Dubai and Abu Dhabi have some of the fastest mobile networks on the planet. The eSIM setup is painless. The one thing you do need to know before you land — we have covered that too.
UAE
United Arab Emirates
9.2
★★★★★
Coverage score
// Why get an eSIM
Saily vs. roaming on your home SIM
| SailyRECOMMENDED | Roaming | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | 2 min, pre-trip | Automatic |
| Cost | Flat, upfront | Per-day, uncapped |
| Speed | Full local speed | Often throttled |
| Local number | No (data-only) | Keeps your number |
Prepaid eSIM data plan · affiliate link
⚡ POWER TIP
Activate your eSIM before you board. UAE immigration can be busy and you will want maps and messaging working the moment you clear customs — not 40 minutes later in a queue at an airport kiosk.
⚠ VPN WARNING — READ THIS
UAE law restricts personal VPN use for accessing blocked content under Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012. Penalties can be significant. Business VPN use by licensed companies is generally permitted. See our full legal note below before connecting.
⏱ Facts verified July 2026 • Always confirm regulations before travel
// Network operators
e& (formerly Etisalat)
The UAE's original national operator, now rebranded as e&. Widest coverage across all seven emirates including remote desert areas. 5G live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. eSIM supported on compatible devices. Generally considered the stronger network for coverage depth.
du (EITC)
The UAE's second operator, launched 2007. Strong urban coverage in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. 5G expanding rapidly. eSIM supported. du tends to be competitive on pricing for tourist and short-term data plans. Good choice for city-focused travel.
// VPN & internet regulations
What is legal
VPN use by licensed businesses for legitimate corporate purposes is generally permitted. Companies operating in UAE free zones often use VPNs routinely for remote working and secure data transfer without issue.
What is not legal
Using a VPN to access content blocked in the UAE — including VoIP calls via WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime — is an offence under Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2012. Fines can reach hundreds of thousands of AED. This is enforced.
⚠ Our honest position
We sell VPN affiliate products on this site. We are also committed to giving you accurate, honest information. The UAE VPN situation is one where the legal risk is real and we are not going to gloss over it to earn a commission. Use your judgment, know the law, and if in doubt do not connect a VPN during your stay. The full text of UAE Cybercrime Law is publicly available and worth reading before you travel.
// What is blocked in the UAE
VoIP calls
WhatsApp calls, FaceTime, Skype, and most third-party VoIP services are blocked for personal use in the UAE. This is regulated by the TRA to protect revenue from licensed telecom operators e& and du. Text messaging on WhatsApp works fine. Video calls do not.
Other restrictions
Content considered contrary to Islamic values, politically sensitive material, and certain gambling and adult sites are blocked. Most mainstream apps and social media work normally. Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and major streaming services all operate in the UAE without restrictions.
Making calls from UAE
Use regular international calls via your eSIM data plan for voice. Alternatively, both e& and du offer international calling packages for tourists that are reasonable for short stays. Check current rates at each operator's website before travelling.
// Travel security
Protect your identity abroad
Hotel WiFi, airport hotspots, and mall networks in the UAE are as risky as anywhere else in the world. Avoid logging into banking or sensitive accounts on public networks. Use your eSIM data instead of hotel WiFi where possible.
Alternative ID for travel
When signing up to local apps and services, consider using a disposable identity and email address to keep your real personal details private. Surfshark Alternative ID is built for exactly this use case.
Surfshark Alternative ID
Generate a disposable identity for every app you sign up to abroad. Your real details stay private.