Roaming in Dubai and the UAE: What Every Traveller Needs to Know

If you've ever wanted to explore Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates, you're probably thinking of taking your phone with you to send back photos or even to stream your adventure. And honestly, who could blame you?

From enormous malls to fantastic waterscapes and some of the biggest skyscrapers on the planet, there's a luxury experience in Dubai and the UAE that you just won't experience elsewhere. For that reason, there's no wonder so many people want to share the height of opulence online.

But how can you make sure you're completely covered for mobile data while you travel here? You may well have heard horror stories about the costs of roaming and what standard networks charge for using data overseas.

Thankfully, there's a cost-effective way to make sure you don't overspend on using your phone while you explore the UAE. That way, of course, is by using an eSIM!

The costs of roaming in the UAE

Taking a vacation in the UAE usually means splashing out to some extent – after all, it's an area synonymous with luxury living and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

That said, you're probably going to want to save some money on accessing mobile internet while you travel. The last thing you want is to have to shell out from your trip's budget just to pay for exorbitant mobile roaming bills.

The costs of roaming in the UAE can vary depending on your existing mobile network and its general rates. What's more, the networks you connect to while you explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere can potentially increase what you expect to pay when you get back.

Therefore, it's always worth planning ahead. Check the roaming costs for UAE with your network and make a budget for however long you intend to travel for.

At least, that's one option. This is probably going to work out the most costly – infamously, mobile networks have a habit of pumping up the costs of using calls, texts, and especially mobile data abroad.

In a day and age where so many of us are glued (or indeed dependent) on our smartphones for various reasons, it stands to reason that costs should be reasonable – but unfortunately, you can't guarantee that with many providers.

If you've already looked into roaming costs with your current provider and are having to dig deep into your Emirates holiday budget, it's probably time to stand back a little and have a rethink.

Surely there’s a better way to stay connected and to lower costs?

There is – and we gave you the answer a few paragraphs ago!

Why eSIMs are the key to roaming in Dubai and the UAE

With a UAE eSIM with unlimited data, you keep complete and total control of the data you use and how much you spend while using mobile internet overseas. That means, with the right provider (say, SIMOVO), you can expect to pay a fraction of what your usual mobile network would demand while you tour the UAE.

An eSIM is a digital, downloadable SIM that you pay for in advance and 'embed' to your device. Like a traditional SIM, it gives you access to mobile data in the territory you're visiting. With SIMOVO, you can buy and install specific eSIMs for certain destinations, like the UAE and across continents, for specific periods of time.

The benefit of this, cost-wise, is that once you've run through the data you've bought, you can simply top up again by buying and reinstalling another eSIM for the region you're visiting. We've made this as competitive and as fair as possible – and, certainly, you'll expect to pay much less than you'd usually do with any standard network.

On top of this, you don't have to worry about switching out your old SIM or changing your number. Just make sure your phone is activated for roaming and that it can accept eSIMs. You should also check your device's settings to ensure it's your eSIM that's roaming, not your usual number!

One thing to remember with SIMOVO eSIMs is that you won't have access to traditional calls, texts, and media messages. You will, however, be completely covered for using apps such as FaceTime and WhatsApp, meaning you can still call and send messages through VoIP-based services. Just be careful not to use the usual phone line or send standard texts while you're abroad!

What eSIMs can I buy for the UAE?

SIMOVO offers a range of affordable eSIMs that cover you for access to Du 4G and Etisalat 4G while you explore Dubai and the UAE. These are two super-fast and super-strong networks that you'll automatically connect to provided your eSIM is activated and ready to go.

Our standard UAE eSIM range offers packages running from 1GB data for seven days all the way up to 20GB data for 30 days – and all you need to do is pick, pay, and scan a QR code to install.

Meanwhile, for even fewer restrictions, you can take on an unlimited UAE eSIM ringfenced at 1GB a day for up to two weeks! This is the perfect option if you're uploading to Instagram a lot, or if you want to livestream your Dubai adventure to TikTok.

Regardless, we've made it really simple for you to find the right eSIM tariff and data coverage – and, once your data runs out, you can just head online again and buy afresh. It's tons of money saved and eSIMs are much less hassle compared to the usual cards you can pop in and out.

Don't let your upcoming adventures in Dubai and the UAE be overshadowed by worries about the cost of mobile data. Simply take a look at our range of eSIM tariffs, buy a package that suits your needs and usage, and download to your phone in minutes.

Don't forget to check your device is compatible with us – and once you land in the UAE, activate your eSIM to start taking advantage of super-fast internet. Happy travels!