The United Arab Emirates (UAE) – mostly known for the insane skyscrapers in Dubai, Dubai International Airport & Emirates – and Etihad Airlines.
When you think of the United Arab Emirates, you may think of the Burj Khalifa, The World Islands in Dubai, or elegant malls
But what about the less extravagant things, like the many deserts full of exciting attractions (and full of sand, of course).
You would almost forget the United Arab Emirates has many deserts when you mostly see pictures of Dubai.
So, what to do in this country?
If you love to shop, The Dubai Mall is for you.
Lose seeing beautiful mosques? Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will take your breath away.
Into art? The Alserkal Avenue has a bunch of modern art galleries.
In short, being bored while in the United Arab Emirates should be illegal.
Before you decide to make your friends on social media jealous, be aware that international roaming can be expensive.
You are better off buying local SIM cards to enjoy local rates, even in the United Arab Emirates – not a place known for being affordable.
But how expensive are SIM cards in this country?
You can get an Emirati SIM card for as low as 55 AED (14.95 USD) up to 99 AED (26.95 USD) in mobile operator stores (Etisalat – also for Du and Virgin Mobile) or authorized dealers. SIM cards are also available at Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports.
15 USD for a SIM card? That is certainly not cheap.
As I said, this is not a cheap country. But international roaming rates here? They are criminal.
But, you will be visiting a country that has the fastest mobile download speeds globally.
So is it worth the price? Probably. But we will have to see, huh?
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in the United Arab Emirates. Let's do this.
Original publication: 25th of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in the United Arab Emirates?
So, which other SIM cards are available in the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates has two mobile operators and two Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Etisalat UAE
- Du
- Swyp UAE (Etisalat UAE MVNO for the youth)
- Virgin Mobile UAE (Du MVNO)
This guide sticks to the mobile operators only and the most popular MVNOs (bolded above) to prevent information overload (at least, that is the aim – this guide is still in-depth!).
If you want to buy a SIM card from the unbolded MVNO, you must do the research independently. I do not actively use MVNOs anymore because I test travel eSIMs instead, like the ones for the United Arab Emirates.
Anyone 18 or older living in or visiting the United Arab Emirates can buy an Emirati SIM card with no restrictions.
But you do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations, which include getting your fingerprints captured and showing your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy an Emirati SIM Card (+Costs)?
You can get an Emirati SIM card in Etisalat, Du & Virgin Mobile stores. Some Emirati airports sell (tourist) SIM cards (at inflated prices).
You can expect to pay the following for Emirati SIM cards:
- Etisalat UAE: 55 AED (57.75 AED with VAT)
- Du: 55 AED (57.75 AED with VAT)
- Virgin Mobile UAE: free, but plan required (minimum of 36.75 AED with VAT)
The following Emirati mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Etisalat UAE: 49 AED, 79 AED, 125 AED & 200 AED
- Du: 55 AED, 75 AED & 110 AED
If you plan to buy a SIM card at an airport, the prices can be higher than those listed above – be aware of this.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date AED (Emirati Dirham) to your currency (let's say INR – Indian Rupee) exchange rates.
For your convenience, below are some exchange rates between AED and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 SAR = 0.25 USD
- 10 SAR = 2.65 USD
- 100 SAR = 26.65 USD
- 1000 SAR = 266.55 USD
- 10 000 SAR = 2665.65 USD
But for any other currency, the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for the United Arab Emirates
(Travel) eSIMs have become extremely popular in recent years.
Especially after Apple made iPhones (14- & 15 series) sold in the United States eSIM-only, forcing its users to use eSIMs – even when abroad.
This forced mobile operators to adopt eSIM technology faster than they had planned (for the benefit of anyone wishing to use eSIMs instead of swapping SIM cards).
At the moment, no Emirati mobile operator offers eSIMs to prepaid customers.
But if the Emirati mobile operators did have eSIMs and you wanted to purchase an eSIM, you would need to comply with the United Arab Emirates' SIM card registration regulations.
Suppose you do not wish to do so for whatever reason. In that case, you may consider getting a travel eSIM for the United Arab Emirates.
My United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide (even in the United Arab Emirates).
You can even get eSIMs covering the United Arab Emirates and other countries in the Middle East, allowing you to use one eSIM in multiple destinations with just one purchase.
Or you can even get a global eSIM, which can be used in at least 100 countries worldwide.
