UAE eSIM: instant data from ₹299 ($3.99)
Prepaid UAE eSIM on Etisalat by e& and du. QR code in 60 seconds, hotspot allowed, validity starts when you land. Works on iPhone and Android.
UAE at a glance
A UAE eSIM from Universal eSIMs costs from ₹299 ($3.99) for 1GB over 7 days and up to ₹2,299 for unlimited data over 7 days. It connects to Etisalat by e& and du with 5G where available, arrives as a QR code within 60 seconds of payment, allows hotspot, and starts its validity only when you first connect in the United Arab Emirates.
Prices checked on 25 October 2026 · Hotspot allowed on every plan · Full refund if your phone cannot install the eSIM
UAE eSIM plans and prices
All prices include GST for Indian customers. Switch currency in the header. Every plan is data-only, allows hotspot, and can be topped up without a new QR code.
1GB 7 days
₹299 ($3.99)
- Weekend trip, maps and messages
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
3GB 15 days
₹699 ($8.49)
- Light use for up to two weeks
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
5GB 30 days
₹1,049 ($12.99)
- Most one-week trips
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
10GB 30 days
₹1,699 ($19.99)
- Two weeks with photos and video calls
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
20GB 30 days
₹2,799 ($32.99)
- Heavy use, hotspot for a laptop
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
Unlimited 7 days
₹2,299 ($26.99)
- Streaming and navigation all week
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
- Full speed to 2GB a day, then 3Mbps
Unlimited 15 days
₹3,799 ($44.99)
- Two weeks without counting
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
- Full speed to 2GB a day, then 3Mbps
Unlimited 30 days
₹5,999 ($69.99)
- Long stays and remote work
- Instant QR by email and app
- Hotspot allowed
- Full speed to 2GB a day, then 3Mbps
UAE plan comparison
Coverage, networks and speeds in UAE
UAE eSIMs connect to Etisalat by e& and du. The UAE is the most-searched destination for travellers from India and prices are consistently 1.5 to 2 times those of Thailand across every provider, so comparing per-GB value matters here.
Among the fastest mobile networks in the world: 5G downloads of 200 to 600 Mbps are common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with 4G at 30 to 100 Mbps. Coverage is near-complete on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi highway and in the desert resorts.
Networks used by the UAE eSIM
Speed figures are typical ranges reported by the networks and independent testing in 2026. We publish our own field speed tests for each destination after launch and update this page monthly.
How to install and activate your UAE eSIM
Buy the plan
Pick a UAE plan, pay by UPI, card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or PayPal. The QR code arrives by email and in the app within 60 seconds.
Install on Wi-Fi before you fly
On iPhone: Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM, scan the QR. On Android: Settings, Network, SIMs, Add eSIM. Takes about two minutes. Nothing is used until you land.
Land and switch it on
Turn on the Universal eSIM line and data roaming for that line only. It connects to a UAE network automatically and your validity starts now, not at purchase.
Keep your home number
Leave your Indian SIM active for calls and OTPs with data roaming off. WhatsApp keeps working on your usual number.
Full iPhone guide · Full Android guide · eSIM not connecting?
UAE travel connectivity tips
- Regular VoIP apps are restricted on UAE networks. Our UAE eSIM routes data internationally, so WhatsApp and FaceTime calls usually work, but we cannot guarantee it for every app.
- DXB immigration uses smart gates for Indian passport holders with a valid visa; you are through in minutes, so have data ready for Careem at the kerb.
- A 5GB plan covers a one-week Dubai holiday with maps, Instagram and messaging. Add hotspot use for a family and pick 10GB.
- Prices in AED are shown in the currency switcher; you are charged in INR with GST included.
- Visiting Oman or Saudi Arabia on the same trip? Our Middle East regional eSIM covers all three.
Airports with coverage on arrival
- Dubai (DXB)
- Abu Dhabi Zayed (AUH)
- Sharjah (SHJ)
- Dubai World Central (DWC)
Apps you will want data for
- Careem and Uber
- Dubai Metro Nol card app
- Talabat
- Google Maps
- UAE Pass for residents
UAE eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM vs other providers
How a Universal eSIMs 5GB plan compares with the alternatives most travellers consider. Competitor figures are list prices observed on 25 October 2026 and change often.
