Internet in Dubai: how much it costs to stay connected
You've arrived in the United Arab Emirates, you're leaving the airport—and suddenly realize that your phone has turned into a brick. No internet, no connection, no maps. Panic? A little bit. That's exactly why in this article we're figuring out internet access in Dubai.
Features of Internet access in Dubai
Internet in Dubai is controlled by government authorities, so some websites and services are unavailable. This applies to calls in popular applications: WhatsApp and Telegram, even with VPN usage. In the UAE, using a VPN to bypass restrictions on VoIP services is illegal. According to local legislation, VPN use is permitted only for legal purposes, such as protecting corporate data. Using a VPN to access blocked services or bypass censorship could lead to serious consequences for you, including large fines and imprisonment.
Restrictions on services, using VPN
Mobile operators Etisalat and du (the largest telecom companies in the UAE) block VPN. Using it to bypass restrictions is illegal according to the UAE Cybercrime Law (2016) and, as we've already mentioned above, leads to fines.
The following may be blocked in the UAE:
▪︎ VoIP services that compete with state operators and threaten their monopoly.
▪︎ Content that contradicts the cultural, moral, and political norms of the UAE.
▪︎ Israeli websites (.il) and pages in Hebrew.
The following may be blocked in the UAE:
▪︎ VoIP services that compete with state operators and threaten their monopoly.
▪︎ Content that contradicts the cultural, moral, and political norms of the UAE.
▪︎ Israeli websites (.il) and pages in Hebrew.
Permitted communication platforms
In the UAE, you can use platforms like BOTIM, GoChat, C'Me, and Voico UAE. These services support calls both within the country and abroad. To make a call in Dubai, you will need to download one of these applications.
Mobile Internet for tourists and expats
Free SIM cards for tourists and expats
Upon arrival in Dubai at passport control, tourists are provided with a free SIM card with a limited amount of data and calls, usually for 7-14 days. Such cards can also be obtained free of charge from official agents - partner stores of operators in the city or at special kiosks. These SIM cards often include a basic package of traffic and minutes for calls within the country.
DU rates and SIM cards for tourists
Mobile operator DU's packages for internet and communication can be purchased directly at the airports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. When purchasing the "Tourist Plan" tariff, there is no fee for the SIM card (for a regular SIM card, you need to pay 55 dirhams).
DU telecommunications operator offers seven tourist plans:
▪︎ Plan 1: For 49 AED (with VAT) you get 4 GB of traffic and 30 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 2: For 99 AED (with VAT) you get 10 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 3: For 139 AED (with VAT) you get 15 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 4: For 189 AED (with VAT) you get 20 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 7 Plan: For 199 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 100 minutes. The package is valid for 7 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 14 Plan: For 299 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 200 minutes. The package is valid for 14 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 28 Plan: For 499 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 400 minutes. The package is valid for 28 days.
DU telecommunications operator offers seven tourist plans:
▪︎ Plan 1: For 49 AED (with VAT) you get 4 GB of traffic and 30 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 2: For 99 AED (with VAT) you get 10 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 3: For 139 AED (with VAT) you get 15 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Plan 4: For 189 AED (with VAT) you get 20 GB of traffic and 60 minutes to UAE numbers. The package is valid for 28 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 7 Plan: For 199 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 100 minutes. The package is valid for 7 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 14 Plan: For 299 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 200 minutes. The package is valid for 14 days.
▪︎ Unlimited 28 Plan: For 499 AED (with VAT) you get unlimited mobile internet and 400 minutes. The package is valid for 28 days.
Prices for internet packages from DU
▪︎ 200 MB (+200 MB for social networks) — 25 dirhams
▪︎ 500 MB (+500 MB for social networks) — 55 dirhams
▪︎ 1.1 GB (+1.1 GB for social networks) — 110 dirhams
▪︎ 5 GB (+3 GB for social networks) — 210 dirhams
▪︎ 25 GB (+15 GB for social networks) — 525 dirhams
From this same number, you can call Russia for 1.26 dirhams per minute. To connect international calls, just dial the command *135#.
▪︎ 200 MB (+200 MB for social networks) — 25 dirhams
▪︎ 500 MB (+500 MB for social networks) — 55 dirhams
▪︎ 1.1 GB (+1.1 GB for social networks) — 110 dirhams
▪︎ 5 GB (+3 GB for social networks) — 210 dirhams
▪︎ 25 GB (+15 GB for social networks) — 525 dirhams
From this same number, you can call Russia for 1.26 dirhams per minute. To connect international calls, just dial the command *135#.
