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United Arab Emirates · AE

United Arab Emirates eSIM plans and coverage

from $3.92 per GB

Use a United Arab Emirates eSIM for maps, messaging and transport apps in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond. Check the package start rule and coverage for your route before you connect.

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100 GB · 30 days for $391.04. Catalog checked 2026-09-10; confirm the total before paying.

  • No plastic SIM
  • Price before payment
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What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM you add to your phone over the internet. No plastic card and no visit to a shop.

Use Letisim for maps, taxis and messages while keeping your usual number.

Check my phone

Calls and texts on your home SIM follow your operator’s rates.

Your SIMCalls and texts
LetisimInternet for your trip

eSIM plans for the United Arab Emirates

Compare data, duration and when validity begins. A top-up label means more data can be added to that package.

Prices checked 2026-09-10. The live catalog is authoritative at checkout.

Open all current plans

All published plans for United Arab Emirates

Published plans checked 2026-09-10. Availability and price are confirmed in the catalog at checkout.
DataValidityPricePer GB
1 GBDu5GReloadable7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$7.00$7.00Choose plan
1 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$12.31$12.31Choose plan
3 GBDu5GReloadable15 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$19.16$6.39Choose plan
3 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$20.00$6.67Choose plan
5 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$30.84$6.17Choose plan
10 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$49.36$4.94Choose plan
20 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$102.88$5.15Choose plan
50 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$205.79$4.12Choose plan
50 GBDu5GReloadable180 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$420.00$8.40Choose plan
100 GBReloadable30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT PURCHASE$391.04$3.92Choose plan
UnlimitedDu5G1 dayVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$11.88—Choose plan
UnlimitedDu5G3 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$35.64—Choose plan
UnlimitedDu5G7 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$83.16—Choose plan
UnlimitedDu5G14 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$166.32—Choose plan
UnlimitedDu5G30 daysVALIDITY STARTS AT FIRST CONNECTIONACTIVATE WITHIN 180 DAYS$356.40—Choose plan

How far will your data go?

Choose an allowance to see what it could cover. Quality, compression and background activity change actual usage.

Compare available plans

With 3 GB, approximately…

Send photos

≈ 600 photos

Example: 5 MB per photo

Upload your own videos

≈ 47 clips

Example: a 1-minute Full HD clip ≈ 63 MB

Watch video

≈ 1 hr

HD example: 3 GB per hour

At standard quality: ≈ 4 hr 17 min

Make video calls

≈ 2 hr 46 min

1:1 at 720p: ≈ 1.08 GB per hour

Each result uses the whole allowance for that one activity. The results do not add up: maps, messages and other apps share the same data.

Taking photos or recording video on your phone does not itself use mobile data. Sending, watching or backing them up over the mobile network does.

Compare 1, 3, 5, 10 and 20 GB
Alternative uses of the same allowance
DataPhotos · 5 MB1-minute clips · 63 MBHD video · 3 GB/hrStandard video · 0.7 GB/hrVideo calls · 720p
1 GB≈ 200 photos≈ 15 clips≈ 20 min≈ 1 hr 25 min≈ 55 min
3 GB≈ 600 photos≈ 47 clips≈ 1 hr≈ 4 hr 17 min≈ 2 hr 46 min
5 GB≈ 1,000 photos≈ 79 clips≈ 1 hr 40 min≈ 7 hr 8 min≈ 4 hr 37 min
10 GB≈ 2,000 photos≈ 158 clips≈ 3 hr 20 min≈ 14 hr 17 min≈ 9 hr 15 min
20 GB≈ 4,000 photos≈ 317 clips≈ 6 hr 40 min≈ 28 hr 34 min≈ 18 hr 31 min
Where these estimates come from

Planning examples, not guaranteed totals. We use 1 GB = 1,000 MB, round down complete files and minutes, and exclude overhead, retries and background traffic.

  1. 5 MB is Verizon’s high-resolution photo example. Your files can be smaller after compression or much larger as originals or RAW. Check the actual file size on your phone. Verizon ↗
  2. 63 MB models a 1-minute H.264 Full HD export at 24–30 fps using YouTube’s recommended video and stereo audio bitrates. It is not a universal camera-file size or the cost of watching a clip. YouTube ↗
  3. Viewing examples use Netflix’s published rates: up to 0.7 GB/hr at Medium and up to 3 GB/hr in HD. Other apps and quality settings can differ; these are not YouTube playback rates. Netflix ↗
  4. The call example uses Zoom’s 1:1 720p bandwidth: 1.2 Mbps up and 1.2 Mbps down, together about 1.08 GB/hr. Group calls and higher resolutions can use more. Zoom ↗

Sources checked 2026-09-08

Make your data last

Maps and messages

Start with your usual usage. Download maps, your accommodation address and bookings before departure.

