Best eSIM for the UAE in 2025
Our in-house expert researchers and journalists conduct independent, unbiased testing of eSIM services, assessing their real-life effectiveness and usability.
By staying current with industry developments and openly sharing our transparent testing methodologies, we ensure readers receive accurate, up-to-date insights so they can make informed choices about eSIM solutions.
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Using an eSIM keeps you connected while traveling without the need to purchase a physical SIM card. Instead of buying a SIM card at the airport and waiting for activation, you can set up an eSIM on your phone in minutes.
eSIM plans are often affordable, offer more flexibility, and help avoid high roaming charges. This makes staying connected in the UAE more convenient and cost-effective.
In this article, I review the best eSIM providers in the UAE, comparing coverage, pricing, and ease of use to help you choose the right option.
Top 5 eSIMs for UAE – my recommendations
- Saily - best eSIM for UAE in 2025
- Airalo - prepaid eSIM for UAE travelers
- Nomad - UAE eSIM with fast 5G speeds
- Jetpac - the most budget-friendly UAE eSIM
- aloSIM - UAE eSIM with VoIP calling option
What to consider when choosing an eSIM for traveling in the UAE?
Before buying an eSIM for the UAE, consider these key factors to ensure a smooth experience:
- Data. Choose a plan that fits your needs. Avoid overpaying by selecting the right data limits based on your usage.
- Duration. eSIM plans vary in length from 3 to 45 days. Make sure to pick one that aligns with your stay to avoid unnecessary costs.
- Price. Compare different providers to find the best value. Look for flexible plans with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts that don’t fit your travel needs.
- Speed. Prioritize 4G and 5G networks for fast, stable internet. Some unlimited plans may have daily speed limits after reaching a data threshold, so check for any restrictions.
- Coverage. Check coverage maps and user reviews to ensure your eSIM will work well in both urban and rural areas of the UAE.
- Limitations and regulations. The UAE has strict rules on eSIM sales and activation. To avoid issues, purchase and activate your eSIM before arriving. If you wait until you’re in the UAE, you may need a VPN to complete activation due to local restrictions. Installing and setting up your eSIM in advance ensures seamless connectivity upon arrival.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best eSIM for your trip and enjoy hassle-free internet access in the UAE.
Best eSIMs for UAE – detailed list
After testing multiple eSIM providers and comparing them based on coverage, ease of use, and pricing, I created this detailed list of the 5 best eSIMs for UAE travel.
1. Saily – the top eSIM UAE provider in 2025
| Rating: | 4.9 |
| Countries and regions: | 200+, including the UAE |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Devices supported: | Android, iOS, and Windows |
| Starting price: | $3.79/week |
Saily is my top pick for staying connected in the UAE. It has a variety of data plans, so you can stay online whether you’re exploring the city of Dubai or venturing into the desert.
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 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB data plan. The United Arab Emirates is also included in Saily’s Middle East and North Africa and Global plans, which are good options if you travel to multiple countries during your trip. However, 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 $3.79/week.
If you want more details, check out our complete Saily review.
2. Airalo – UAE eSIM with prepaid data plans
| Rating: | 4.7 |
| Countries and regions: | 200+, including the UAE |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Devices supported: | Android, iOS, and Windows |
| Starting price: | $4.50/week |
If you want a well-known and reliable eSIM provider in the UAE with local, regional, and global plans, Airalo is a solid choice. What I like about Airalo is its 7 prepaid data plans, which make it a flexible option. Unlike other competitors, it also stands out by offering an unlimited data plan.
Accessibility. Your UAE travel experience will be outstanding with the Airalo eSIM. This provider connects you to the local carrier Etisalat. Airalo operates on a 5G network, but connection speeds may vary depending on your location. Your connection will switch 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 7 packages. More precisely, you can choose from 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB of data or opt for unlimited data. Remember that depending on the data-only plan, you may use your mobile data over 7, 10, 15, or 30 days.
Customer support. Airalo has 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 FAQ. 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 – eSIM for the UAE with fast 5G speeds
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Countries and regions: | 200+, including the UAE |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Devices supported: | Android, iOS, and Windows |
| Starting price: | $6.00/week |
Third on my list is Nomad. This eSIM for the UAE offers guaranteed, stable 5G connections. The UAE is also included in 3 regional Nomad plans, which can be more cost-effective if you’re traveling to multiple countries.
