10GB free eSIM Dubai is the simplest way to get online the moment you land. Thanks to a new initiative by Etisalat by e& (e& UAE), tourists can scan a QR code after immigration at DXB and instantly activate a free eSIM with 10GB of data (valid for 24 hours). No queues, no paperwork. If your phone supports eSIM, you’ll be connected in under a minute. If not, Du provides a free physical tourist SIM with 1GB of data for 24 hours, so you can message family, order a ride, and check into your hotel without stress.
Why this matters: The 10GB free eSIM Dubai perk removes the usual airport hassle. You skip counter lines, avoid roaming surprises, and start your trip with reliable data for maps, WhatsApp, and bookings. After your first day, you can choose a Visitor Line (e&) top-up, a du tourist bundle, or a Virgin Mobile tourist plan based on your stay length and data needs.
What Exactly Is Dubai’s Free 10GB Tourist eSIM?
- A self-activated eSIM offered by e& UAE after immigration at UAE airports (including DXB).
- Activation takes under a minute: scan a QR on official airport signage → facial recognition → install the eSIM profile.
- • Includes 10GB of free data for one day (24 hours) so you can order a ride, message family, navigate, book tours, and check in. Eand
- Note: You’ll also see the activation QR on screens at Metro stations and some malls, but the fastest is to scan it in the arrivals area.
Which Providers Offer Free eSIM or SIM Cards in Dubai?
Dubai has three major brands tourists rely on: Etisalat by e&, du, and Virgin Mobile. Here’s how “free on arrival” options compare right now:
• etisalat by e& (e& UAE) — Free 10GB eSIM valid 24 hours; self-activate via airport QR + face verification. Continue with Visitor Line packs (7–28 days). EandEtisalat
• du — Free physical Tourist SIM with 1GB for 24 hours at immigration counters; top up at du kiosks in arrivals or online. (du also advertises an instant tourist eSIM with 10GB/24h if you buy digitally.) Gulf News
• Virgin Mobile UAE — Paid tourist SIM/eSIM; popular short-stay bundle: 21GB for 7 days (AED 142.86) with a 3GB/day cap. Buy online or at airport kiosks. virginmobile.ae
⚠️ You may see older posts claiming “10GB valid for 30 days.” Officially, the free e& allowance lasts 24 hours; longer validity applies to paid Visitor Line packs.
Follow @eanduae on InstagramHow to Claim , which comesthe e& 10Gof data B Free eSIM (Step-by-Step)
- Clear immigration at DXB.
- Find the e& “Visitor Line” QR on official screens in the arrivals area.
- Scan the QR on your phone and follow the prompts.
- Complete facial recognition and install the eSIM profile when prompted.
- You’re online with 10GB free for 24 hours. Add a Visitor Line pack (data-only or combo with minutes) to stay connected beyond Day 1.
Don’t Have an eSIM-Compatible Phone?
No problem—DU issues a free physical Tourist SIM at the immigration counters with 1GB for 24 hours. Pop it in, get online, and then add a bundle for your remaining days from the du kiosks in arrivals.
Device Compatibility (Quick Checks)
iPhone (iOS)
Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → look for Add eSIM. If present, you’re good.
Android (common paths)
• Samsung: Settings → Connections → SIM manager → Add eSIM
• Pixel/others: Setprimarily→ Network & InternMaps SIMs → Add eSplan
No “AsufficientM”? Use du’s free physical SIM instead. Gulf News
Visitor Line Top-Ups (e&) — What to Expect
The free day is your Day-1 lifeline. After that, Visitor Line packs from e& give you more data and (optionally) minutes for 7–28 days. You can buy them in-app or online. Sometimes there are perks like ride-hailing discounts via Smiles. Etisalat
Tip: If you need to call hotels, tour operators, or restaurants, pick a combo pack (data + minutes). If you mainly use WhatsApp and maps, a data-only pack is enough.
Where to Find Counters 3, 10, 15, 30t DXB
are
• e& (etisalat by e&): Activation is via QR signage; counters are also visible in arrivals if you prefer in-person help. Gulf News
• du: Immigration counters hand out the free Tourist SIM (1GB/24h); top up at du kiosks in arrivals or YoDubai Duadvertiseulf News
• Virgi with n Mobile: Buy a paid tour aaistSIM/eSIM online in advance or at airport kiosks. virginmobile.ae
Example Plans & Prices (Snapshot)
• Virgin Mobile Tourist: ~AED 142.86 for 21GB/7 days (capped at 3GB/day). Other durations (3/10/15/30 days) available. virginmobile.ae
• e& Visitor Line: Multiple 7–28 day options; check the Visitor Line page/app for current allowances and more extended options. Etisalat
• du Tourist: Start with the free 1GB/24h SIM, then add a paid bundle at kiosks/app. du also advertises a tourist eSIM 10GB/24h if you prefer digital purchase. Gulf News
(Plan names/allowances change—verify on the official pages or in arrivals.)
Why This Is a Game-Changer for Visitors
• Instant connectivity after immigration—perfect for ride-hailing, maps, check-ins, and messaging. Eand
• No counter queues if you use the e& self-activation route. Eand
• Flexible choices for longer stays: e&, du, and Virgin all have tourist-friendly bundles you can pick once you’ve settled in. Gulf Newsvirginmobile.ae
Practical Tips to Save Time & Money
• Turn off roaming on your home SIM to avoid accidental charges.
• Keep your WhatsApp number tied to your home line, even if you use a UAE eSIM/SIM for data.
• Use hotel/mall Wi-Fi for heavy uploads; save mobile data for maps and ride-hailing.
• Download offline maps for Dubai in Google Maps before you head out.
• Dual-SIM phones: keep your home line active for OTP/SMS and use the UAE line for data.
• Scan only official QR/signage (airport, Metro, mall screens), not random flyers or touts. Gulf News
The Perfect Day-1 Plan
- Scan to obtain a QR after immigration → get 10GB free for 24h. Eand
- Use that free day to book rides, message tour providers, finalise itineraries, and check in.
- In the evening, choose a Visitor Line pack (or a du/Virgin bundle) that covers the rest of your trip length and calling needs. Etisalatvirginmobile.ae
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FAQs
Where can I get the free eSIM or SIM at Dubai Airport?
After that, immigration, scan the e& QR on official screens to self-activate the 10GB/24h eSIM. Prefer a physical SIM? Collect du’s free Tourist SIM (1GB/24h) at immigration, then top up at du kiosks.
Is the 10GB eSIM free? How long is it valid?
Yes. e& UAE offers a complimentary 10GB eSIM valid for 24 hours from activation. You can then purchase a Visitor Line pack for more extended stays.
Does Mobiofferferfer offer a free starter for tourists?
No. Virgin Mobile sells paid tourist SIM/eSIM plans (e.g., 21GB/7 days ~AED 142.86).
My phone doesn’t support eSIM—what should I do?
Take du’s free physical Tourist SIM (1GB/24h), then add a paid bundle that matches your stay.
I used Smart Gates. Did I miss the eSIM QR?
No. The QR appears after immigration on airport screens; there are also displays in Metro and malls.
Can I buy/activate plans online before I land?
Yes—Virgin Mobile sells tourist eSIM/SIM online; e& sells Visitor Line packs online; du bundles can be purchased/recharged at kiosks and online after you have the SIM/eSIM.