Talisim

United Arab Emirates travel guide: mobile data, networks and what's on

20 United Arab Emirates plans from $0.60.

Talisim editorial team · Updated

Quick answer

Talisim sells 20 United Arab Emirates eSIM plans from $0.60, 7–180 days, 100MB–50GB, up to 3G, 4G, 5G, on Du. Top-ups: yes, on most plans. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data. Hotspot and tethering work, as far as your phone allows, and use the same data.

A postcard from United Arab Emirates: Tali, the Talisim eSIM character, in local costume among the sights

What the network is actually like

Fast 4G and 5G in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Near the Oman border, around Hatta and Al Ain, check your phone hasn't picked up an Omani network. Free wifi in malls and on the Metro is du's WiFi UAE, which is slow and asks for an SMS code.

This eSIM: up to 3G, 4G, 5G, onDu. Each plan on the United Arab Emirates page says which of these it uses.

How much data you'll need

10GB covers a week. Careem books taxis. WhatsApp messages work, but WhatsApp and FaceTime calls were blocked when we checked in October 2026; Botim, Zoom and Teams calls work.

Recommended: 10GB → closest plan 10GB · 30 days, $29.00.

Where people go

  • Dubai

    Two driverless Metro lines. Each train has a women and children section.

  • Abu Dhabi

    The capital. The Grand Mosque asks for ankle-length clothes.

  • Sharjah

    Next to Dubai. A dry emirate, with no alcohol even in hotels.

  • Ras Al Khaimah

    Jebel Jais runs about 10°C cooler than the coast, with a zipline off the top.

  • Al Ain

    Oasis city on the Oman border, and the UAE's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What's on

Timings are month-level, because most of these move year to year.

  • Ramadan

    Moves about 11 days earlier each year; early February to early March in 2027

    Nationwide

    Restaurants open as usual by day. Evenings are the busy time, after the fast breaks at sunset.

  • Dubai Shopping Festival

    December to mid-January

    Malls across Dubai

    Citywide mall sales, with raffles, concerts, fireworks and drone shows.

  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

    Late November or early December

    Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

    The last race of the Formula 1 season. Race tickets include the concerts next to the track.

Quick answers

Which networks does a Talisim United Arab Emirates eSIM use?
Our United Arab Emirates plans run on Du, at up to 3G, 4G, 5G; a given plan may use only some of them. Each plan on the United Arab Emirates page lists the networks it uses.
Can I top up a United Arab Emirates eSIM?
Yes. Most United Arab Emirates plans can be topped up with more data and days from your order page until they expire, on the same eSIM with no new QR code.
Does a United Arab Emirates eSIM come with a phone number?
No. Data only: no phone number, calls or texts. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and iMessage work over data.
How much data do I need for United Arab Emirates?
10GB covers a week. Careem books taxis. WhatsApp messages work, but WhatsApp and FaceTime calls were blocked when we checked in October 2026; Botim, Zoom and Teams calls work.

Regional plans that also cover United Arab Emirates

Crossing a border on the same trip? One of these covers the whole route on one eSIM.

Gulf Region 6 destinations from $4.60 Middle East & North Africa 12 destinations from $14.00 Global 117 destinations from $9.20 Global Plus 127 destinations from $10.64

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New to eSIMs? The FAQ covers checking your phone supports one, installing it before you fly, and what to do if it won't connect.