While the United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide goes much more in-depth about your options, I do want to introduce some quickly here:
- Airalo: Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: United Arab Emirates
- Holafly: United Arab Emirates (unlimited data)
- Nomad: United Arab Emirates, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant)
Here are some discount codes to sweeten the deal:
- Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD off (on your first-ever Nomad order only)
For information about these eSIMs, such as how much the eSIMs cost and how much data you get, check out the United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide.
Emirati Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Etisalat UAE, Du & Virgin Mobile UAE, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices & availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans & special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what the United Arab Emirates offers us.
Etisalat UAE
Etisalat UAE, just Etisalat, is the largest mobile operator in the United Arab Emirates. It also won the prestigious award for having the world's fastest mobile network in 2020.
It is also the best mobile operator in all aspects in the United Arab Emirates.
Etisalat, as a company, is active in Africa, Asia & the Middle East.
Etisalat uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 MHz (Band 20), 1800 MHz (Band 3), 2600 MHz (Band 7) & 3500 MHz (Band 42)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Etisalat:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Etisalat SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Etisalat UAE
Etisalat has the best coverage in the United Arab Emirates.
Basically, all of the populated areas are covered by Etisalat. You may, however, have to deal with 2G or 3G in deserts.
Below is Etisalat's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Etisalat's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Etisalat UAE
You can buy an Etisalat SIM card, called Wasel Prepaid Line, for 55 AED (57.75 AED with VAT) with 1 GB with the first recharge (valid for 7 days) in Etisalat stores and from authorized resellers. It is also possible to get Etisalat SIM cards at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport & Sharjah International Airport.
Short-term travelers can also take advantage of the Etisalat Visitor Line – Etisalat's tourist SIM card.
They come in four variants, which are shown below:
Price (with VAT) | Plan | Data | Flexi Minutes | UAE WIFI Hours | Careem Credit | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
49 AED | Visitor Line | 2 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 28 days |
79 AED | Visitor Line + | 4 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 28 days |
125 AED | Visitor Line Premium | 6 GB | 120 minutes | 5 hours | 100 AED | 28 days |
200 AED | Visitor Line Premium + | 22.5 GB | 525 minutes | 30 hours | 100 AED | 28 days |
Be aware that tourists and travelers will most likely only get Visitor Lines when getting an Etisalat SIM card, not a Wasel Prepaid Line SIM card.
Etisalat employees are often strict with this policy.
Moreover, the validity of your Visitor Line SIM card is tied to the validity of your visa, which could mean a shorter validity than advertised.
Migrant workers, who often read this guide, do not have to worry about the aforementioned policy – you can simply get a regular Etisalat SIM card and take advantage of many of the plans mentioned later.
Dial *101# to access the Etisalat menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get an Etisalat eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for the United Arab Emirates because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Etisalat.
Especially if you get a Middle East-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates in my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: United Arab Emirates – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: United Arab Emirates (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: United Arab Emirates, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Etisalat for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Etisalat UAE
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Etisalat UAE
Etisalat has eleven data-featured prepaid plans:
- Wasel Flex Exclusive Addons (combo)
- WaselGo (combo)
- Prepaid Combo Plan Addons (combo)
- Pinoy Pack (combo for Filipinos)
- Visitor Line Combo Pack Addons (combo)
- Visitor Line (combo)
- Prepaid Data Plan Addons (data)
- Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid – Local Data (data)
- Super Hour Data Access (data)
- Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid – Social Data (social data)
- Visitor Line Data Packages (data for Visitor Line)
All Etisalat plans can be purchased by dialing *101#.
I will list all the prices in AED (Emirati Dirham).
To convert AED to your currency (let's say IND – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in:
Wasel Flexi Exclusive Addons – Etisalat UAE
Wasel Flexi Exclusive Addons are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), Flexible Minutes & International minutes.
Although the name includes addons, they can be purchased as standalone plans.
Wasel Flexi Exclusive Addons can be activated by dialing *101*50#:
Price | Local Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
10 AED | N/A | 30 minutes | 28 days |
20 AED | N/A | 60 minutes | 28 days |
30 AED | N/A | 90 minutes | 28 days |
30 AED | 1 GB | N/A | 28 days |
55 AED | 2 GB | N/A | 28 days |
75 AED | 3 GB | N/A | 28 days |
WaselGO – Etisalat UAE
WaselGo is the base plan for the Wasel Prepaid Line. It featured data and Flexi Minutes (local & international minutes).
The WaselGo are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and minutes.
