200+ countries and regions, including the UAE

Visit Airalo

If you’re looking for an eSIM provider in the UAE with local, regional, and global plans, Airalo is the right choice.

Accessibility. Your UAE travel experience will be outstanding with the Airalo eSIM. This provider connects you to the local carrier Etisalat. Airalo currently only takes about 4G and LTE connections, but this connection is 5G-ready in practice. Your connections will vary between LTE and 5G, but you won't suffer from buffering or speed drops if you choose Airalo.

eSIM plans. If you decide that Airalo is the right provider, you can choose from its six packages. More precisely, you can use 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB of data. Remember that depending on the data-only plan, you may use your mobile data over 7, 15, or 30 days.

Customer support. Airalo has fantastic customer support, which is available 24/7. This provider has all the necessary customer support channels, including live chat, email, blog page, knowledge base, and FAQs. Therefore, if you do run into an issue, you’ll be able to overcome it in no time.

Pricing. Airalo is an affordable eSIM option for the United Arab Emirates. Its starter plan comes with 1 GB of data and is available for $4.50/week.

To dig deeper into Airalo’s service offering, you can also read our full Airalo review.

3. Nomad – fantastic eSIM for the UAE with stellar 5G speeds

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$8/week
Countries and regions:	170+ countries and regions, including the UAE

Visit Nomad

Third on our list is Nomad. This fantastic eSIM for the UAE offers guaranteed, stable 5G connections. You also enjoy many other perks!

Accessibility. Nomad collaborates with the local network carrier du. Luckily, this operator ensures fantastic 5G speeds, so you’ll enjoy only high-speed data connectivity while traveling.

eSIM plans. All of Nomad’s plans for the UAE are data-only. However, as you can get 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB of data, you can browse without worrying about roaming costs. You can also call your friends and family over social media and VoIP apps like WhatsApp. Additionally, you can use Nomad’s eSIMs for 7 or 30 days.

Customer support. One minor drawback is that Nomad doesn’t offer customer support via live chat. It makes up for this with the ticketing system, which will usually answer queries in a few hours.

Pricing. Of all the providers we’ve listed, Nomad is slightly more expensive. Its 1 GB data plan costs $8/week, but considering you’ll get 5G speeds, it’s pretty worth it.

You can learn even more from our full Nomad review if you're still looking for more detail.

4. Jetpac – incredible budget-friendly eSIM provider for the UAE

Supports 5G networks:	No
Starting price:	$1 for four (4) days
Countries and regions:	100+ countries and regions, including the UAE

Visit Jetpac

Jetpac is a very user-friendly eSIM provider for the United Arab Emirates. The best part is that you’ll be able to get its initial plan for only a dollar if you’re a new user. Here’s what else it offers!

Accessibility. Like Nomad, Jetpac offers internet connections that go through du. However, there are no 5G internet speeds. Instead, you’ll use 3G or 4G connections, depending on the coverage in the UAE areas.

eSIM plans. Jetpac offers three data-only plans for the United Arab Emirates. That said, you can choose to get 1 GB, 3 GB, or 5 GB of data for 4, 7, and 30 days. All of them are data-only, which means there isn’t an international phone number that you can use.

Customer support. Another perk of Jetpac is responsive live chat, email, and FAQ support. Therefore, you can find an answer to any problem you encounter and solve it immediately.

Pricing. Last but not least, Jetpac has a perfect offer for travelers. Its starting plan costs $1 for 1 GB of data that lasts four days. You can get this plan for $4 if you're already a user.

To learn even more about Jetpac’s service and perks for travelers, check out our comprehensive Jetpac review.

5. aloSIM – eSIM card for the UAE with phone calls included

Supports 5G networks:	Yes
Starting price:	$8/week
Countries and regions:	175+ countries and regions, including the UAE

Visit aloSIM

Rounding out our list of top eSIM providers in the UAE is aloSIM, which provides reliable data connectivity for travelers visiting the United Arab Emirates. It also offers an international number through a sister app called Hushed, which can help you stay in contact during your travels. Let's explore what sets aloSIM apart and why it might be a good choice for your trip.

Accessibility. aloSIM offers service through the local carrier du. However, this provider allows you to enjoy 5G connections with its coverage. As a result, you’ll enjoy incredible internet speeds.

eSIM plans. With six different eSIM plans available, aloSIM allows you to opt for 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB of data.

Customer support. Regarding customer support, aloSIM is available whenever you need it. More precisely, agents are available 24/7 through live chat or email support. You can also browse the FAQ section to find answers as well.

Pricing. Ultimately, aloSIM’s starting plan costs $8/week for 1 GB of data, making it less affordable than most other providers we've mentioned.

If you want to find out what else sets aloSIM apart, have a look at our detailed aloSIM review.

Comparison of the best eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates

Making the right choice is challenging, especially if you don’t know what factors to consider. So, to avoid any hassle and frustration, we decided to break down the most prominent features of each eSIM we’ve listed. Let’s have a look at our table below:

Brand	Plan duration	Data sharing	Unlimited data	Calls	GB per plan	Support	Price
Saily	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB	In English via knowledgebase, email, and FAQs	$3.99-$30.99
Airalo	7, 15, and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB	In English via live chat	$4.50-$35
Nomad	7 and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, and 10 GB	In English via the help center, email, and FAQs	$8-$22
Jetpac	4, 7, and 30 days	Yes	No	No	1 GB, 3 GB, and 5 GB	In English via live chat	$1-$30
aloSIM	7, 15, and 30 days	Yes	No	Yes	1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, and 20 GB	In English via live chat	$8-$65

How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for the United Arab Emirates

We always want the best for you, so we thoroughly test the best and most popular eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates. Once we consider all the factors, such as coverage, network connection, compatibility, and price, we rank them accordingly. Here’s a brief explanation of the criteria we evaluate:

Coverage:	Does it have regional and local plans?
Network connection:	Does it support 4G (essential) and 5G (desirable)? Is it seamless and fast to connect to the network?
Compatibility:	Is it compatible with iOS and Android? Does it support multiple devices?
Price:	Is it budget-friendly? Is everything included in the price?

