In the Emirates you really need mobile data: taxis are booked through apps, tickets to museums and parks are often digital, and you find your way around huge malls with a map on your phone.
Networks and coverage
There are two operators in the UAE — e& (formerly Etisalat) and du. Coverage is excellent across the country: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, the beaches and even desert highways. A travel eSIM connects to one of these networks — which one is shown on the plan card.
Calls through messengers
An important UAE detail: voice and video calls in WhatsApp and some other messengers usually don't work there. Messages, photos and voice notes go through without limits. The list of apps you can call through changes from time to time. For a reliable call home, use a regular call from your main SIM or stick to messaging.
This is a restriction of the country's networks, not of a plan: it's the same for a local SIM, roaming and an eSIM.
eSIM, local SIM or roaming
- A local SIM is sold with a passport in shops and at the airport. Tourist packages exist, but the queue after a flight and the registration take time.
- Roaming without a package is especially expensive in the UAE: the region is missing from many roaming bundles. Check your operator's terms in advance.
- An eSIM is bought before departure and connects as soon as you land — you can book a taxi right at the terminal exit.
Wi-Fi in Dubai
Free Wi-Fi is available in the metro, many malls and cafés, but connecting usually requires your phone number and an SMS code. With mobile data you skip that — and there's no Wi-Fi in the street or in a taxi anyway.
Trip tips
- Install the eSIM at home and turn on “Data roaming” for it. Better turn data roaming off on your main SIM.
- Taxis: Careem and Uber work in Dubai, with card payment in the app.
- Metro and buses: you need a Nol travel card.
- Battery: heat and constant navigation drain the phone faster — bring a power bank.
- Hotspot: most plans let you share data with travel companions.
The ALO eSIM app also has a translator and a map: find a pharmacy, ATM or currency exchange nearby and get directions.