WaselGo can be activated by dialing *101#:
Price (with VAT) | Plan | Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
10.50 AED | WaselGo Small | 400 MB (@ 400 Kbps) | 15 minutes | 7 days |
26.25 AED | WaselGo Medium | 750 MB | 40 minutes | 7 days |
52.50 AED | WaselGo Large | 2 GB | 100 minutes | 7 days |
78.75 AED | WaselGo Extra Large | 3.5 GB | 175 minutes | 7 days |
WaselGo auto-renews. To disable auto-renewal, dial *101#.
Prepaid Combo Plan Addons – Etisalat UAE
The Prepaid Combo Plan Addons are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and Flexi Minutes (local & international minutes).
Although the name includes addons, they can be purchased as standalone plans.
Prepaid Combo Plan Addons can be purchased by dialing *101#:
Price | Local Data | Flexi Minutes | International Minutes 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|
19.05 AED | 150 MB/day ”192 Kbps” | N/A | 50 minutes | 7 days |
35 AED | 500 MB | 25 minutes | N/A | 28 days |
55 AED | 1 GB | 50 minutes | N/A | 28 days |
57.14 AED | 150 MB/day ”192 Kbps” | N/A | 200 minutes | 28 days |
100 AED | 2 GB | 140 minutes | N/A | 30 days |
110 AED | 3 GB | 150 minutes | N/A | 28 days |
165 AED | 6 GB | 200 minutes | N/A | 28 days |
220 AED | 10 GB | 250 minutes | N/A | 28 days |
1 for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Nepal, Pakistan & Philippines
Prepaid Combo Plan Addons auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *101#.
Pinoy Pack – Etisalat UAE
The Pinoy Pack is a plan targeted at Filipino migrant workers. It features data, minutes, and SMS.
The Pinoy Pack are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Pinoy Pack can be activated by texting Pinoy to 1020:
Price | Data | Barkada Minutes 2 | Local Minutes | International Minutes 1 | Flexi SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 AED | 1 GB | 210 minutes | 20 minutes | 20 minutes | 250 Flexi SMS | 7 days | Pinoy to 1012 |
1 only to the Philippines
2 to other Pinoy Pack users
Visitor Line Combo Pack Addons – Etisalat UAE
Visitor Line Combo Pack Addons are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access) and Flexi Minutes (local & international minutes).
Although the name includes addons, they can be purchased as standalone plans.
Visitor Line Combo Pack Addons can be activated by dialing *101*#:
Price | Local Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
46.66 AED | 2 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
75.23 AED | 4 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
119.04 AED | 8 GB | 120 minutes | 28 days |
190.47 AED | 22.5 GB | 525 minutes | 28 days |
303.81 AED | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 10 days |
Visitor Line – Etisalat UAE
The Visitor Line is a prepaid pack exclusively for visitors to the UAE. Benefits include loads of data, voice minutes and Wi-Fi connectivity as well as discounts at restaurants and attractions.
The Visitor Line are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access).
Visitor Line can be activated by dialing *101*#:
Price | Plan | Data | Flexi Minutes | UAE WIFI Hours | Careem Credit | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
49 AED | Visitor Line | 2 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 28 days |
79 AED | Visitor Line + | 4 GB | 30 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 28 days |
125 AED | Visitor Line Premium | 8 GB | 120 minutes | 5 hours | 100 AED | 28 days |
200 AED | Visitor Line Premium + | 22.5 GB | 525 minutes | 30 hours | 100 AED | 28 days |
200 AED | Visitor Line Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 7 days |
319 AED | Visitor Line Unlimited | Unlimited | 300 minutes | N/A | 100 AED | 14 days |
Prepaid Data Plan Addons – Etisalat UAE
The Prepaid Data Plan Addons are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Although the name includes addons, they can be purchased as standalone plans.
