10 data plans · from $11.99 · one-tap install by email
Travelling as a group? Buy everyone an eSIM in one checkout and the discount is applied automatically — no code needed. See group pricing
Maps, messaging, everyday travel
$13.99
$4.66/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Du.
Setup
Set up your eSIM before you travel — it takes about a minute. Scan once, switch it on when you arrive, and you’re online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
11 plans for United Arab Emirates, from 3 to 50 GB. Validity runs from 1 day to 180 days. 11 of them run on 5G where the local network has it.
7 plans can be topped up without installing a second eSIM. Plans run on Du.
Counted from our live catalogue, not a marketing figure — the plan list above this section is the same data.
No regional bundle covers United Arab Emirates — a single-country plan is the only option here, which is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A travel eSIM for United Arab Emirates is a digital SIM your phone downloads — no plastic card, no airport pickup counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (a QR code is included too), and it installs a second line alongside your existing SIM. It stays dormant until you arrive in United Arab Emirates, then connects automatically to Du on 5G where available and LTE everywhere else. Your home number keeps working for calls and texts; the eSIM simply carries your data.
Maps, messaging and rideshare apps are light — roughly 300–500 MB a day. Add photos, social and the occasional video and you’re closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip a 5 GB plan is comfortable; for two weeks, sharing, or heavy use, choose 10 GB or more, or a reloadable plan you can top up on the go. United Arab Emirates plans start at $11.99 across 10 sizes, with the per-GB price shown on every one so the right choice is obvious.
No. A travel eSIM for United Arab Emirates is a local data plan, not international roaming — you pay the price you see up front, with no per-megabyte bill from your home carrier. Set the eSIM as your data line and switch data roaming off on your home SIM, and there are no surprises when you get home. Full refund any time before you install, so there’s no risk in buying ahead.
Machboos
Spiced rice dish with meat or seafood, flavored with loomi (dried lime).
Emirati restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Luqaimat
Sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds.
Local cafes and dessert shops.
Harees
A porridge-like dish made of boiled wheat and slow-cooked meat.
Heritage restaurants in Sharjah.
United Arab Emirates connectivity guide
The UAE has some of the most complete mobile coverage anywhere: the whole Dubai and Abu Dhabi urban area, the metro tunnels, the desert highways and the mountain roads are all served. Signal is not the problem. The thing to plan around is that voice and video calling over the internet is restricted on UAE networks, which surprises visitors who expect to keep in touch the way they do everywhere else. This guide covers that first, then the networks, the coverage and the data.
Read the full United Arab Emirates guide →Shawarma
Sliced meat roasted on a vertical spit, served in pita with garlic sauce.
Street food stalls and casual eateries everywhere.
Karak Chai
Strong black tea brewed with cardamom and evaporated milk.
Cafeterias and roadside tea stalls.
Al Madrooba
Salted fish mashed in a thick, spiced batter.
Traditional Emirati dining spots.
Gahwa
Traditional Arabic coffee, typically served with dates.
Hotels, cafes, and cultural centers.
Thareed
A hearty stew of meat and vegetables poured over crispy flatbread.
Authentic Emirati restaurants.
Manakish
Levantine flatbread topped with za'atar, cheese, or minced meat.
Lebanese bakeries across the UAE.
Balaleet
Sweet vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom and saffron, topped with an omelet.
Local breakfast spots.
Burj KhalifaDubai
The tallest building in the world offering breathtaking views from its observation decks.
2-3 hours · book ahead
Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueAbu Dhabi
An architectural marvel featuring 82 domes and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet.
1.5-2 hours · book ahead
Louvre Abu DhabiAbu Dhabi
A spectacular universal museum combining modern architecture with global art masterworks.
2-4 hours · book ahead
Dubai MallDubai
Massive shopping and entertainment complex featuring an indoor aquarium and ice rink.
3-5 hours
Sharjah Museum of Islamic CivilizationSharjah
Deep dive into Islamic history, art, and science in a beautifully converted souk.
2 hours
Jebel JaisRas Al Khaimah
The highest peak in the UAE, offering mountain vistas and the world's longest zipline.
Half day · book ahead
Al Fahidi Historical NeighbourhoodDubai
Wander through narrow alleys and wind towers for a glimpse of Dubai before the oil boom.
2 hours
Qasr Al HosnAbu Dhabi
The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, now a museum detailing the city's development.
1-2 hours
Dubai Miracle GardenDubai
A massive seasonal floral wonderland featuring intricate designs made from millions of flowers.
2-3 hours · book ahead
Al Ain OasisAl Ain
A UNESCO World Heritage site with shady palm plantations and ancient falaj irrigation systems.
1-2 hours
Metro
Automated rail network spanning Dubai, highly efficient for city travel.
3-7.5 AED per trip
Taxi
Metered cabs available everywhere, regulated by local transport authorities.
12 AED base, plus 2-3 AED/km
Bus
Extensive network within cities and intercity routes connecting emirates.
2-5 AED local, 25-30 AED intercity
Tram
Serves the Dubai Marina and JBR areas, connecting to the Metro.
3 AED
Ride-hailing
Uber, Careem, Yango
Careem is the dominant local app (owned by Uber) and offers booking for standard taxis (Hala Taxi) as well as premium rides.
Paying for things
Basics
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Festive atmosphere, fireworks, heavy traffic in major tourist spots on New Year's Eve. |
| Commemoration Day | December 1 | Mostly standard operations, solemn observances. |
| National Day | December 2 and December 3 | Huge celebrations, fireworks, some road closures, very busy malls and attractions. |
| Eid Al Fitr | Varies (Islamic Lunar Calendar) | Major public holiday, incredibly busy malls, family attractions, and fully booked resorts. |
| Eid Al Adha | Varies (Islamic Lunar Calendar) | Extended public holiday, significant domestic travel, and busy tourist spots. |
Recurring dates — the day these fall on moves year to year.
