Examine your options for roaming, local SIM, and eSIM.
1. Roaming Packs (Virgin Mobile, Etisalat, and du)
Practicality: Keep your UAE number while abroad.
Etisalat “Roam like Home” from AED 100/week gives local data + voice across 138 countries can check activation with “roaming” on 5102; bundles depend on destination.
Virgin Mobile offers roaming in 140+ countries—no SIM swap needed
“Etisalat’s roaming packs are ridiculous… 30 AED a day ‘unlimited’ but throttled after 250 MB”
Excellent for quick visits or keeping your number up to date, but be wary of throttling and hidden caps.
2. Local SIM at the location, ideal for extended stays in a single nation: Generally speaking, roaming packs are far more expensive.
For instance, local plans overseas can provide even greater value than tourist SIMs, which in the UAE start at about $4/GB.
“Du … operates throughout the United Arab Emirates. I would say that roaming is solid.
reddit.com.
Perfect for inexpensive local data and calls, but may require multiple numbers and a SIM change.
3. eSIMs (such as Airalo, Nomad, and Ubigi)
Easy and adaptable: Use a QR code to purchase and install—no SIM is required.
Economical choices: Airalo’s UAE plan: 20 GB/30d for about $35; 1 GB/7d for about $4.50
Multi-country use: Providers like Ubigi, Flexiroam, MoreMins, Holafly cover 100+ countries
“Roamless eSIM… up to 90% cheaper than standard roaming”
Top pick for multi-country travelers—flexible, often cheaper, and no physical SIM needed.
