How to Get a UAE SIM Card and Internet Package as a Tourist

Friday, 16 May 2025

Visiting the United Arab Emirates? Whether you’re planning to explore the glittering skyscrapers of Dubai, the cultural charm of Abu Dhabi, or the tranquil desert landscapes beyond, staying connected is essential. From booking rides and checking maps to sharing your travel moments online, having a local SIM card with a data package will make your UAE visit smoother and more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

• Who Can Get a Tourist SIM in the UAE?
• Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card
• Main Telecom Providers Offering Tourist SIMs
• Validity of Tourist SIM Cards
• Frequently asked questions

Who Can Get a Tourist SIM in the UAE?

Tourist SIM cards in the UAE are available to visitors aged 18 and above holding a valid passport and a UAE tourist visa or entry stamp. You’ll need to present your documents when purchasing the SIM.

Most providers issue prepaid SIM cards, meaning you pay in advance with no long-term contract required—perfect for short stays.

Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card

There are several convenient places to buy a SIM card in the UAE:

• Airports: You’ll find telecom counters at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH), and Sharjah Airport offering tourist SIMs upon arrival.
• Mobile Stores & Malls: Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile have outlets in most shopping malls and major retail areas.
• Online or App Delivery: Virgin Mobile and other providers let you order SIM cards via app with delivery to your hotel or location.

Main Telecom Providers Offering Tourist SIMs

Staying connected during your trip to the UAE is quick and hassle-free thanks to convenient tourist SIM card options. Whether you’re landing in Dubai or heading to other Emirates, telecom providers like du, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile offer prepaid SIM cards designed especially for visitors. These SIMs can be found at airports, major hypermarkets, and even ordered online.

1. du Tourist SIM

Where to Find It:

Once you pass through immigration at Dubai International Airport (DXB), you’ll spot du’s blue counters ready to welcome arriving tourists. The SIM cards are also available at selected retail locations and hypermarkets across Dubai.

What’s Included:

du offers free SIM cards for travelers over the age of 18. Once activated, users receive 1GB of complimentary data, valid for the first 24 hours. You can then choose from a range of upgrade plans that suit your travel needs.

Popular du Tourist Plans:

• AED 49 – 2GB of data + 30 flexible minutes (valid for 28 days)
• AED 199 – Unlimited data + 100 flexible minutes (valid for 7 days)
• AED 299 – Unlimited data + 200 flexible minutes (valid for 14 days)

Link: du.ae

2. Etisalat Tourist SIM

Where to Find It:

Etisalat also maintains a strong presence in the arrivals areas of major airports. Keep an eye out for their red and black stands near baggage claim.

What’s Included:

Like du, Etisalat provides a free tourist SIM with 1GB of data valid for one day. Visitors can later upgrade to paid packages to continue enjoying mobile services. If you prefer to plan ahead, Etisalat allows pre-ordering of SIMs online, delivering them to your hotel or address regardless of your arrival time.

Extra Perks:

Their visitor packages include discounted cab rides, access to offers on key attractions, and “Buy 1 Get 1” deals via the Smiles app.

Popular Etisalat Visitor Plans:

• AED 49 – 2GB data + 30 flexible minutes (valid for 28 days)
• AED 200 – Unlimited data + 100 flexible minutes (valid for 7 days)
• AED 319 – Unlimited data + 300 flexible minutes (valid for 14 days)

Link: etisalat.ae

3. Virgin Mobile Tourist SIM

Where to Find It:

Virgin Mobile has service counters at Dubai International Airport. Alternatively, tourists can order SIM cards directly online and have them delivered to their accommodation or pick-up point.

What’s Different:

Virgin Mobile’s focus is larger data allowances and flexibility. Their smallest plan already includes a generous data bundle, making them ideal for heavy internet users.

Popular Virgin Mobile Plans:

• AED 142.86 – 21GB data (limited to 3GB per day) + 30 local minutes/SMS + 20 international minutes/SMS (7 days)
• AED 190.48 – Unlimited data + 30 local minutes/SMS + 20 international minutes/SMS (7 days)
• AED 285.71 – Unlimited data + 30 local minutes/SMS + 20 international minutes/SMS (15 days)
• AED 500 – Unlimited data + 30 local minutes/SMS + 20 international minutes/SMS + free internet calling (30 days)

Link: virginmobile.ae

4. Using eSIM in the UAE

If your phone supports eSIM (like iPhone 11+ or Google Pixel), you can activate your UAE SIM digitally. Virgin Mobile and Etisalat offer eSIM options so you don’t need to swap physical cards.

This is especially convenient if you want to keep your home number active while using local data.

Validity of Tourist SIM Cards

du: du’s tourist SIM card comes with a validity period of 90 days, giving travelers peace of mind to use their number throughout their entire trip without early expiration.

Etisalat: Etisalat offers tourist SIMs that are active for 28 days, making them a convenient choice for short- to medium-term stays.

Virgin Mobile: Virgin Mobile’s SIM card remains active for the duration of your selected plan, which could be 7, 15, or 30 days, based on the data package you opt for.

Plan Renewals: Most providers allow plan renewals or top-ups, so you can extend your usage by selecting from prepaid bundles, pay-as-you-go options, or by recharging through their apps or retail outlets.

Getting a UAE SIM card as a tourist is easy, affordable, and incredibly useful. Whether you’re in the UAE for a quick stopover or a weeklong holiday, staying connected means you’ll never miss a direction, booking, or Instagram-worthy moment.