Prepaid Data Plan Addons can be activated by dialing *101*#:
Price | Local Data | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
2 AED | 60 MB | N/A | 1 day |
2 AED | N/A | 120 MB | 1 day |
3 AED | N/A | 200 MB | 1 day |
4 AED | 150 MB | N/A | 1 day |
4 AED | N/A | 300MB | 1 day |
5 AED | 100 MB | N/A | 1 day |
7.62 AED | 250 MB | N/A | 1 day |
14.28 AED | 75 MB/day | N/A | 7 days |
20 AED | 300 MB | N/A | 7 days |
23.80 AED | 150 MB/day | N/A | 7 days |
30 AED | 500 MB | N/A | 28 days |
38.09 AED | 250 MB/day | N/A | 7 days |
40 AED | 75 MB/day | N/A | 28 days |
40 AED | N/A | 150 MB/day | 28 days |
42.85 AED | N/A | 1 GB/day | 30 days |
47.62 AED | 150 MB/day ”192 Kbps” | N/A | 28 days |
49 AED | N/A | 1 GB | 30 days |
50 AED | 1 GB | N/A | 7 days |
50 AED | 1 GB | N/A | 30 days |
57.14 AED | 500 MB/day | N/A | 7 days |
60 AED | 150 MB/day | N/A | 28 days |
60 AED | N/A | 250 MB/day | 28 days |
65 AED | 2 GB | N/A | 28 days |
80 AED | 2 GB | N/A | 30 days |
85.71 AED | 250 MB/day | N/A | 28 days |
100 AED | 3 GB | N/A | 28 days |
123.80 AED | 500 MB/day | N/A | 28 days |
150 AED | 6 GB | N/A | 28 days |
200 AED | 10 GB | N/A | 28 days |
300 AED | 20 GB | N/A | 28 days |
600 AED | 50 GB | N/A | 28 days |
1 BOTIM (chat only), C'ME (chat only), Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WeChat, & WhatsApp
Prepaid Data Plan Addons auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *101#.
Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Local Data) – Etisalat UAE
The Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Local Data) are, as the name implies, data bundles (with 5G NR access).
Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Local Data) can be bought by dialing *101#:
Price (with VAT) | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
2.50 AED | 75 MB | 1 day |
4.20 AED | 150 MB | 1 day |
8 AED | 250 MB | 1 day |
15 AED | 75 MB/day (525 MB) | 7 days |
15 AED | 500 MB | 1 day |
25 AED | 150 MB/day (1.05 GB) | 7 days |
30 AED | 1 GB | 1 day |
40 AED | 250 MB/day (1.75 GB) | 7 days |
42 AED | 75 MB/day (2.1 GB) | 28 days |
60 AED | 500 MB/day (3.5 GB) | 7 days |
63 AED | 150 MB/day (4.2 GB) | 28 days |
90 AED | 250 MB/day (7 GB) | 28 days |
100 AED | 1000 MB/day (7 GB) | 7 days |
130 AED | 500 MB/day (14 GB) | 28 days |
200 AED | 1000 MB/day (28 GB) | 28 days |
Super Hour Data Access – Etisalat UAE
The Super Hour Data Access plans are data bundles with unlimited data (at slow speeds – 3 Mbps) for 1 or 3 hour(s).
The Super Hour Data Access are data plans (with 5G NR access).
Super Hour Data Access can be purchased by dialing *800*5#:
Price (with VAT) | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
3 AED | Super 1 Hour | Unlimited (@ 3 Mbps) | 1 hour |
6 AED | Super 3 Hours | Unlimited (@ 3 Mbps) | 3 hours |
The Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Social Data) is a data plan for various social media apps (BOTIM, C'ME, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, GoChat Messenger, HiU Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, Voico, WeChat, & WhatsApp).
The Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Social Data) are data plan (with 5G NR access).
Everyday Data Packs for Prepaid (Social Data) can be activated by dialing *101#:
Price (with VAT) | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
2.5 AED | 150 MB | 1 day |
4 AED | 250 MB | 1 day |
15 AED | 1.05 GB (150 MB/day) | 7 days |
25 AED | 1.75 GB (250 MB/day) | 7 days |
42 AED | 4.2 GB (150 MB/day) | 28 days |
63 AED | 7 GB (250 MB/day) | 28 days |
1 BOTIM (chat only), C'ME (chat only), Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WeChat, & WhatsApp
Visitor Line Data Packages – Etisalat UAE
The Visitor Line Data Packages are data plans with social media data allowances (BOTIM, C'ME, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WeChat, & WhatsApp) for the Visitor Line.
The Visitor Line Data Packages are data plans (with 5G NR access).
