Visiting the UAE? Here’s a complete comparison of the best tourist SIM options from Etisalat and Du, available at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports.
Quick Answer
Both Etisalat and Du offer tourist SIMs at UAE airports. Prices start from AED 49 with data + local calls included. Buy at arrival — available 24/7 at airport counters.
Etisalat Tourist Plans
- Visitor Line (AED 49) — 1GB data, 15 local minutes, 7 days
- Visitor Plus (AED 75) — 3GB data, 30 minutes, 14 days
- Visitor Premium (AED 110) — 7GB data, 60 minutes, 28 days
Du Tourist Plans
- Tourist Plan Basic (AED 55) — 2GB data, 30 minutes, 14 days
- Tourist Plan Plus (AED 89) — 5GB data, 60 minutes, 28 days
- Tourist Plan Max (AED 135) — 10GB data, 100 minutes, 28 days
Staying Longer Than 28 Days?
None of these tourist packs are designed to renew indefinitely — if your visa runs past the 28-day mark, buying a second tourist pack back-to-back works, but it’s usually cheaper to switch to a standard prepaid line (Etisalat Wasel or Du’s entry prepaid) once you know you’ll be staying, since those tiers scale better for month-over-month use than repeatedly restarting a tourist pack.
Which to Choose?
| Factor | Etisalat | Du |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best for short trips | 7-day option | 14-day minimum |
| Best value | Premium plan | Plus plan |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
Where to Buy
- Airport: Counters at DXB, AUH, SHJ — available 24/7
- Mall: Etisalat/Du stores in every major mall
- Online: eSIM via apps (activate before landing!)
Pro Tips
- Buy eSIM before landing — activate on WiFi at the airport
- Passport required for SIM registration
- Both operators cover all 7 emirates equally well
- WhatsApp calls work — no VoIP restrictions for tourists
Prices approximate. Check etisalat.ae and du.ae for current tourist offers.
At a Glance
| Price Range | AED 49–135 per pack |
| Data | 1 GB – 10 GB |
| Contract | No contract |
| Best For | Short-stay tourists and business visitors to the UAE |
| Last Verified | May 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy at the airport?
Yes, both operators have 24/7 counters at all UAE airports.
Which is better for tourists?
Both are excellent. Du has slightly better value on mid-range plans. Etisalat has a cheaper short-trip option.
eSIM for tourists?
Yes, both support eSIM. Download the app and activate before landing.
Staying longer than 28 days?
Switch to a standard prepaid line (Wasel or Du entry prepaid) rather than repeatedly buying tourist packs — it works out cheaper for month-over-month stays.
VPN needed?
WhatsApp calling works. FaceTime audio works. Standard VoIP services function for tourists.