🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates eSIM

Before you go

• Coverage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is excellent, including the metro and the deep basements of the big malls. The desert between the cities is fine along the highways.
• The UAE restricts voice and video calling over the internet on its networks. WhatsApp and FaceTime voice and video calls are commonly blocked; text messaging over the same apps generally works. This is a national restriction and applies to every network in the country, local SIMs included. It is not a fault with your eSIM.
• Summer heat is extreme. Phones throttle badly in direct sun in July and August, which people routinely mistake for a slow connection.
• These are data-only plans. They don't come with a local phone number, and they don't carry calls or texts, so keep your normal SIM switched on for those and let the eSIM handle data.
• The plan starts when it first connects to a network at your destination, not when you buy it. Buy it weeks ahead if you like; the clock starts when you land.
• Install it before you fly, over your home Wi-Fi. Installing needs an internet connection, which is the one thing you won't have at the airport.
• Don't delete an eSIM to make room for another one. An activation code only works once, and your phone can hold several profiles side by side.

United Arab Emirates eSIM questions

Can I make WhatsApp calls in the UAE?

Usually not. The UAE blocks most internet-based voice and video calling at the network level. Messaging still works. No travel eSIM can change this, as it applies to local SIMs too.

Does a UAE plan cover Oman or Saudi Arabia?

No, they're separate countries. A Middle East regional plan covers several of them on one profile.

How much data for a week in Dubai?

5 GB is generous for a week, since hotel and mall Wi-Fi is everywhere, so most people use less than they plan for.

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