Visitor Line Data Packages can be bought by dialing *170*1# or *101#:
Price (with VAT) | Data | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
47.61 AED | 1 GB | N/A | 7 days |
100 AED | 1 GB | 1 GB | 30 days |
150 AED | 3 GB | 2 GB | 30 days |
200 AED | 5 GB | 3 GB | 30 days |
250 AED | 7 GB | 4 GB | 30 days |
300 AED | 10 GB | 5 GB | 30 days |
450 AED | 20 GB | 10 GB | 30 days |
500 AED | 25 GB | 15 GB | 30 days |
1 BOTIM (chat only), C'ME (chat only), Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter, WeChat, & WhatsApp
Flexi Minutes & SMS Countries – Etisalat UAE
Your Flexi Minutes and SMS can be used to call and the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- American Samoa
- Andorra
- Angola
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Faroe Islands
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Greenland
- Guadeloupe
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Guam
- Martinique
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Réunion
- Romania
- Russia
- Saba
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Singapore
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
APN/Internet Settings – Etisalat UAE
- Name: Etisalat Internet
- APN: etisalat.ae
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to Table of Contents.
Du UAE
Du is the other mobile operator in the United Arab Emirates.
It is mostly popular among the migrant worker community because it used to target that target group initially.
Now, it is just the other option in the country.
Du uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G NR: 800 MHz (Band 20) & 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: 3500 MHz (n78)
This is what you will learn about Du:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Du SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Du UAE
Du has excellent coverage throughout the United Arab Emirates.
Do note that coverage may be lacking in deserts.
Below is Du's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Du's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Du UAE
You can buy a Du SIM card for 55 AED (57.75 AED with VAT) in Du stores. It is also possible to get Etisalat SIM cards at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport & Sharjah International Airport.
Dial *135# to access the Du menu.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is also possible to get a Du eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for the United Arab Emirates, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Du.
Especially if you get a Middle East eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Middle Eastern countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: United Arab Emirates – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: United Arab Emirates (unlimited data) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: United Arab Emirates, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Du.
Short-term visitors can also take advantage of the Du Visitor SIM.
Prior to the pandemic, Du handed out SIM cards for free with some credit and 20 MB of data.
However, it is unknown whether Du still does this or not. Let me know.
The Visitor SIM is sold in the following four variants:
Price (with VAT) | Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
49 AED | 2 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
99 AED | 6 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
139 AED | 10 GB | 30 minutes 1 | 28 days |
189 AED | 20 GB | 30 minutes 1 | 28 days |
1 Unlimited VoIP with BOTIM
Although the validities of the plans are valid for up to 14 days, the Visitor SIM is valid for 90 days.
It can be extended for another 90 days by dialing *135#.
Only Visitor SIM plans, the ones mentioned earlier, can be added to Visitor SIMs.
No opt-in is required if you want to renew a plan.
Simply recharge to the corresponding amount, and the plan will automatically be activated.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Du UAE
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Du UAE
Du has five data-featured prepaid plans:
- Youth Box (combo)
- Prepaid Flexi (combo)
- DU Tourist SIM (combo)
- Add-Ons (data)
- Internet Calling Pack (VoIP)
I will list all the prices in AED (Emirati Dirham).
To convert AED to your currency (let's say IND – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in:
Youth Box – Du UAE
The Youth box is a bundle of our popular ‘Flexi Yearly Prepaid Plan’, a ‘Music Pass’, and wireless over-the-ear headphones especially created for the Youth.
The Youth Box are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access).
Youth Box can be set up by dialing *135#:
Data/Minutes | 2 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 10 GB |
30 minutes | 24.5 AED | 39.5 AED | 49.5 AED | 69.5 AED |
60 minutes | 29.5 AED | 44.5 AED | 54.5 AED | 74.5 AED |
Prepaid Flexi – Du UAE
With Prepaid Flexi, you can customize your plan by setting how much data and how many minutes you want for 28 days.
However, all plans need a minimum of 2 GB of data and 30 minutes (49 AED).
The Prepaid Flexi are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Prepaid Flexi can be set up by dialing *135#:
Data/Minutes | 2 GB | 4 GB | 6 GB | 10 GB |
30 minutes | 49 AED | 79 AED | 99 AED | 139 AED |
60 minutes | 59 AED | 89 AED | 109 AED | 149 AED |
90 minutes | 69 AED | 99 AED | 119 AED | 159 AED |
120 minutes | 79 AED | 109 AED | 129 AED | 169 AED |
1 free internet calling through BOTIM & VOICO app
Du Tourist SIM – Du UAE
The SIM will be given to you by the Dubai Immigration Officer at Passport Control. The free SIM will have a Welcome Bonus of 1 GB local data valid for 24 hours. In addition, you can also enjoy non-telecom benefits by downloading the ALSAADA app and getting discounts on retail, dining and attractions in Dubai.
