Dubai eSIM guide: mobile data in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and on a stopover

Does my phone plan work in Dubai?

The UAE is not part of EU roaming, and most UK plans don't include it either. Expect a daily fee or a high price per MB. A travel eSIM gives you a fixed amount of data for a fixed price, and you can install it at home before you fly.

WhatsApp calls, FaceTime and VoIP

• WhatsApp messages, photos and voice notes work; WhatsApp voice and video calls are restricted.
• Internet calling apps can be limited depending on the network, so don't plan important calls on them.
• Your own SIM can stay on for normal calls and texts (check your provider's call rates first).

Coverage and how much data you need

Coverage is excellent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, along the motorways and at most desert safari camps near the cities. Maps, Careem or Uber, the metro, restaurant bookings and photos add up to about 0.5 to 1 GB a day. For a week, 5 GB is comfortable; for heavy social media, take 10 GB or more.

• Malls, the metro and most hotels have free Wi-Fi, often with a sign-in page.
• Plugs are type G (the UK three-pin type), 230 V.
• UK and EU citizens get a free visa on arrival; check the allowed stay for your passport.

Just a stopover in Dubai?

Changing planes in Dubai or staying a night or two on the way to Asia, Australia or the Maldives? A small UAE plan (1 or 2 GB) is enough for the airport, a taxi and a few hours in the city. Visiting Oman or Qatar too? A GCC plan covers the six Gulf states on one eSIM.