UAE is one of the leading destinations in the Middle East, attracting millions of international tourists every year. With its modern infrastructure and world-class facilities, getting connected with high-speed mobile internet in the UAE is convenient. Tourists can easily purchase local prepaid SIM card at UAE airports upon arrival. This allows for staying connected with mobile data right after landing in the country.

Sim card at UAE airports

I. Which airport in UAE offers SIM card for tourists?

The UAE has 7 international airports located in its key cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These airports have arrangements to get a new SIM card issued for tourists after immigration clearance. Following are the major airports in UAE providing SIM cards:

1. Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Dubai-International-Airport

Dubai airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It has 3 terminals and receives flights from across the globe. Travelers can find SIM card shops after passing immigration, located near the baggage belts in the arrival area.

These stores sell prepaid SIMs from leading telecom providers like Etisalat and Du. Depending upon data needs, tourists can choose the right plan and get started with mobile internet instantly.

2. Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

Abu-Dhabi-International-Airport-2

Abu Dhabi International Airport serves the capital city of the UAE. After completing immigration formalities, tourists will find Etisalat and Du SIM card stores in the arrival area. These shops are open 24/7 and staff can help choose the appropriate prepaid SIM as per your trip duration and data requirements. Activating the SIM and setting up mobile internet takes only a few minutes.

3. Other UAE Airports

Apart from above, Fujairah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport also provide Etisalat SIM cards for tourists. However, Du may not be available at some of these airports. Visitors need to check at the airport for latest details on SIM purchase.

II. Where to buy SIM card at UAE airports?

Shajah-International-airport

It is quick and convenient to purchase a local prepaid SIM card at UAE airports. 

  • Dubai International Airport: SIM stores are located airside in Concourses A, B and C post-security. Major operators like Du and Etisalat have counters.
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport: SIM kiosks and stores can be found in the arrival halls of both terminals 1 and 3. Operators represented include Etisalat, Du and Virgin Mobile.
  • Sharjah International Airport: SIM stores are located near baggage claim in the arrivals area of both terminals T1 and T2. Etisalat and Du have counters.
  • Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central): Temporary SIM purchase points can be found pre-security in the arrivals building. Permanent stores will open as terminals expand.
  • Ras Al Khaimah International Airport: SIM kiosks are present near the entrance to the arrivals hall. Etisalat is the key provider represented.

III. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at UAE airports?

Sim-card-at-Abu-Dhabi-International-Airport

To avoid any hassles, tourists must be prepared with following things when purchasing SIM card at UAE airports:

  • Unlocked Phone: Your mobile phone should be unlocked to use any local prepaid SIM in UAE. Check the phone settings to confirm it’s unlocked.
  • Passport Copy: Carry a soft or hard copy of passport pages with visa details. This is required for SIM registration and activation.
  • Credit/Debit Card: Have an international credit or debit card ready for making payment to buy and recharge the SIM card.
  • SIM Tool: Keep a nano/micro SIM tool handy to take out existing SIM and insert the new UAE SIM card.
  • E-SIM Compatible Phone: If your phone supports eSIM, you can opt for Etisalat or Du eSIM for convenience. No physical SIM will be required.

Being prepared with above things will make the process faster and smoother when you buy a new prepaid SIM card at UAE airports.

IV. UAE eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card

With the arrival of eSIM technology, getting mobile connectivity is becoming easier for travelers. eSIM (embedded SIM) does not require a physical plastic SIM card. It provides digital activation of your mobile plan profile Over-the-Air (OTA).

Both Etisalat and Du offer prepaid eSIM for tourists visiting UAE. You can order UAE eSIM even before your flight and land with mobile connectivity ready. Here are the benefits of choosing eSIM for UAE:

  • No Need to Visit Store: Purchasing and activating eSIM service can be done online even when you’re abroad. 
  • Digital Activation: No plastic SIM card required.
  • Use Dual SIM Functionality: Enjoy dual SIM functionality.
  • Flexible Plans: Recharge or switch data packs conveniently through eSIM app anytime during the trip in UAE.
  • Contactless Process: Eliminates the need to carry physical SIM card during travel and finding store on arrival.

Never get stuck without data abroad again with flexible eSIM plans from uaeesim.com by GIGAGO. Our prepaid eSIM plans for UAE offer travelers a hassle-free connection upon arrival.

Remember that; Ranging from 5-30 days, plans provide 1-20GB daily data instantly activated via digital purchase before arrival. Eliminating airports SIM shopping, travelers have affordable connectivity from landing throughout their Indonesia trip.

V. FAQs

1. Can I use an international SIM in UAE?

Foreign SIM cards will not work in UAE as they don’t have roaming access. Get a local prepaid SIM for uninterrupted connectivity.

2. How much data is sufficient during travel in UAE?

For short 1-2 week trips, a prepaid plan with 15-20 GB data should be enough. For longer stay, choose bigger data packs up to 100 GB.

3. Can I buy SIM card in Dubai Airport Terminal 2?

Yes, Etisalat and Du stores are available in arrival hall of all terminals at Dubai International Airport.

4. Are Etisalat and Du SIM cards available at all UAE airports?

Most airports provide both options. But Du may not be available at some smaller airports like Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.

5. How long is the prepaid SIM card valid for?

Prepaid SIM card remains active as long as you recharge it timely. The included data and calling validity varies with each plan.

VI. Conclusion

Getting a SIM card at UAE airports arrival hall is the best option for tourists to stay connected through their trip. All major airports in UAE offer prepaid SIM plans from Etisalat and Du telecom providers. Choose the right data plan as per your requirement and travel needs. Alternatively, opting for eSIM service enables the convenience of digital activation even before your flight. So choose the suitable option and enjoy seamless connectivity with mobile internet after arriving in the UAE.