Dubai
SIM providers, plans, and activation tips.
You'll find that getting a SIM card in Dubai is relatively straightforward, with both du and Etisalat offering prepaid plans that allow hotspot tethering. Most newcomers opt for a prepaid plan, such as du's MyFlexi series, which offers data rollover for up to 3 months. Watch out for coverage dead zones, particularly in basement parking and the Al Quoz industrial area. If you're a light user, consider Virgin Mobile's data-only option for AED 45/month. To get started, visit the du or Etisalat counter at Dubai Mall, where you can compare plans and prices on the spot. Today, you can take the first step by heading to Dubai Mall to purchase a SIM card and choose a plan that suits your needs.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Dubai · Experience date Apr 11, 2026
Both du and Etisalat allow hotspot tethering on all prepaid data plans. du doesn't throttle hotspot speeds — got 80 Mbps sharing from my phone to laptop in Marina. Etisalat throttles hotspot to 10 Mbps on prepaid. If you work remotely and use phone as hotspot, go du.
Dubai · Experience date Jan 2, 2026
Switched to du eSIM directly from the du app in 20 minutes. Just need your Emirates ID or passport scan. Etisalat eSIM technically exists but required me to visit a store and took 2 days to activate. If you have an iPhone XS or newer, go with du eSIM — no physical card needed, instant activation.
Dubai · Experience date Jan 11, 2026
du's prepaid plans (MyFlexi series) allow data rollover for up to 3 months. If you buy 20GB and use 12GB, the remaining 8GB rolls over. This is better value than Etisalat where unused data expires. Check the du app — it shows rollover balance clearly.
Dubai · Experience date Nov 9, 2025
Switched from Etisalat to du and kept my UAE number. Process: visit du store with Emirates ID and current SIM, request number port, sign form. Takes exactly 3 working days. During porting you'll have 30 minutes of downtime when neither network works — plan accordingly.
Dubai · Experience date Mar 22, 2026
To get a postpaid plan you need Emirates ID (not passport), salary certificate or employment letter from your company, and a local bank account. Process at du or Etisalat takes about 30 minutes in-store. Plans start AED 85/month for 30GB. Worth it if you use data heavily — hotspot included without throttling.
Dubai · Experience date Apr 2, 2026
Du and Etisalat recharge cards at their own stores cost full price. Buy the same cards at Carrefour, LuLu Hypermarket, or any small convenience store — sometimes 5-10% cheaper. Also works online: du app lets you pay by card with no extra fee.
Dubai · Experience date Mar 2, 2026
Dubai Mall has both du and Etisalat counters on the ground floor near the main entrance. You can literally walk between them, compare plans, and decide on the spot. Staff at both speak English well. Bring your passport — takes 10 minutes either way.
Dubai · Experience date Nov 12, 2025
Airport du/Etisalat counters push expensive bundles (AED 150-200) that aren't worth it for newcomers. Buy the basic tourist SIM at the airport just to get online, then visit a proper store in the city to set up your real plan once you know how long you're staying.
Dubai · Experience date Feb 10, 2026
Etisalat lets you order a SIM before you arrive in Dubai. Order at etisalat.ae, collect at airport or have it delivered to your hotel. Useful if you want to avoid airport queues. du doesn't offer this yet. Delivery within Dubai takes 1 business day.
Dubai · Experience date Feb 7, 2026
If you call India, Philippines, Pakistan, or Egypt frequently, Etisalat's Wasel prepaid is the cheapest in the UAE. AED 0.15/min to India vs AED 0.40/min on standard plans. Buy from any Etisalat shop, minimum top-up AED 25. No data included, just calling — pair it with a cheap du data SIM.