10 data plans · from £9.90 · instant QR code 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 and everyday travel
£11.50
£3.68/GB
Buy →
Connects automatically to the strongest signal across Du.
Setup
It takes about a minute. Tap the install link we email you, leave the line switched off, then switch it on when you land — and you're online.
On iPhone (iOS)
On Android
United Arab Emirates: 11 plans, 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 includes United Arab Emirates cover — a single-country plan is the only option here, and it is usually the cheaper one anyway.
A United Arab Emirates travel eSIM is a digital SIM that downloads straight to your phone — no plastic card, no queuing at an airport counter. You buy online, tap the install link we email you (the QR code is in there too), and your phone adds a second line alongside your normal SIM. It stays dormant until your trip begins, then connects automatically to Du on 5G where available, LTE everywhere else. Your normal number carries on working for calls and texts while the eSIM handles the data.
Maps, messaging and taxi apps use very little data — roughly 300–500 MB a day. If you add photos, social media and the occasional video, expect to use closer to 1 GB a day. For a one-week trip, a 5 GB plan is usually plenty; for two weeks, tethering, or heavy use, opt for 10 GB or more, or choose a top-up plan you can reload as you go. United Arab Emirates plans start at £9.90 across 10 sizes, with the per-GB price clearly shown so you can easily spot the best value.
Yes. A United Arab Emirates travel eSIM is a local data plan rather than international roaming — you pay the price you saw online, and there are no per-megabyte charges from your home network provider. Set the eSIM as your mobile data line, switch data roaming off on your normal SIM, and nothing unexpected turns up on your next bill. Full refund at any time before installation, so buying ahead costs you nothing.
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.