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 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB 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, 30, or 45 days.
Customer support. Nomad provides live chat, a blog, help center articles, and a chatbot for assistance. It makes up for this with the ticketing system, which will usually answer queries in a few hours.
Pricing. Of all the providers I’ve listed, Nomad is slightly more expensive. Its 1GB data plan costs $6.00/week, but considering you’ll get 5G speeds, it’s pretty worth it.
You can learn even more about the provider from our full Nomad review.
4. Jetpac – affordable eSIM option for the UAE
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Countries and regions: | 200+, including the UAE |
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
| Devices supported: | Android, iOS, and Windows |
| Starting price: | $1.00 for 4 days |
Jetpac is a highly user-friendly and affordable eSIM provider for the UAE. The best part is that new users can get started with its initial plan for just $1.00/4 days.
Accessibility. Like Nomad, Jetpac provides internet connections through du. It offers 4G and 5G speeds, depending on the coverage available in different areas of the UAE.
eSIM plans. Jetpac offers three data-only plans for the United Arab Emirates. That said, you can choose to get 1GB, 3GB, or 5GB 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. Jetpac provides support through WhatsApp and email, but there's no 24/7 assistance, and responses are only during working hours. Jetpac's help center and blog also offer additional resources to help resolve any issues.
Pricing. Last but not least, Jetpac has a perfect offer for travelers. Its starting plan costs $1.00 for 1GB of data that lasts four days. You can get this plan for $4.00 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 for the UAE that supports phone calls
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Countries and regions: | 200+, including the UAE |
| Supported networks: | 5G, LTE |
| Devices supported: | Android, iOS, and Windows |
| Starting price: | $4.50/week |
Finishing off my list of top eSIM providers in the UAE is aloSIM, known for its reliable data connectivity for travelers in the United Arab Emirates. What sets it apart is the unique feature of providing an international number through its sister app called Hushed, which makes it easier to stay connected during your travels.
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 6 different eSIM plans available, aloSIM allows you to opt for 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB 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.
Pricing. aloSIM’s starting plan costs $4.50/week for 1GB of data, making it an affordable option compared to most other providers I've mentioned.
If you want to find out what else sets aloSIM apart, have a look at our detailed aloSIM review.
Best eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates compared
Making the right choice is challenging, especially if you don’t know what factors to consider. So, to avoid any hassle and frustration, I decided to break down the most prominent features of each eSIM I’ve listed.
| eSIM provider | Plan duration | Compatibility | Data sharing | Unlimited data | Calls | GB per plan | Support | Price |
| Saily | 7 and 30 days | Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB | In English via live chat, knowledge base, email, and FAQ | $3.79-$32.29 |
| Airalo | 7, 15, and 30 days | Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | Yes | No | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and unlimited data | In English via live chat, email, and knowledge base | $4.50-$35.00 |
| Nomad | 7 and 30 days | Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB | In English via the help center, live chat, email, and FAQ | $6.00-$29.00 |
| Jetpac | 4, 7, and 30 days | Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | No | No | 1GB, 3GB, and 5GB | In English via WhatsApp and email | $1.00-$23.00 |
| aloSIM | 7, 15, and 30 days | Android, iOS, Windows | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB | In English via live chat or email | $4.50-$35.00 |
After reviewing the top eSIM providers for the UAE, Saily stands out as the best choice. It combines affordable pricing, a variety of data plans, and 24/7 customer support through live chat, email, an extensive knowledge base, and FAQ. Whatever is on your trip agenda, Saily ensures reliable connectivity.
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for the United Arab Emirates
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 in UAE | 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? |
| Data plans | Does it offer a variety of data plans for different periods? |
| 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 (30%). 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.
- Data plans (20%). A good eSIM provider should offer a range of data plans to fit different needs, whether you need a small amount of data or a larger plan for streaming and work. We always prioritize providers that offer flexible options.
- Network connection (20%). 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.
- Compatibility (15%). 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 (15%). 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.
Benefits of using eSIM in the United Arab Emirates
eSIMs offer a hassle-free way to stay connected in the UAE, providing flexibility, convenience, and cost savings. Here’s why they’re a great choice:
- Flexible data plans. You can easily switch between providers and plans.
- Security. eSIMs are built into your device, so there’s no risk of loss or theft like physical SIM cards.