UAE: what connectivity costs
Read the full comparison for travellers from India on the UAE eSIM from India page, or see how we compare with Airalo and Holafly.
When to choose a regional or global plan instead
If UAE is one stop on a longer trip, the Middle East eSIM covers 12 countries on one QR code and usually costs less than two single-country plans. For trips across three or more regions, the Global eSIM covers 130+ countries. Peak demand from India: October to March (cool season, Dubai Shopping Festival, New Year).
Reviews from travellers to UAE
We publish verified reviews collected after each trip through Trustpilot and our own post-trip survey, filtered by destination. The first UAE reviews appear here after our launch beta; we do not show placeholder or purchased reviews. See all reviews.
UAE eSIM: questions travellers ask
Does the UAE eSIM allow hotspot and tethering?
Yes. Every Universal eSIMs plan, including all UAE plans, allows hotspot and tethering at no extra charge and with no separate cap beyond the plan's data. Unlimited plans run at full speed for the first 2GB each day and at 3 Mbps after that, which still handles maps, messaging and music.
Which networks does the UAE eSIM use?
The UAE eSIM connects to Etisalat by e& and du. Your phone picks the strongest signal automatically. 5G is included where the network offers it and your phone supports it.
When does the validity start?
Validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a network in the United Arab Emirates, not when you buy or install it. You can buy weeks ahead, install at home on Wi-Fi, and nothing is consumed until you land.
Can I make calls with the UAE eSIM?
The plans on this page are data-only. Calls over WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram and similar apps work over data. Keep your home SIM active with data roaming off to receive regular calls and OTPs on your usual number. Note that regular VoIP calling is restricted on UAE local networks; our international data routing usually allows WhatsApp calls but we cannot guarantee it for every app.
Which phones work with the UAE eSIM?
Any carrier-unlocked phone with eSIM support: iPhone XS, XR and newer; Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Z Fold and Flip series, A54 and A55; Google Pixel 3 and newer; and many OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi and Oppo models. Check your exact model before buying. If your phone does not support eSIM, order a physical travel SIM instead.
How much data do I need for UAE?
Most travellers use 300MB to 700MB a day for maps, messaging, social media and a few video calls. A 5GB plan covers a one-week trip; a 10GB plan covers two weeks; heavy video uploaders and anyone sharing a hotspot should pick 20GB or Unlimited. Use the data calculator for a personal estimate.
Can I top up the UAE eSIM without reinstalling?
Yes. Buy a top-up from your account or the app and it is added to the same eSIM within a minute. You never need a second QR code for the same destination.
Is a UAE eSIM cheaper than international roaming from India?
Yes, usually by 60 to 90 percent. Indian operators' international roaming packs for UAE cost roughly ₹575 to ₹1,101 per day for 0.5 to 1GB, or ₹2,999 to ₹4,999 for 10 to 30 days with 5 to 10GB. Our UAE 5GB 30-day plan costs ₹1,049. See the UAE eSIM from India page for the full comparison.
What is the refund policy?
If the eSIM cannot be installed on a compatible, unlocked phone, we refund in full. Unused and uninstalled plans can be refunded within 30 days of purchase. Once an eSIM has connected to a network, the plan is considered used. Full terms are in the refund policy.
Can I use the eSIM on two devices or share it?
An eSIM profile installs on one device at a time. To connect a second device, use the hotspot, which is allowed on all plans, or buy a second eSIM for that device.
Related destinations and guides
• Saudi Arabia eSIM
· • Turkey eSIM
· • UK eSIM
· • Middle East regional eSIM
· • Global eSIM
· • UAE eSIM from India
· • eSIM compatibility checker
· • How much data do I need?
Land in UAE already connected
Buy now, install on Wi-Fi tonight, and your plan starts only when you arrive. Full refund if your phone cannot install it.
UAE eSIM
Prepaid data eSIM for the United Arab Emirates on Etisalat by e&, du. Hotspot allowed, instant QR delivery.
Product Brand: Universal eSIMs