Travel eSIM
Dubai & UAE eSIM
Updated 7 November 2026 · prices refresh daily from live plans · How our prices compare
Dubai & UAE eSIMUpdated 7 November 2026 · prices refresh daily from live plans · How our prices compare
Slashtel UAE eSIMs start at $3.69 for 1GB over 7 days, across 8 plans. The lowest price per GB is $2.14 on the 20GB plan. A one-week trip costs from $3.69 (1GB). It connects to du and Etisalat (e&) on up to 5G. It is data only: your own number stays active for calls, SMS and bank codes. The QR code arrives by email within minutes; install it on Wi-Fi before you fly and the days start when it first connects in the UAE. Prices checked 7 November 2026.
Networks you connect to in the UAE
Network selection is automatic: your phone picks the strongest signal. Coverage in the UAE →
This is a new eSIM data line for your phone, not credit for an existing Etisalat or du number. To add credit to a UAE number, use Top up a UAE number.
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.69 | $3.69 |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $8.29 | $4.14 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $8.89 | $2.96 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.49 | $2.70 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24.09 | $2.41 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $42.79 | $2.14 (best value) |
| Network | Type |
|---|---|
| du | 5G |
| Etisalat (e&) | 5G |
The eSIM picks the strongest network automatically. All networks →
| Data | Validity | Price (USD) | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $3.69 | $3.69 |
| 2 GB | 15 days | $8.29 | $4.14 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $10.99 | $3.66 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $8.89 | $2.96 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $13.49 | $2.70 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $24.09 | $2.41 |
| 10 GB | 60 days | $24.89 | $2.49 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $42.79 | $2.14 |
Prices checked 7 November 2026. All-in price in USD, no roaming charges, QR by email in minutes. Data only; keep your own number for calls and texts.
Same data, same or longer validity: save up to 6%.
| Data | Validity | Airalo | Slashtel | You save |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3GB | 30 days | $9.50 | $8.89 | 6% |
Airalo list prices in USD for data-only plans, checked 28 Sep 2026 (airalo.com (Burj Mobile), via esimdb.com), before promo codes. Prices change; Slashtel prices are live.
The eSIM gives you data from landing and leaves your own SIM in place, so your usual number still gets calls, SMS and bank codes. While you plan the trip, you can also top up family numbers in the UAE and watch fares home.
Scan the QR code from your email at home on Wi-Fi (iPhone: Settings, Mobile Service, Add eSIM; Android: Settings, SIMs, Add eSIM), use the eSIM for mobile data and keep your usual SIM for calls and texts. When you land in UAE, turn on data roaming for the eSIM. Step-by-step guide with screenshots · Check your phone supports eSIM
It runs on Dubai & UAE's national mobile networks, so the same plan works right across the country, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There is nothing extra to buy for a city or island.
Money, getting around and the apps you'll need. Facts checked 2026-10.
Dubai Metro · metro · Dubai
Dubai Tram · tram · Dubai
Apps that need data: RTA Dubai
Sources: rta.ae · gulfnews.com
Partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Trip | Cheapest plan | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| One week | 1GB / 7 days | $3.69 | $3.69 |
| Two weeks | 2GB / 15 days | $8.29 | $4.14 |
| One month | 3GB / 30 days | $8.89 | $2.96 |
Live catalogue prices checked 7 November 2026. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects in the UAE.
Last checked: September 2026
An eSIM for Dubai or a UAE eSIM gives you data across the Emirates, from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to the rest of the country. It is data only, so there is no local number. You can use it for maps, messaging, and browsing as soon as you land. If you want to know whether your phone supports eSIM, you can check your phone is eSIM compatible.
How much data you need depends on your trip. A short stopover might only need enough for maps, a few messages, and checking your next flight. A week in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with daily navigation, social media, and maybe some video, will use more. Because the eSIM is data only, you do not need to worry about calls or texts using your allowance. You can top up the same eSIM if you run low, with no new QR code needed. Hotspot and tethering are allowed, so you can share your data with a laptop or another device.
You can buy and install your eSIM before you travel. The QR code arrives by email in under 60 seconds. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects at your destination, so you can set it up at home and it will not activate until you arrive. For step by step instructions, see our installation guide.
In the UAE, voice and video calls on some messaging apps can be restricted. Check before you rely on them. You can still use data for messaging, browsing, and other apps. If you need to make calls, you can use your home SIM for calls and bank OTPs, as explained below.
Keep your home SIM in your phone for calls and bank OTPs. Your eSIM handles data, while your home SIM stays active for texts and calls. This is important for receiving one time passwords from your bank or other services. For more details, see calls, texts and OTPs on a data eSIM.
WhatsApp support is available before, during, and after your trip. Unused eSIMs are covered for 14 days: swap for another eSIM or take Slashtel credit, with a card refund if your phone turns out to be incompatible or the fault is ours. See the refund policy. The eSIM is data only, so there is no local number and no traditional calls or SMS. However, you can make calls over data using apps like WhatsApp, subject to any local restrictions.
A UAE eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected without hunting for a local SIM card. You can install it before you fly, and it activates when you arrive. It works across the UAE, so you can travel between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates without changing anything. You can top up the same eSIM if you need more data, and hotspot is allowed. Remember to keep your home SIM in the phone for calls and bank OTPs.
Buy your eSIM from Slashtel, receive the QR code by email in under 60 seconds, and install it before you travel. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible using our guide. Once you land, turn on the eSIM and you will be connected. If you need help, WhatsApp support is there for you. With data only, you can focus on your trip and stay connected with messaging apps, maps, and more.
You will receive a QR code by email in under 60 seconds after purchase. Scan it to install the eSIM on your phone. You can install it before you travel. Validity starts when the eSIM first connects at your destination. For detailed steps, see our installation guide.
No, the eSIM is data only and does not come with a local number. You cannot make traditional calls or send SMS. However, you can use messaging apps for voice and video calls over data, but some apps may be restricted in the UAE, so check before relying on them. Keep your home SIM in your phone for calls and bank OTPs.
You can top up the same eSIM without needing a new QR code. Buy a top-up and it is added to your existing eSIM.
Yes, hotspot and tethering are allowed, so you can share your data with a laptop or another phone.
Unused eSIMs are covered for 14 days: swap for another eSIM or take Slashtel credit, with a card refund if your phone turns out to be incompatible or the fault is ours.
For most trips a 5GB to 10GB data eSIM valid for 30 days is the right size: Slashtel's 5GB plan for the UAE is $13.49 on du and Etisalat (e&). Install it before you fly, keep your home SIM on for calls and bank texts, and top up the same eSIM if you run low.
From $3.69 for 1GB valid 7 days, as of 7 November 2026. Longer trips: two weeks from $8.29 (2GB), one month from $8.89 (3GB).
$2.14 per GB on the 20GB plan (30 days, $42.79). Bigger plans usually cost less per GB, so buy the size you expect to use.
du and Etisalat (e&), with speeds up to 5G where available. The eSIM picks the strongest network automatically.
No. Slashtel eSIMs are data only, with no local number, calls or SMS. WhatsApp and other internet calls work, and your home SIM can stay on for calls and OTP texts.
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in the UAE, not when you buy it, so you can buy and install it before you travel.
The United Arab Emirates dirham (AED).
nol card (Dubai (RTA metro, tram, bus, waterbus)): buy at RTA stations; top-up in RTA Dubai app. Phone wallet: Apple Pay can top up nol via RTA Dubai app.
Covers the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 5GB for 30 days is $23.89; plans from $5.69. Data only, your own number stays on for calls and OTPs.
Japan
UK
Turkey
Morocco
France
Singapore
Ireland