United Arab Emirates
Middle EastUnited Arab Emirates eSIM
Data only eSIM
Starting from€3.50
Stay connected in United Arab Emirates with data plans for travel, work, and everyday use abroad.
- Instant activation
- QR code delivery
- Secure checkout
- No physical SIM
- Flexible data plans
Select a data plan
Loading available plans for this destination.
What's included
Coverage areas
Network partners
How to activate
Get connected in under 5 minutes.
Purchase your plan
Select your preferred data package and complete the secure checkout process.
Receive QR code
Get your eSIM QR code instantly by email after purchase confirmation.
Scan and activate
Open phone settings, scan the QR code, and start using data immediately.
Buy a United Arab Emirates eSIM Online
With an Ariya Mobile United Arab Emirates eSIM you get mobile internet the moment you arrive — no physical SIM card and no hassle at the airport. Buy online, receive your QR code instantly by email and scan it to activate. Ideal for travel, work and everyday use in United Arab Emirates.
The eSIM connects to reliable local networks in and around major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain — handy for visiting family, holidays and everyday use.
Coverage & networks
The United Arab Emirates eSIM connects to reliable local networks for stable 4G/5G internet in cities and popular destinations.
Instant delivery
After payment you receive your eSIM QR code straight away by email and in your Ariya account. No waiting and no shipping.
Easy activation
Scan the QR code, add the eSIM in your settings and turn on data roaming on arrival. Ready in a few minutes.
Mobile internet, 4G and 5G in Dubai and the UAE
The Emirates have two mobile operators, e& UAE (the former Etisalat) and du, and both run 4G and 5G. 5G is commercially launched and unusually widespread: du reported in October 2023 that its 5G network reached 98.5% of the population. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi — the malls, the metro, the business districts and the airports — a 5G-capable phone will normally show 5G, with 4G taking over elsewhere.
Roaming in the UAE without an eSIM
The United Arab Emirates sit outside the 'Roam Like at Home' area, which covers the 27 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and — since 1 January 2026 — Moldova and Ukraine. Nothing in your Belgian or Dutch bundle carries over here: data used on an Emirati network is billed at your own operator's roaming tariff, outside the EU caps, and that tariff is set by your provider itself. Ask what it costs before you travel — the European Commission gives the same advice.
Registering a local SIM, and what an eSIM saves you
If you buy an Emirati prepaid SIM on the spot, the TDRA — the national telecoms regulator — requires it to be registered to you: a passport for visitors, or a national ID card for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Visitors are limited to two SIM cards per provider, and if a provider does not receive valid registration details within 48 hours of a subscription expiring, it must disconnect the line. An eSIM arranged before departure spares you that counter and that paperwork on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Which networks does the eSIM use in the United Arab Emirates?+
The UAE eSIM connects to the major local networks (e& (Etisalat) and du) for 4G/5G internet in cities across the Emirates.
Does the eSIM work across all seven Emirates, not just Dubai?+
Yes, coverage from the local networks generally extends beyond Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.
Is the eSIM useful for business travel as well as tourism in the UAE?+
Yes — with reliable 4G/5G coverage from major local networks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other business hubs, it suits both business trips and holidays.
Is there 5G in Dubai?+
Yes — both Emirati operators, e& UAE (formerly Etisalat) and du, run commercial 5G, and coverage is dense in Dubai and Abu Dhabi alike. du reported in October 2023 that its own 5G network covered 98.5% of the UAE population; in the city a 5G-capable phone will usually show 5G, with 4G as the fallback.
Do I need a passport for a SIM card in Dubai?+
For a local Emirati SIM, yes: TDRA rules require visitors to register the card against a passport (citizens of GCC countries may use a GCC national ID), with a maximum of two cards per provider. An eSIM is arranged before you leave, so there is no counter to find when you land.
Does my phone support eSIM?+
Most recent smartphones (iPhone XS and newer, recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel) support eSIM. Check your settings for an 'Add eSIM' option.
When should I activate my United Arab Emirates eSIM?+
Install the eSIM before departure over wifi, but only enable data roaming once you arrive in United Arab Emirates, so your plan starts at the right time.
How do I receive my eSIM?+
Right after payment you receive the QR code by email and in your Ariya Mobile account. Remember to check your spam folder.
Can I top up my plan?+
Yes, simply buy a new United Arab Emirates eSIM plan when your data or validity runs out.