The Du Tourist SIM are combo plans with data (with 5G NR access).
Du Tourist SIM can be set up by dialing *135#:
Price | Data | Flexi Minutes | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
49 AED | 2 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
99 AED | 6 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
139 AED | 10 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
189 AED | 20 GB | 30 minutes | 28 days |
199 AED | Unlimited | 100 minutes | 7 days |
299 AED | Unlimited | 200 minutes | 14 days |
499 AED | Unlimited | 400 minutes | 28 days |
Add-Ons – Du UAE
The add-ons are data add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The Add-Ons are add-ons with data (without 5G NR access).
Add-ons can be purchased by dialing *135#:
Price (with VAT) | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 AED | 100 MB | 24 hours |
30 AED | 1 GB | 28 days |
55 AED | 2 GB | 28 days |
1 first 155 MB @ 192 Kbps. Unlimited @ 72 Kbps thereafter
Internet Calling Pack – Du UAE
The Internet Calling Packs allow you to make VoIP calls with BOTIM, C'ME, HiU Messenger & Voico.
The following Internet Calling Packs are available:
Price (with VAT) | IC Data 2 | Activation Code | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
5.25 AED | 1 GB | ICP | 1 day |
52.50 AED | Unlimited | DICP | 30 days 1 |
1 auto-renews. To stop auto-renewal, text Stop Netcall to 1355
2 BOTIM, C'ME, HiU Messenger & Voico
Flexi Minutes Countries – Du UAE
Your Flexi Minutes can be used to call the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Alaska
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Hawaii
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Mozambique
- Myanmar/Burma
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uzbekistan
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
- Yemen
APN/Internet Settings – Du UAE
- Name: Du Mobile
- APN: du
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to Table of Contents.
Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile UAE, just Virgin Mobile, is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using the Du network. It is actually owned by Du.
Virgin Mobile, as a brand, is active in Europe, Mexico, the Middle East & South America.
To learn about Virgin Mobile's frequencies, jump back to Du's frequencies.
This is what you will learn about Virgin Mobile:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Virgin Mobile SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile is a Du MVNO, meaning Virgin Mobile uses the Du network and does not have its own mobile infrastructure.
To find out what to expect in terms of coverage with Virgin Mobile, jump to the Du Coverage section.
SIM Card Price – Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile SIM cards are free in Virgin Mobile stores and partner stores, but they are sold together with a plan, meaning you have to spend at least 36.75 AED (with VAT) to get a Virgin Mobile SIM card. It is also possible to get Virgin Mobile SIM cards at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Dubai International Airport & Sharjah Airport.
You can also get a Virgin Mobile SIM card delivered within 60 minutes for free in all Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah & Umm Al Quwain).
However, results have been mixed for short-term travelers, as you mostly need an Emirates ID to confirm your identity upon delivery.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Virgin Mobile has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for the United Arab Emirates because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Virgin Mobile.
Especially if you get a Middle East-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for the United Arab Emirates in my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Burj Mobile (United Arab Emirates only), Menalink (15 countries in the Middle East and Northern Africa) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: United Arab Emirates – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: United Arab Emirates (unlimited data eSIMs) – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: United Arab Emirates, Middle East (seven countries) & Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my United Arab Emirates eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Virgin Mobile for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile top-up vouchers are sold in Virgin Mobile stores and partner stores. However, you are encouraged to use the Virgin Mobile UAE app (Android/iOS) for everything, including recharging.
The following top-up options are available:
- 20 AED
- 50 AED
- 100 AED
- 200 AED
To top up your Virgin Mobile SIM card, dial *149*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *149*123456#.
You can also tell the salesperson how much credit you want, your phone number, pay, and they will top up your SIM card with the POS system.
Your balance can be checked on the Virgin Mobile UAE app.
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Virgin Mobile UAE
Virgin Mobile has two data-featured prepaid plans:
- Pre-Made Plans (combo)
- Build Your Plan (customizable combo)
- Boosters (add-ons)
All Virgin Mobile plans can be activated on the Virgin Mobile UAE app.
I will list all the prices in AED (Emirati Dirham).
To convert AED to your currency (let's say IND – Indian Rupee) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Pre-Made Plans – Virgin Mobile UAE
The Pre-Made plans are data bundles (with 5G NR access) and minutes. Made by Virgin Mobile for those who do not want to build their own plan or want to see what there is to offer.