Etisalat rates and SIM cards fortourists
Etisalat Rates and SIM Cards for Tourists
In the UAE, tourists can only purchase the Visitor Line tourist plan from Etisalat operator. It's enough to visit the operator's offices, but note that SIM cards with regular plans can only be found through resellers, who are usually located in shopping malls. You don't need to pay for the SIM card with a tourist plan.
Etisalat Visitor Line plans for tourists:
1. Visitor Line — For 49 dirhams (with VAT): 2 GB mobile internet, 30 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included.
2. Visitor Line + — For 79 dirhams (with VAT): 4 GB mobile internet, 30 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included.
3. Visitor Line Premium — For 125 dirhams (with VAT): 8 GB mobile internet, 120 minutes of local calls, 5 hours of WiFi.
4. Visitor Line Premium + — For 200 dirhams (with VAT): 22.5 GB mobile internet, 525 minutes of local calls, 30 hours of WiFi.
5. Visitor Line Unlimited 7 — For 200 dirhams (with VAT): unlimited mobile internet, 100 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included (package is valid for 7 days).
6. Visitor Line Unlimited 14 — For 319 dirhams (with VAT): unlimited mobile internet, 300 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included (package is valid for 14 days).
Etisalat SIM cards come with bonuses, including promo codes for discounts and taxi rides, access to the SMILE ETISALAT coupon application (discounts for amusement parks, water parks, restaurants, fast foods, fashion stores), as well as unlimited voice and video calls through GoChat with fast connection speed.
Etisalat Visitor Line plans for tourists:
1. Visitor Line — For 49 dirhams (with VAT): 2 GB mobile internet, 30 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included.
2. Visitor Line + — For 79 dirhams (with VAT): 4 GB mobile internet, 30 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included.
3. Visitor Line Premium — For 125 dirhams (with VAT): 8 GB mobile internet, 120 minutes of local calls, 5 hours of WiFi.
4. Visitor Line Premium + — For 200 dirhams (with VAT): 22.5 GB mobile internet, 525 minutes of local calls, 30 hours of WiFi.
5. Visitor Line Unlimited 7 — For 200 dirhams (with VAT): unlimited mobile internet, 100 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included (package is valid for 7 days).
6. Visitor Line Unlimited 14 — For 319 dirhams (with VAT): unlimited mobile internet, 300 minutes of local calls, WiFi not included (package is valid for 14 days).
Etisalat SIM cards come with bonuses, including promo codes for discounts and taxi rides, access to the SMILE ETISALAT coupon application (discounts for amusement parks, water parks, restaurants, fast foods, fashion stores), as well as unlimited voice and video calls through GoChat with fast connection speed.
Etisalat Plans for UAE Residents
Etisalat plans with payment for mobile traffic volume (30 days):
▪︎ Medium: 750 MB — 25 dirhams
▪︎ Large: 2 GB — 50 dirhams
▪︎ Extra Large: 3.5 GB — 75 dirhams
"New Control Line" Plan: For 80 dirhams, you get 1 GB at full speed. After that, the speed is limited to 64 kbps, but the internet remains active. The plan also includes 1000 minutes to a "favorite number," which allows you to save on calls. This plan is especially beneficial if high speed after using the main data volume is not important to you. However, such plans are often available only through resellers, and they can be very difficult to purchase at regular Etisalat offices.
▪︎ Medium: 750 MB — 25 dirhams
▪︎ Large: 2 GB — 50 dirhams
▪︎ Extra Large: 3.5 GB — 75 dirhams
"New Control Line" Plan: For 80 dirhams, you get 1 GB at full speed. After that, the speed is limited to 64 kbps, but the internet remains active. The plan also includes 1000 minutes to a "favorite number," which allows you to save on calls. This plan is especially beneficial if high speed after using the main data volume is not important to you. However, such plans are often available only through resellers, and they can be very difficult to purchase at regular Etisalat offices.
Roaming of Russian Operators (as of February 2025)
Roaming from Russian operators in the UAE is generally not a cost-effective solution, as the price of services is often significantly higher than local operators. However, if you don't want to change your SIM card or your trip is short-term, you can consider roaming from domestic operators.
MTS
MTS operator provides two service packages for roaming abroad:
1. Abroad
The service costs 550 rubles/day. The fee is charged only if you use the internet, make a call, or answer a call. The service includes unlimited internet and 10 minutes of calls per day (in the UAE).
2. Abroad+
The "Abroad+" service is connected together with the "Abroad" service and works only in combination with it. If you disconnect "Abroad," then "Abroad+" will stop working, and the cost of calls and internet will be calculated according to the base rates.
When connecting the "Abroad+" service, a fee of 4,000 rubles is charged, and it allows you to use the "Abroad" service 10 times without additional payments. You don't need to pay for the "Abroad" service in this case.
