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What is it about? Telecommunication in the UAE is expensive, and this applies to both telephone conversations and Internet access. Moreover, sending voice messages through messengers doesn't work in the country, and the use of VPN can result in huge fines and even imprisonment.
What to do? For a guest of the country to keep in touch with their friends, family and business partners, there are several options to choose from: use tourist tariffs, tariffs for UAE residents, choose one of the roaming offers from Russian operators or use an eSIM.
The telecommunications market in the UAE is strictly regulated by the government. The provision of VoIP services (voice transmission over the internet) is the exclusive right of two major operators — Etisalat and Du. Any other activity in this area is prohibited by the country's legislation.
Due to the imposed restrictions on voice traffic, the operation of popular services such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp is becoming increasingly unstable. Despite occasional failures in the blocking system, most VoIP calls are unavailable. However, users note that some messengers, for example, Telegram, continue to work normally.
Despite the restrictions, as of January 2024, 9 VoIP applications for communication in the UAE were functioning: GoChat Messenger, BOTIM, Voico, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype Businesses, Zoom, C`Me and HiU.
Please note, that to use these services to make calls, it is necessary to connect to a tariff plan that supports this function. For example, tourist tariffs from the operator Du guaranteed to ensure the operation of only the BOTIM application. For other services, there is no such guarantee, although they may work.
Many people install special applications that create a virtual private network (VPN) on their smartphones. Simply put, such programmes create a secure connection to a server that may be located, for example, in Russia.
Thanks to this, it seems as if your phone is connected to the internet in Russia, and such applications as messengers work without restrictions. However, in the UAE, the use of such programmes contradicts the cybercrime law adopted in 2016.
The largest mobile operators in the UAE for tourists and local residents are Etisalat and Du. Etisalat, founded in 1976, is a state-owned enterprise and one of the world leaders in the telecommunications sector. Du was created later and also holds a significant market share.
Competition between the main telecommunication operators in the UAE (Etisalat and Du) is limited. Both companies are closely linked to the government, and the service market is divided geographically. Etisalat's headquarters is in Abu Dhabi, while Du's is in Dubai.
Image source: v.ivash / freepik.com
Although Etisalat owns most of the telecommunications infrastructure, in some regions of Dubai, Du is the sole provider of cable television and home internet services.
Etisalat, one of the leading mobile providers in the UAE, offers tourists a convenient and reliable way to stay connected thanks to eSIM technology. The company is renowned for its high-quality communication and provides a wide range of tariff plans, including mobile internet for a comfortable stay in Dubai in 2025.
Connecting to the Etisalat network guarantees stable and high-speed internet, working in both 4G networks and the modern 5G ones.
Etisalat offers a wide selection of tariff plans, from small packages to unlimited internet. The company is convenient for tourists from Russia and offers flexible conditions for short-term and long-term trips.
Key advantages:
Du is another reliable choice for travellers wishing to use an eSIM in Dubai. This operator offers a wide range of tariff plans that can be easily activated directly on your device. Thanks to Du, tourists can count on stable and fast internet connection, as well as quality cellular communication in the UAE.
The Du operator will provide reliable and fast internet connection during your stay in Dubai. Thanks to the support of 4G and 5G networks, you will be able to enjoy stable communication anywhere in the city. The company offers flexible tariff plans that will allow you to choose the optimal option in accordance with your mobile internet needs.
Key advantages:
Yesim is an innovative virtual SIM card service created for frequent travellers. It offers flexible tariff plans allowing connection to mobile internet in more than 160 countries worldwide, including the United Arab Emirates.
The simplicity of eSIM activation using a QR code or mobile application makes Yesim an ideal solution for travellers who value convenience and want to stay connected in the UAE and beyond.
Yesim offers a wide range of tariff plans, among which every traveller can find a suitable option. You can choose either a standard tariff with a fixed data volume or an unlimited tariff for those who require unrestricted internet access. All tariffs provide stable and high-speed connection.
Key advantages:
Features:
Airalo is a convenient way to always stay connected while travelling. It is a global operator offering affordable eSIM cards, including for Dubai. With Airalo, you'll forget about the need to look for local SIM cards: simply activate the eSIM directly on your smartphone and enjoy fast internet.
Airalo offers a wide selection of tariff plans that can be tailored to any mobile internet needs, from small packages for short trips to larger options for long journeys. With Airalo, internet access in Dubai in 2025 will become even more convenient and cost-effective.
Key advantages:
Features:
Drimsim is an innovative solution for travellers, allowing them to forego the need to purchase a physical SIM card in each new country. By connecting to Drimsim, you get access to high-speed mobile internet in Dubai and many other cities worldwide. Simple eSIM activation directly on your smartphone will make your journey even more comfortable.
Drimsim offers tourists from Russia convenient and cost-effective tariff plans for mobile internet. Thanks to flexible settings, everyone can choose the optimal option for their needs and enjoy a stable connection in Dubai without unnecessary hassle.
Image source: garetsvisual / freepik.com
Key advantages:
Features:
Thanks to technological development, telecommunication in the UAE for tourists from Russia and other countries has become accessible to everyone. In 2025, the process of eSIM activation has become even more convenient and quick. By foregoing a physical SIM card, you will be able to enjoy mobile communication in the UAE without any unnecessary hassle. A detailed instruction will help you easily connect to the mobile network.
The process of eSIM activation in the UAE is simplified as much as possible and takes minimal time. Tourists don't need to spend time searching for local operators and replacing SIM cards. Simple scanning of a QR code — and you're already online.
In 2024, Etisalat and DU updated their offers for travellers. Now tourists can purchase SIM cards with unlimited internet for longer periods — 14 and 28 days (previously only a 7-day period was available). A pleasant bonus was the reduction in the cost of unlimited internet by almost a half.
In Etisalat and Du tariffs, there is often an additional volume of internet traffic designated as DATA SOCIAL. This traffic is intended for use in social networks, but it's important to remember that it applies only to certain foreign platforms.
Russian social networks, such as VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, are not included in this list and consume your main internet traffic.
According to UAE Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, using VPN to bypass blocks and access prohibited content, such as gambling and pornography, is a serious crime. Such violations are subject to liability, up to imprisonment.
Due to restrictions imposed by local mobile operators in the UAE on applications supporting VoIP technology, many popular messengers and video calls have become unavailable for tourists and expats.
To bypass these blocks and make calls through WhatsApp, Skype or Facetime, VPN services are often used. However, for international calls, it is recommended to use platforms permitted by local authorities, such as Zoom or Google Meet.
Violation of the law is punishable by a fine of 14,000 to 540,000 dollars, and in particularly serious cases — imprisonment.
Travelling through the United Arab Emirates becomes significantly more comfortable if you take care of mobile communication in advance.
By choosing a suitable SIM card or an eSIM from local operators, you can significantly save on roaming and ensure a stable high-speed internet. This will allow you to use navigation without restrictions, book tickets and always stay connected in the UAE.
Article header image source: Pixels Hunter / shutterstock.com
