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 Apr 9, 2026
Both du and Etisalat have weak signal in: basement parking across the city (expected), Al Quoz industrial area warehouses, and parts of old Deira near the creek. If you work in Al Quoz or Deira regularly, test both networks before committing to postpaid.
Dubai · Experience date Dec 4, 2025
Tried to get a SIM for my 16-year-old. Both du and Etisalat require parent/guardian Emirates ID to register a SIM for anyone under 18. Parent needs to be physically present. Process is same as adult SIM otherwise.
Dubai · Experience date Apr 15, 2026
Tested download speeds across the city: du gets 100-150 Mbps at Downtown, 60-80 Mbps at JBR, 40-60 Mbps at Deira. Etisalat gets 80-120 Mbps at Downtown, 50-70 Mbps at JBR, 60-80 Mbps at Deira. Both are fast enough for remote work. du wins for consistent speeds in new areas.
Dubai · Experience date Mar 6, 2026
Tourist SIM (AED 55, 30 days): good if you're here under 3 months and don't need local number long-term. Monthly prepaid (AED 75-120): better if staying 3+ months, includes rollover, cheaper per GB. If you're here for a year, go postpaid immediately — best value and you get a real local number registered to your name.
Dubai · Experience date Jan 28, 2026
WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime audio/video calls all work fine in Dubai as of 2024. Skype calls work. What's blocked: some VoIP apps like Zoom over cellular (works fine on WiFi). Google Meet works. No need for VPN for standard calling apps.
Dubai · Experience date Jan 20, 2026
Many expats keep their home country SIM and add a du eSIM as a second line. iPhone handles both simultaneously. Cost: du eSIM from AED 55 for prepaid or AED 85/month postpaid. Great if you work internationally and need both numbers active.
Dubai · Experience date Jan 23, 2026
Tried both. du has better indoor coverage in Marina and JLT high-rises. Etisalat (now called e&) has stronger signal in Deira and older parts of the city. For data speed, du wins downtown and DIFC area. Etisalat is cheaper for international calls — their 'My Plan' add-ons start from AED 10/week for 200 minutes to India/Pakistan.