1. Abroad
The service costs 550 rubles/day. The fee is charged only if you use the internet, make a call, or answer a call. The service includes unlimited internet and 10 minutes of calls per day (in the UAE).
2. Abroad+
The "Abroad+" service is connected together with the "Abroad" service and works only in combination with it. If you disconnect "Abroad," then "Abroad+" will stop working, and the cost of calls and internet will be calculated according to the base rates.
When connecting the "Abroad+" service, a fee of 4,000 rubles is charged, and it allows you to use the "Abroad" service 10 times without additional payments. You don't need to pay for the "Abroad" service in this case.
Beeline
The operator offers an option for 149 rubles per day, which provides unlimited access to social networks: Telegram, WhatsApp, and Viber. For the same cost, you can connect unlimited access to Google and Yandex maps (Yandex maps are quite well developed in Dubai). As for internet and calls, the cost is high. For example, 1 GB of internet for 3 days will cost 600 rubles, and 10 minutes of calls will cost 400 rubles.
Megafon in the UAE
Megafon offers several roaming packages that can be useful for long or frequent trips. The "Roaming Without Worries" package for 3199 rubles per month includes 2 GB of internet, unlimited messengers, and 30 minutes of calls.
If you need maps and navigation, you can connect an option for 149 rubles per day for unlimited internet for maps. The "Roaming, Goodbye PLUS" package for 1999 rubles per day offers unlimited internet and 100 minutes of calls. For using Yandex services and an internet package, there is an option for 1899 rubles for 7 days, and for minutes - packages for 1299 rubles.
If you need maps and navigation, you can connect an option for 149 rubles per day for unlimited internet for maps. The "Roaming, Goodbye PLUS" package for 1999 rubles per day offers unlimited internet and 100 minutes of calls. For using Yandex services and an internet package, there is an option for 1899 rubles for 7 days, and for minutes - packages for 1299 rubles.
Tinkoff Roaming in the UAE
Internet Packages:
▪︎ 100 MB per day — 129 rubles
▪︎ 1 GB for 7 days — 899 rubles
▪︎ 2 GB for 30 days — 1299 rubles
Unlimited Options:
▪︎ Messengers (per day) — 49 rubles
▪︎ Google Navigation (per day) — 49 rubles
Calls and SMS:
▪︎ Incoming calls — 17.9 rubles per minute
▪︎ Outgoing calls — 35.9 rubles per minute
▪︎ 30 minutes of incoming calls per day — 99 rubles
▪︎ Incoming SMS — 0 rubles
▪︎ Outgoing SMS — 5.9 rubles
▪︎ 100 MB per day — 129 rubles
▪︎ 1 GB for 7 days — 899 rubles
▪︎ 2 GB for 30 days — 1299 rubles
Unlimited Options:
▪︎ Messengers (per day) — 49 rubles
▪︎ Google Navigation (per day) — 49 rubles
Calls and SMS:
▪︎ Incoming calls — 17.9 rubles per minute
▪︎ Outgoing calls — 35.9 rubles per minute
▪︎ 30 minutes of incoming calls per day — 99 rubles
▪︎ Incoming SMS — 0 rubles
▪︎ Outgoing SMS — 5.9 rubles
Free Wi-Fi in Dubai
In Dubai, free Wi-Fi is available in major shopping malls, cafes and restaurants, public places such as parks and promenades, at some metro stations, and in government institutions. However, free Wi-Fi in Dubai often has limitations on speed and data volume, which may affect streaming video or large downloads. Connection may require registration through a phone number or social media, and access is often time-limited.
Communication in the UAE is convenient and accessible, with many options for tourists and those planning a long-term stay. Travelers to Dubai should choose local plans, as roaming can be expensive. Local operators Etisalat and Du offer advantageous packages with mobile internet and calls. If you have a short trip, you might consider domestic roaming, but for longer stays, local plans will be more cost-effective.
Remember that you need internet not only for communication but also for convenient travel around the city. Easily find the route to our yacht, where an unforgettable cruise on the Persian Gulf awaits you. Make sure you have access to the network so that your journey is comfortable and carefree.
To choose the optimal plan in Dubai depending on your needs, it's sensible to contact local operators or use the services of professionals, such as Gaia Living Real Estate agency, who can provide comprehensive assistance with adaptation, including selection of communication and other services in Dubai.
Remember that you need internet not only for communication but also for convenient travel around the city. Easily find the route to our yacht, where an unforgettable cruise on the Persian Gulf awaits you. Make sure you have access to the network so that your journey is comfortable and carefree.
To choose the optimal plan in Dubai depending on your needs, it's sensible to contact local operators or use the services of professionals, such as Gaia Living Real Estate agency, who can provide comprehensive assistance with adaptation, including selection of communication and other services in Dubai.