Social posts and photos

Allow extra data if Wi-Fi will be limited. Check whether your phone backs up photos and videos over mobile data.

Video and work

Check recent data use on your phone and the package’s hotspot rules. Budget separately for video calls and large downloads.

03 / Installation

How to connect an eSIM in the United Arab Emirates

Your first eSIM? Here is what to open and what to tap.

Check the exact model, regional variant and system version. If Add eSIM or EID is missing, contact support before buying. A brand name alone does not confirm compatibility.

Manufacturer’s instructions · iPhone ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Google Pixel / Android ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Samsung ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Huawei ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Honor ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Xiaomi / Redmi ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · Motorola ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OPPO ↗

Manufacturer’s instructions · OnePlus ↗

On iOS 26, a Turn On Travel eSIM notification may appear after arrival. Choose the travel line for data and check whether you also want to keep your home line active. If no notification appears, use the manual steps below.

Check when your package starts: at payment, installation or first connection. If it starts on installation, install nearer your trip. Installing later does not postpone a package that started at payment.

These screens show settings on the models named below. Your operator and eSIM labels will differ. Screens retain the source language; each caption translates and identifies the control to use. Tap any image for a closer look.

iPhone 17 · iOS 26 · Screen source ↗

Before your trip · install the eSIM

Use a stable Wi-Fi connection or hotspot. Your exact phone model must support eSIM and be unlocked for other operators.

  1. 01

    Open your eSIM installation

    Connect the phone you will use for your eSIM to Wi-Fi. Choose one of the two options below. If this eSIM is already installed, skip to choosing the line for mobile data.

    The app or email on this phone

    In the Letisim app, open My eSIMs, choose your purchased eSIM and tap Install. On the preparation screen, tap Copy name and install.

    Or open your eSIM email on this same phone and tap Install eSIM. If the link opens your order page first, use the installation button shown there.

    A QR code on another screen

    Open your eSIM’s QR code from the email or order on a computer, tablet or another phone. Point the camera of the phone you are installing the eSIM on at the code, then tap the installation prompt.

    Both options lead to the phone’s system setup. Continue with step 2.

    The button or camera did not open setup?

    You can add the eSIM by scanning its QR code in Settings. Follow the path below, choose the QR scanner and use the code for your own purchase. If the QR is on this same phone, see the options without a second screen below the guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service / Cellular → Add eSIM → Use QR Code → Scan QR Code → Continue

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network and Internet → SIMs → Add SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM → Scan QR code → Add → Next

    Huawei: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → SIM 2 → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Scan code → Add this eSIM

    Honor: Settings → Mobile network → SIM management → Add eSIM → Add eSIM or transfer from your device → Set up an eSIM → Set up

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Settings → Mobile networks → Use eSIM → Manage eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → scan your QR → confirm download

    Motorola: Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs & mobile network → Download new SIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OPPO: Settings → Mobile network → SIM & eSIM settings → Add eSIM → Set up an eSIM → scan your QR → Set up

    OnePlus: Settings → Mobile network → eSIM → Add eSIM → Add eSIM → Next → scan your QR → Set up

    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    Tap Add eSIM to add your travel eSIM. Screen source ↗
  2. 02

    Confirm installation on your phone

    The install button or your QR code opens the phone’s system setup. Confirm that you want to add the eSIM, then stay connected to Wi-Fi until the profile finishes downloading. If the phone first asks how to add an eSIM, use your QR code. You do not need to transfer your home SIM from another phone.

    Continue / Add / Install / Set up → wait for the eSIM to download

    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code.Enlarge screen ↗
    For the QR option: Choose Use QR Code to install using your QR code. Screen source ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM.Enlarge screen ↗
    After scanning, tap Continue to confirm installation of your eSIM. Screen source ↗
  3. 03

    Give the new line a clear name

    For example, “Letisim United Arab Emirates”, so you can distinguish it from your home SIM. This is a label on your phone; it does not change the number or plan.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → new eSIM → Cellular Plan Label → Custom

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → new eSIM → Edit name

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → new eSIM → Name

    Huawei: SIM management → SIM 2 → your eSIM → Card name. You can keep the existing label if no rename option is shown.