- No need for a physical SIM card. This allows you to manage multiple profiles on one device without swapping SIMs.
- Instant data access. You can connect as soon as you land without waiting in line at the airport or searching for local SIM vendors.
- Effortless activation. It’s easy to set up your eSIM with a simple QR code scan or app installation.
- Affordable connectivity. eSIMs are often cheaper than physical SIMs, with plans starting at just $3.79/week, compared to regular roaming fees of $10.00-$15.00/day.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most smartphones released after 2019 support eSIMs. I provide a guide on how to check if your phone is eSIM-compatible. You can also follow the steps below to verify eSIM compatibility for iPhone and Samsung devices.
eSIM compatibility on iPhone
iPhones from the XR model and newer support eSIM. In some regions, newer models like the iPhone 14 and beyond are eSIM-only (no physical SIM card). Older iPhones like the iPhone 6, 7, and 8 don’t support eSIM. Here’s how you can check if your iPhone supports eSIM:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General, then About
- Scroll down to find Digital SIM (on older iPhones) or Available SIM (on iOS 15 and later)
- If you see a 15-digit IMEI number listed here, your iPhone is eSIM compatible
eSIM compatibility on Samsung
Samsung Galaxy phones from the S20 series and later, plus foldables like the Z Fold and Z Flip, support eSIM. However, some regions may have restrictions, so double-check your device. Here’s how you can check if your Samsung phone supports eSIM:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap Connections (or Connections and mobile hotspot on some models)
- Select SIM Card Manager
- If you see an option labeled Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan, your Samsung phone likely supports eSIM
In the table below you can find the list of eSIM compatible phone models:
| Brand | Model |
| iPhone | XR, XS, XS Max, SE, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e |
| Google Pixel | 2 (with Google Fi), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a, Fold |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20, S20X, S21, S22, S23, S24, S24+, S24, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, Ultra, Note 20, Fold, Z Fold, Z Fold 2-5, Z Flip, Z Flip 2-5, A54, A55 |
| Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 30, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, P50 Pro, Mate 50 Pro, Nova 6, Nova 6 5G |
| Xiaomi | 12T Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 14, 14 Pro, 13 Lite, 13T, 13T Pro, 14T, 14T Pro, 15 Ultra, 15 Pro, 15 |
| Nokia | XR21, X30, G60 |
How to activate an eSIM card in 5 different ways
Activating an eSIM varies slightly depending on your cellular device and provider. However, 5 eSIM activation methods are commonly used. 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 5 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 I 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.
Best eSIM for the United Arab Emirates: final thoughts
If you want to reduce roaming costs, enjoy flexible data options, and get instant internet access, an eSIM is the best choice for your visit to the UAE. It’s a hassle-free option that keeps you connected without needing a physical SIM.
For the best experience, Saily stands out as the top choice, offering reliable coverage, easy activation, and competitive pricing. When choosing an eSIM, consider its network coverage, setup process, and plan costs to find the best eSIM provider for your travel needs.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews
Best eSIMs for the UK: discover top eSIMs for visiting the United Kingdom
Best eSIMs for France: best eSIMs for traveling in France
Best eSIM providers in the US: choose an eSIM provider to fit US traveling
Best eSIM providers in Asia: find the best eSIM for Asia travels
FAQ
Do eSIMs work in the UAE?
Yes, eSIMs are available in the UAE, but activation can be restricted due to regulations by the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. To avoid issues, purchase, install, and activate your eSIM before leaving your home country.
What is the best eSIM in UAE?
Saily is the top choice among other eSIM providers in the UAE. It offers affordable plans, 24/7 customer support, and flexible regional and global options. Plus, activation is quick and hassle-free.
How much does eSIM cost in UAE?
eSIMs in the UAE prices start at $1.89/month. This is significantly cheaper than roaming fees, which can cost $10.00-$15.00/day. However, pricing varies based on data allowance and provider.
How can I get an eSIM card for tourists in the United Arab Emirates?
You can get a tourist eSIM card in the UAE online. In fact, due to their latest regulations, which restrict eSIM sales, it’s best to do this at home and just activate the eSIM once you arrive.
Can I get an eSIM at Dubai airport?
Yes, you can get an eSIM for Dubai and the UAE at Dubai Airport, but it's only available for travelers. As this service is intended for tourists only, you need to present a passport and UAE visa to activate it.
