Best eSIM for Dubai & the UAE

For a typical Dubai or Abu Dhabi trip, Yesim 10 GB / 30 days at US$22.80 was the cheapest fixed-data plan we could verify. If you want no data counting, Airalo sells unlimited plans on Etisalat (e&) from US$12.50 for 3 days. Both are affiliate partners.

Last checked: 1 Nov 2026 (Pacific/Auckland)Networks: Etisalat / e& (Airalo)

Comparison: Dubai / UAE

Prices come from each provider's own page (airalo.com/united-arab-emirates-esim and yesim.app/country/united-arab-emirates), checked 1 Nov 2026 (Pacific/Auckland), shown in US$ as the sites displayed them. Prices can change, so confirm before buying. We only rank providers whose plans we could see on their own site.

Provider	Data	Days	Price	Network	Best for
Yesim Value	10 GB	30	US$22.80	Not stated on page	Typical 1–3 week trip; 20 GB US$38.28, 30 GB US$47.52
Yesim	3 GB	30	US$8.40	Not stated on page	Stopover or light use; 1 GB US$3.72
Airalo unlimited	Unlimited	3	US$12.50	Etisalat (e&)	Short stopover with heavy use
Airalo unlimited	Unlimited	7	US$27.50	Etisalat (e&)	A week of heavy use; 10 days US$35, 15 days US$49, 30 days US$72

Calls on WhatsApp and FaceTime. The UAE restricts many internet voice and video calling apps, and that applies on travel eSIMs as well as local SIMs. WhatsApp messages usually work; voice calls may not. Check the current rules before you rely on app calls.

Stopover in Dubai? For a 1–3 day layover, a small fixed plan (Yesim 1 GB or 3 GB) or Airalo's 3-day unlimited is usually enough. Install at home on Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land at DXB.

Travel insurance & car hire. Planning the rest of the trip? See TravelCover for travel insurance and car hire guides.

More eSIM partners. UFACell covers 200+ countries; Breeze eSIM and RedteaGO also sell travel eSIMs (code RTGF97A8D gives 5% off RedteaGO). We have not price-checked these for this page, so confirm plans on each site. These are affiliate links.

Quick take

For most Dubai trips, buy Yesim 10 GB / 30 days. Heavy streamers on a short trip can compare Airalo's unlimited plans on Etisalat. Going on to Asia? See our India, Thailand and Singapore pages.

Check Yesim Check Airalo Check UFACell Check Breeze Check RedteaGO

FAQ

Do travel eSIMs work in Dubai?

Yes. Airalo and Yesim both sell United Arab Emirates plans that cover Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the other emirates.

Can I make WhatsApp calls in the UAE on an eSIM?

Often not. The UAE limits many internet calling services on all mobile connections, so a travel eSIM does not get around it. Messages usually work.

Is a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming?

Usually, yes. Compare your carrier's daily pass with the plans above, especially in the Pacific where roaming can be expensive.

When should I install my travel eSIM?

Install it at home on Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly, but keep it switched off until you land, because many plans start their validity on first connection.