    Honor: SIM management → SIM 2 → eSIM name. Rename it if your MagicOS version offers this option.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Manage eSIM → your plan → Change nickname, if available.

    Motorola: Open the new eSIM in SIM settings and use the edit-name option if available.

    OPPO: Open the installed profile in eSIM settings and change its label if your ColorOS version allows it.

    OnePlus: Open the installed eSIM and edit its name if the option is available.

    Line name: Letisim United Arab Emirates
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open the new eSIM to edit its name. The example label may differ from yours. Screen source ↗

Installation adds the eSIM to your phone. Choose it for mobile data at your destination. Package validity still follows its own start rule.

At your destination · turn on data

  1. 04

    Choose the eSIM for mobile data

    Turn on the new line and select it for mobile data. You can keep your home SIM for calls and texts at its usual rates. Turn off automatic mobile-data switching between SIMs.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Cellular Data → Letisim. Turn off “Allow Cellular Data Switching”.

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Mobile data → Letisim

    Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Mobile data → Letisim

    Huawei: In SIM management, enable the travel eSIM and select it as the default mobile-data SIM. Adding it may disable a physical SIM in slot 2.

    Honor: In SIM management, enable the eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Check which physical SIM remains active.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: Enable the travel plan in Manage eSIM, then select it for mobile data. Some models use eSIM instead of physical SIM 2.

    Motorola: Network & internet → SIM settings: enable the travel eSIM and select it for mobile data.

    OPPO: Enable the profile in Mobile network → eSIM, then select it for mobile data. The eSIM may occupy the SIM 2 position.

    OnePlus: In Mobile network, enable the travel eSIM and choose it for mobile data. Turn off automatic switching to the other SIM.

    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls.Enlarge screen ↗
    Choose your travel eSIM for Mobile data. Keep your home SIM for calls. Screen source ↗
  2. 05

    Check roaming in your package guide

    If your eSIM instructions require data roaming, enable it for the Letisim line. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM. If an APN is specified, use the exact value in your own package’s guide.

    iPhone: Settings → Cellular / Mobile Service → Letisim → Data Roaming (sometimes under Cellular Data Options)

    Google Pixel / Android: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → Letisim → Roaming

    Samsung: First select Letisim for mobile data, then Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming

    Huawei: Open Mobile network → Mobile data and check data roaming for the travel SIM. Follow the settings in your package guide.

    Honor: In the mobile-network settings, open the travel SIM’s data settings and enable roaming only if your package requires it.

    Xiaomi / Redmi: In Mobile networks, open the travel SIM’s data-roaming settings. Use the roaming and APN values from your package guide.

    Motorola: Open the travel eSIM’s network settings and check Roaming against your package instructions.

    OPPO: Open the travel SIM’s mobile-network settings and enable data roaming if required by your package.

    OnePlus: Open the travel SIM’s settings and check Data roaming against the instructions for your own package.

    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it.Enlarge screen ↗
    Open Data roaming or Roaming for the travel line. Enable it only if your package instructions require it. Screen source ↗
  3. 06

    Check your connection

    Turn off Wi-Fi and open a map or website. If it loads, mobile data is working. If it does not, turn airplane mode on for about 30 seconds, turn it off and wait for a connection. Recheck the selected line and package settings.

    Wi-Fi off → website loads → you are connected

    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data.Enlarge screen ↗
    Turn Wi-Fi off using this switch, then open a website or map to check mobile data. Screen source ↗
No second screen for your QR code?

If the scanner has a gallery button, save the QR from your order and choose that image. If your order includes manual installation details, choose Enter details manually and copy the fields exactly. The available methods depend on your phone and eSIM. If neither is available, contact support; do not scan a sample code from this guide or delete an installed eSIM.

Menu names can differ by phone model and system version.

04 / Operators

Mobile operators in the United Arab Emirates

Compare network coverage separately from speed. A national result does not predict reception inside your hotel or along a mountain road.

The UAE regulator lists two public telecom licensees with national mobile networks: e& and du. These are the main networks travellers usually compare for mobile internet in the country.

du

The provided source shows du network information, but a clearly public mobile coverage map is not established here. Confirm current coverage options directly with du if your package uses this network. [1] [2] [4]

Official website ↗

The network in your chosen package is what matters. This country comparison does not mean every plan includes every operator. 5G depends on the package, phone and local coverage.

