Free eSIM in United Arab Emirates — free data for first-time users, claimed in the Wanderly app.
How many days?
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Total plan price
Price per GB
$2.10
- Coverage
- Single country
- Plan type
- Data only
- Top-up
- Available
- Activation
- On network connection
What's Included
United Arab Emirates eSIM plans at a glance
Wanderly lists 8 fixed-data United Arab Emirates plans, ranging from 1GB up to 50GB over 7 to 180 days. Prices start at $3.99, and the lowest cost per gigabyte is $1.85/GB on the 20GB 30-day plan.
Unlimited day-passes are also available from $3.99 per day, billed per day rather than per gigabyte. All 13 United Arab Emirates data-only plans can be topped up without reinstalling the eSIM.
Calls and SMS depend on the selected plan. Install using the supplied QR code and keep your home number on its own line. Activation timing varies by plan; check your selected plan's terms before purchasing or installing.
How much does a United Arab Emirates eSIM cost?
A United Arab Emirates eSIM from Wanderly costs $3.99 for 1GB (7 days), $11.99 for 5GB (30 days) and $36.99 for 20GB (30 days), as a one-off price with no subscription. Larger plans cost less per gigabyte: $3.99/GB at 1GB against $1.85/GB at 20GB.
| Data | Validity | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB | 7 days | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| 3GB | 15 days | $8.99 | $3.00 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $11.99 | $2.40 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $20.99 | $2.10 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $36.99 | $1.85 |
Cheapest current data-only plan at each size, as charged at checkout. Prices follow the live catalogue. Compare United Arab Emirates with every country in the eSIM Price Index.
🇦🇪 About eSIMs in United Arab Emirates
The UAE has some of the fastest 5G in the world, and Wanderly UAE eSIM plans connect to Etisalat or du — the two national carriers with full coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Speeds in downtown Dubai regularly exceed 300 Mbps.
One important note: the UAE government blocks WhatsApp voice and video calls, FaceTime and Zoom on all local networks — including on a Wanderly eSIM, because it roams onto Etisalat/du. Text and photo messages on WhatsApp work fine; only voice/video is blocked. Travelers who need calls typically pair the eSIM with a trusted VPN.
Data needs are moderate: Careem (the local Uber), Talabat for food, Google Maps for the giant mall interiors, and WhatsApp text for tour operators. 8–10 GB covers a week; two-week travelers usually want 12 GB.
How to activate your eSIM in United Arab Emirates
- 1Install before you flyAdd the QR at home. Delivery is immediate.
- 2Enable at DXB or AUHAfter landing, switch data to the UAE eSIM and enable Data Roaming.
- 3Install CareemCareem is the region's dominant ride-hail — cheaper and more available than Uber in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- 4Use a VPN for callsWhatsApp and FaceTime calls are blocked on all UAE networks. A reputable VPN restores them. Wanderly plans do not remove this national restriction.
United Arab Emirates eSIM FAQ
Can I use WhatsApp calls in the UAE?
Voice and video calls on WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom are blocked by UAE regulation on all local networks including any eSIM roaming there. Text and photo messages work fine. A reputable VPN restores calling for personal use.
Which network does the UAE eSIM use?
Etisalat or du — the two national carriers with full 5G coverage across all seven emirates.
Will it work at Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa?
Yes with strong 5G. Deep inside the largest indoor levels signal thins briefly but mall Wi-Fi is available.
Does it work in the desert (Liwa, Hatta)?
Yes at resorts and roads. Deep-desert dune stretches drop signal — normal for the terrain.
How much data for a 5-day Dubai trip?
6–10 GB is comfortable for maps, Careem, translation and social media.
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