Middle East
SIM cards, eSIM and internet in United Arab Emirates
385 MbpsMedian fixed download
Internet and SIM cards in United Arab Emirates
Median fixed broadband is 385 Mbps and mobile 645 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-03). du and e& sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and in malls; passport needed.
Mobile carriers
Key facts
- Tourist SIM: du and e& sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and in malls; passport needed.
- eSIM: local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
- Blocked services: Voice and video calls on WhatsApp and many other apps are blocked; Botim, Zoom and Teams work. Dating and LGBTQ+ sites blocked. VPNs are common, but using one to commit an offence is illegal.
Internet & coworking by place
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: United Arab Emirates
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: United Arab Emirates
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security
- GDRFA Dubai
- UAE Ministry of Health medicine permits (EDE)
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.