Dubai: Land in Dubai and stay connected! Learn how to collect your free “du” Tourist SIM at immigration, check your 24-hour free data limit, and follow our step-by-step guide to topping up for longer stays in 2026.
🕒 Step 1: Collection (The Immigration Desk)
Unlike most countries where you buy a SIM at a kiosk, in Dubai, the “free” SIM is handed to you by the Immigration Officer.
- At Passport Control: When the officer stamps your passport, they will hand you a small “du” (the service provider) SIM card pack.
- Eligibility: This is available to all tourists aged 18 and over who enter on a Tourist Visa, Visa on Arrival, or GCC National status.
- The Catch: If the officer forgets to hand it to you, politely ask, or head to the “du” kiosk located in the arrivals hall (just after baggage claim).
📊 Step 2: What’s Included (The Data Limits)
The complimentary SIM is designed to get you to your hotel, not for a week of scrolling.
- Free Data: 1GB (Valid for 24 hours only from activation).
- Validity: The SIM card itself remains active for 90 days (or the duration of your tourist visa).
- Cost: AED 0 (Completely free at the point of collection).
⚙️ Step 3: Activation Guide
Do not throw away the SIM pack; it contains your new UAE phone number.
- Insert the SIM: Use a pin to insert the nano-SIM into your phone.
- Dial the Code: Dial *122# and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Verification: You will be asked to provide your Passport Number, Nationality, and Date of Entry.
- Confirmation: You will receive an SMS confirming your 1GB of free data is active.
💳 Step 4: Top-Up Guide (For Longer Stays)
Once your 24 hours or 1GB is up, you’ll need to add a “Tourist Plan.” You can do this at any Zoom convenience store, du kiosks, or via the du app.
| Plan Name | Data Included | Price (Approx) | Validity |
| Small | 2GB + 30 Flexi Mins | AED 49 | 28 Days |
| Medium | 6GB + 30 Flexi Mins | AED 99 | 28 Days |
| Large | 10GB + 30 Flexi Mins | AED 139 | 28 Days |
| Unlimited | Unlimited Data | AED 299 | 10 Days |
Flexi Mins can be used for local or international calls to most countries.
💡 2026 Pro-Tips for Connectivity
- VOIP Restrictions: Remember that WhatsApp Calling, FaceTime, and Skype do not work for voice/video calls over mobile data in the UAE. You can send messages, but for calls, you’ll need to use apps like BOTIM or GoChat (both have free tiers).
- Etisalat Alternative: If you prefer the other major network, Etisalat by e&, they have kiosks in the arrivals hall offering “Visitor Packs” starting at AED 49. They aren’t free, but their coverage in the deep desert is slightly superior.
- Public Wi-Fi: Most major malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates) and the Metro have free Wi-Fi, but they often require a UAE phone number to send you an SMS code—this is where your free SIM comes in handy!
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