05 / Coverage

Coverage across the United Arab Emirates

Check the addresses and roads you will actually use. Save maps and booking details before leaving Wi-Fi.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
  1. Al Ain
  2. Liwa Oasis
  3. Hatta
  4. Ras Al Khaimah

Al Ain

Al Ain suits trips that mix city stops with longer outings. If you plan to move between attractions and scenic roads on the same day, download maps first and check your route before leaving the urban area. [5]

Liwa Oasis

For Liwa-bound desert drives, prepare offline navigation and keep booking details saved on your phone. Long excursion days are easier when the essentials are available without relying on a live connection the whole way. [6]

Hatta

Hatta trips often combine driving and outdoor activities. Download maps and activity details before you leave Dubai so navigation and bookings stay handy during the day. [7]

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah can combine city, coast and mountain roads in one trip. If your day includes a mountain route, save maps and tickets in advance instead of depending on mobile internet at every stop. [8]

United Arab Emirates · eSIM

Overview

The United Arab Emirates has two public mobile networks that matter most to travellers: e& and du. Both are listed by the national regulator as licensed telecom operators. For trip planning, the practical difference is not the country name on the package but the network behind it, especially if you expect to move between large cities, resort areas and longer road trips during the same stay.

When choosing an eSIM for the UAE, focus on three things: which network the package uses, when the package validity starts, and where you will actually need mobile internet. e& provides a public mobile coverage map by location. The provided du source shows network information, but not a clearly established public mobile coverage map, so it is worth confirming coverage options before travel if your package uses du. For routes such as Al Ain, Liwa, Hatta or Ras Al Khaimah, offline maps and saved booking details are a practical backup.

Useful apps and travel tools

S'hail ↗

Official Dubai transport app for route planning across metro, tram, buses, marine transport and taxis. [10]

Experience Abu Dhabi ↗

Official Abu Dhabi travel app with maps, attraction information, itinerary tools and offline access to essential information. [9]

Before you buy

Check when your package starts

Before installation or activation, read the package screen. In the catalog, validity can start either on first connection or at purchase, depending on the package, so the right time to connect is not the same for every eSIM. [11]

Prepare offline maps for longer day trips

For desert, mountain and excursion routes, save maps, directions and booking references before you leave the city. This is especially practical for trips that combine highways, outdoor stops and several attractions in one day. [6] [7] [8] [9]

06 / FAQ

Questions about eSIM in the United Arab Emirates

Which mobile networks should I compare for a UAE eSIM?

The UAE regulator lists two public telecom licensees with national mobile networks: e& and du. If you are choosing mobile internet for a trip, these are the main networks to compare. [1] [2]

Can I check coverage before I buy?

Yes, but the public tools are not the same for every operator. e& provides a public mobile coverage map by location. In the provided du source, du shows network information, but a clearly public mobile coverage map is not established here. If your package uses du, review the package details and confirm current coverage options with the operator before travel. [3] [4] [11]

When should I install or activate my eSIM?

Check the package screen first. In the catalog, validity may start either on first connection or at purchase, depending on the package. That means you should not assume every UAE eSIM is best activated at the same moment. [11]

What should I do if my trip includes Al Ain, Liwa, Hatta or Ras Al Khaimah?

Prepare for the route, not only the destination name. These trips can include longer drives and outdoor stops, so it is practical to download maps and save booking details before you leave the city. [5] [6] [7] [8]

Which local apps are useful after landing?

S'hail is Dubai’s official transport app for route planning across public transport and taxis. Experience Abu Dhabi is the official travel app for Abu Dhabi and includes maps, itinerary tools and offline access to essential information. [9] [10]

Sources and checks · Country research checked 2026-09-08
  1. TDRA licensing page for UAE telecom licensees · TDRA
  2. TDRA renews telecom licences of e& and du for another 20 years · TDRA
  3. e& UAE coverage map · e&
  4. du network coverage · du
  5. Al Ain | Experience Abu Dhabi · Visit Abu Dhabi
  6. Desert Traditions Itinerary | Experience Abu Dhabi · Visit Abu Dhabi
  7. Hatta nature and adventure | Visit Dubai · Visit Dubai
  8. Geography - Visit Ras Al Khaimah · Visit Ras Al Khaimah
  9. Experience Abu Dhabi App · Visit Abu Dhabi
  10. S'hail app details · Roads & Transport Authority
  11. Letisim public catalog · Letisim