Best eSim for Dubai in 2023 (United Arab Emirates)
If you are heading to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates soon, then a prepaid eSim is the perfect way to have mobile data on your trip.
Sure, your hotel might have wifi in the room, but if you are out by the pool, on the beach, or exploring the city you will definitely want data on your phone.
At A Glance: Our Top eSims For United Arab Emirates
- Best Prices AiraloJump To Review
- Bigger Data Packages HolaflyJump To Review
The challenge is that the UAE does not have as many eSim data packages as other countries. However, I have scoured all the eSim companies and found the best eSim for the United Arab Emirates I could find.
Top Product Overview
 | Best Prices
| SEE PRICES ON AIRALO → |
 | Bigger Data Packages
| SEE PRICES ON HOLAFLY → |
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| SEE PRICES ON NOMAD → |
Best eSim For Dubai UAE
Airalo
Airalo is my go-to eSim provider for any travel around the world. They usually have the best price per GB of data. Their service is great, and using their website or App is a breeze.
The Airalo eSim for Dubai UAE has two packages available:
For a foreign country like the Emirates, these prices are not bad. I just wish they had larger packages as this is cheaper. However, with the Airalo App you can just renew once your data is getting low, as they warn you way in advance.
Another option with Airalo is their Middle East regional package which is great for when you are moving around in the region. It covers 15 countries, including Northern Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The prices for that are
Pros
- Affordable per GB
- Regional and country options
- Easy to buy and activate
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Unlimited data is not available
Holafly
Holalfy is one of the top three eSim providers I would consider when traveling. In many major destinations, they have unlimited data packages, but not for the United Arab Emirates, unfortunately.
And they actually only have one plan for Dubai / the Emirates which is
- 6 GB / 15 days – $49 ($8.17 per GB)
So, in terms of price, it is a little more expensive than Airalo’s packages but with the advantage that you get twice as many GB in this package, which could save you from worrying about hitting that data limit. Just be aware it has a 15 day limit!
Pros
- Great coverage with Etisalat Mobile
- Decent price per GB
- Good customer service
- Ideal for heavy data users
Cons
- Hotspots and data sharing is not possible
- Only 15-day plan are available
- No unlimited data plans are available
Nomad
Nomad is another top-notch eSim provider that has a huge range of plans. Their Dubai/United Arab Emirates plans are a little expensive in my eyes, but they have a 5 GB plan which Airalo does not have. So, if you definitely want more data than 3 GB they are worth considering. Otherwise, they are very similar to Airalo in features as I have compared in this post.
Nomad’s packages are:
- 1GB/7 days for $25 ($25 per GB)
- 3GB/30 days for $40 ($13.33 per GB)
- 5GB/30 days for $45 ($9 per GB)
So, as you can see they are a lot more expensive than Airalo, but they do have the 5 GB plan.
They don’t have a regional plan that includes the UAE, but you could go for their Global plans if you plan on visiting more than one country because they are the same prices as those above. So why not?
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Great supporting app
Cons
- Expensive plans
Devices Compatible with an eSim in the United Arab Emirates
eSim cards are embedded sim cards meaning they are built into your phone. Since this is a relatively new concept, not every smartphone or tablet has an eSim built-in. (Apple check here)
If your phone or tablet is less than 3 years of age and quite expensive then it likely supports eSim. But, how do you check? It is super simple.
Dial *#06# on your smartphone to bring the unique identifiers of your phone. This will include an IMEI number and maybe an EID number. If you have an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number then your phone has an eSim.
The final step in ensuring your device can use an eSim is making sure it is unlocked by a provider. If you bought it as part of a monthly contract, chances are it is locked. Simply call your mobile provider and ask them to unlock it.
Data Needed When Traveling to Dubai UAE
Depending on how long you plan on traveling to Dubai or the Emirates and where you are traveling to in the country will determine how much data you need. My experience tells me that if you are
- staying in your hotel, 1GB should be enough for a few days (3 for a week or more)
- moving around in town go for the maximum 5GB with Holafly or 6 GB with Nomad
You might know your own data habits more, just keep in mind you will likely have wifi in your room but not all over the hotel complex or on the beach.
Tips for Using eSim in UAE
Ensure Your Phone Is Unlocked & Compatible
Before buying an eSim be sure to check on your phone manufacturer’s site to see if your phone supports eSims. If it is relatively new (iPhone X or later for example) then likely yes, Other manufacturers have been slower to follow this trend.
Also, be sure to check your provider has unlocked your phone. If you are unsure, call them and ask for it to be unlocked.
Use Data Only Apps To Communicate
Whether you are a fan of Whatsapp, iMessage, Telegram, or Facetime, use these apps with your Dubai/UAE eSim.
Esims rarely have SMS or calls included, so it’s best to use apps that use data to do it instead.
Download Maps For Offline Use
Another way to save data and money on an eSim is to use offline maps. Google has ways to do it, as do maps like maps.me. It will help you land and navigate without needing reams of data to just get to your hotel.
Use WiFi Whenever You Can
Anyone trying to budget their data usage should make use of WiFi whenever possible. In the Emirates, many cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi, which is best for using data-hungry apps like Instagram.
Airplane Mode Is A Ideal
Stop your phone from using data in the background by either using airport mode when you are not using it or turn off data roaming. It is amazing how many apps suck down data when you are not paying attention. Be aware of it.
Turn Data Off For Less Important Apps
You can also turn off your data for specific apps like Insta or other data-hungry beasts. This will help you save money when you are outside the hotel.