Now that you’re more or less familiar with these factors let’s explore them in more detail:

• Coverage. To enjoy an issue-free experience while traveling to the UAE, you must find an eSIM with good local coverage. That’s why we always pick providers that offer local, regional, and global plans for the area.
• Network connection. Network connection is another crucial factor, so we always list eSIM providers with LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G connections. However, we mainly focus on 4G and 5G networks, as they offer fast internet speeds compatible with modern usage patterns.
• Compatible. Your eSIM and device must be compatible, so we always choose providers with a broad compatibility range. This means you can install an eSIM even on older devices.
• Price. Last but not least, eSIMs need to be affordable. That’s why we try to pick the most cost-efficient options. To do this, we carefully review the prices of the eSIMs, as well as what they offer, compare them, and list them as part of our selection.

What to consider before buying an eSIM for UAE?

Before buying an eSIM for the UAE, you’ll need to consider some crucial factors, such as network coverage, data allowance, compatibility, plans and pricing, and additional features. So, let’s have a look at our complete list:

• Coverage. Good network coverage ensures reliable connectivity for your cellular services. Therefore, you must check coverage maps and user reviews to ensure that your eSIM will provide reliable service in the UAE, both in urban and rural areas.
• Data allowance. The amount of data that the eSIM offers is a crucial factor, particularly for users who rely heavily on mobile data for streaming, browsing, and other online activities. Based on this, consider your data usage patterns and select plans that provide enough data without overpaying.
• Plans and Pricing. Many eSIM plans and pricing options are available, so you should compare eSIM provider options based on your budget and data needs. Understanding the terms and conditions, such as contract length, renewal policies, and additional fees, is also crucial for making the right choice.
• Compatibility. If you want to activate, manage, and use your eSIM easily, you’ll have to check its compatibility to ensure that your eSIM provider supports your cellular device. If your device supports eSIMs but your current plan still uses a physical SIM, you might be able to convert your SIM to an eSIM, depending on your carrier.
• Limitations and regulations. The UAE Telecom Regulator has implemented strict policies affecting online eSIM card sales within the country. To avoid potential issues, purchasing and activating your eSIM before traveling to the UAE is strongly recommended. Purchase your eSIM from a reputable provider while still in your home country. Install your eSIM on your mobile device before departing for the UAE. Activate your eSIM using your home Wi-Fi network or your departure country’s Wi-Fi before your trip. By taking these steps, you can ensure a smoother experience with your eSIM in the UAE. Attempting to purchase or activate an eSIM after arriving in the UAE may lead to significant challenges or require advanced operations – such as using a VPN connection to activate the eSIM – because of local regulations.

Benefits of using eSIM UAE

UAE eSIMs come with a lot of benefits. One of the most prominent ones is the ease of switching carriers, as you’re not tied to a contract and can cancel the deal at any time, and there is no need for physical SIM swapping.

Additionally, eSIMs are much more convenient than physical ones, allowing you to have multiple profiles on a single device. More precisely, you’ll avoid the hassle of purchasing physical SIM cards, and you’ll be able to choose from numerous different plans.

However, we mustn’t forget about the price difference. Usually, eSIMs are significantly cheaper than the physical SIM cards. In our roundup of UAE eSIMs, prices start at around $4-4.50/week, while roaming charges in the United Arab Emirates would cost $10-$15 daily.

How to activate an eSIM card in 5 different ways

Activating an eSIM varies slightly depending on your cellular device and provider. However, five eSIM activation methods are in common use. Remember that only unlocked phones can work with an eSIM regardless of your chosen activation method. For specific instructions on how to use an eSIM in Samsung devices, check out our detailed guide. Similarly, if you’re an Apple user, visit our guide to setting up an eSIM on iPhone.

Let’s check out the five different ways of activating eSIMs for the UAE:

• QR Code. To activate the eSIM using the QR code, you need to go to the eSIM’s website and get the code or contact the provider. Once you get it, open your phone settings, go to ‘Cellular,’ and scan the QR code. Follow the on-screen prompts to finish installing your eSIM.
• Using an App. Using the provider’s app is a straightforward way to install an eSIM. You must download the eSIM app on your device, pick your preferred plan, and complete your purchase. Afterward, go to your phone’s settings and add the eSIM.
• Manual Entry. You can also add the eSIM manually. First, get the SM-DP+ address, activation code, and link. Then, go to settings, click on ‘Cellular,’ and add the eSIM. Then, click ‘Manual entry’ and select ‘Enter Details Manually.’ You’ll need to input the SM-DP+ address and the activation code here.
• Using the provider's website. If you decide to use the provider’s website, you must implement the steps from the first method. More precisely, you need to go to the official site of the eSIM provider, get the code, and then do everything as we explained above.
• Customer Support. Ultimately, the customer support of your chosen provider can also help you with the activation. Contact them, and they’ll provide a few well-explained methods you can use.

Final thoughts on UAE eSIM

If you want to reduce your roaming costs, have a lot of flexibility, and have immediate internet connections, consider purchasing an eSIM for travel to the UAE. You’ll also enjoy a lot of convenience, which makes eSIMs the perfect choice for your trip.

However, you must thoroughly research which eSIM to use to ensure seamless connectivity. Some of the most essential factors that will help you in this process are the eSIM’s coverage, ease of activation, and pricing. Once you evaluate all these criteria, you can choose the best eSIM provider for your needs and preferences.

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