The following Pre-Made Plans are available:
Price | Data | Local Minutes/SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
35 AED | 0.75 GB | 25 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
50 AED | 1.5 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
Build Your Plan – Virgin Mobile UAE
With Build Your Own Plan, you can set how much data, local minutes/SMS, and international minutes/SMS you want.
Note that every plan needs at least 2 GB and 50 local minutes/SMS, meaning that the plan's minimal price is 79 AED.
And each plan is valid for 28 days.
Build Your Plan (Data) – Virgin Mobile UAE
The data options (with 5G NR access) to Build Your Plan start from 2 GB (79 AED) to 100 GB (1000 AED).
You need at least 2 GB to activate Build Your Plan.
Below are your options:
Price | Data | Local Minutes/SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
79 AED | 3 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
119 AED | 6 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
162 AED | 10 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
203 AED | 14 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
250 AED | 20 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
322 AED | 28 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
382 AED | 40 GB | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
607 AED | Unlimited 1 | 50 minutes/SMS | 30 days |
1 roaming pass and data not available for sharing
Build Your Plan (Local Minutes/SMS) – Virgin Mobile UAE
The local minutes/SMS options for Build Your Plan start from 50 local minutes/SMS (79 AED) to unlimited local minutes/SMS (225 AED).
The local minutes/SMS allowances are combined, not separate.
You need at least 50 minutes/SMS to activate Build Your Plan.
Below are your options:
Price | Local Minutes/SMS |
---|---|
79 AED | 50 minutes/SMS |
86 AED | 100 minutes/SMS |
100 AED | 200 minutes/SMS |
114 AED | 300 minutes/SMS |
130 AED | 500 minutes/SMS |
178 AED | 750 minutes/SMS |
225 AED | Unlimited |
Build Your Plan (International Minutes/SMS) – Virgin Mobile UAE
The international minutes/SMS options for Build Your Plan start from 50 local minutes/SMS (88 AED) to 1000 international minutes/SMS (430 AED).
The international minutes/SMS allowances are combined, not separate – and they are optional.
Below are your options:
Price | International Minutes/SMS |
---|---|
88 AED | 50 minutes/SMS |
105 AED | 100 minutes/SMS |
140 AED | 200 minutes/SMS |
165 AED | 300 minutes/SMS |
230 AED | 500 minutes/SMS |
430 AED | 1000 minutes/SMS |
Your international minutes/SMS can be used to call the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Belgium
- Bermuda
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Canada
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Greece
- Guadeloupe
- Guam
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Kuwait
- Laos
- Lebanon
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Martinique
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mexico
- Mongolia
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- Nigeria
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palestine
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Puerto Rico
- Qatar
- Réunion
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia (KSA)
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Sweden
- Syria
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- United Kingdom
- United States
- US Virgin Islands
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vietnam
- Yemen
Boosters – Virgin Mobile UAE
The Boosters are data, local minutes, and international minutes add-ons. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
Data Boosters – Virgin Mobile UAE
The Data Boosters are data add-ons starting from 256 MB (15.75 AED) to 50 GB (210 AED).
Below are your options:
Price (with VAT) | Data |
---|---|
15.75 AED | 256 MB |
26.25 AED | 512 MB |
52.50 AED | 2 GB |
105 AED | 10 GB |
157.50 AED | 25 GB |
210 AED | 50 GB |
Local Minutes Boosters – Virgin Mobile UAE
The Local Minutes Boosters are international call add-ons starting from 50 local minutes (15.75 AED with VAT) to 200 local minutes (52.50 AED with VAT).
Below are your options:
Price (with VAT) | Local Minutes |
---|---|
15.75 AED | 50 minutes |
26.25 AED | 100 minutes |
52.50 AED | 200 minutes |
International Minutes Boosters – Virgin Mobile UAE
The International Minutes Boosters are international call add-ons starting from 25 international minutes (15.75 AED with VAT) to 100 international minutes (52.50 AED with VAT).
Below are your options:
Price (with VAT) | International Minutes |
---|---|
15.75 AED | 25 minutes |
26.25 AED | 50 minutes |
52.50 AED | 100 minutes |
APN/Internet Settings – Virgin Mobile UAE
- Name: Virgin Mobile Data
- APN: internet1
- MCC: 424
- MNC: 03
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in the United Arab Emirates
Getting a SIM card from Etisalat or Du would do you well when considering an Emirati SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? You should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations worldwide.