Burj Mobile offers low-cost eSIMs for visitors to the United Arab Emirates. Plans start from US$4.50 (~17AED) and give you 4G coverage from Etisalat.
If you're planning a trip to the United Arab Emirates, one of the easiest ways to use your cellphone whilst you're there is with a Burj Mobile eSIM.
You can get a Burj Mobile eSIM from US$4.50 (approximately 17AED) at Airalo. This will allow you to use your cellphone in the United Arab Emirates for up to 7 days. The Burj Mobile eSIM is available on a pre-paid basis for visitors to the United Arab Emirates and gives you an allowance of 4G mobile data to use whilst you're there.
In this article, we'll look at the Burj Mobile service in the United Arab Emirates, including how you're able to get it and the best Burj Mobile eSIM deals. We'll also look at the coverage available on a Burj Mobile eSIM, and the other ways of using your mobile phone in the United Arab Emirates (e.g. through international roaming).
Plans From: | US$4.50 (~17AED) for 7 days |
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Best Deals: |
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Coverage: | 4G coverage (Etisalat) |
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Burj Mobile Plans
If you're looking for an affordable way to use your cellphone when travelling in the United Arab Emirates, you can get a Burj Mobile eSIM from only US$4.50 (approximately 17AED) for 7 days usage.
To get a Burj Mobile eSIM, you'll need to have an eSIM-compatible device such as the iPhone 11, Galaxy S20, Pixel 3 or later devices. You can then order your Burj Mobile eSIM through the Airalo app with instant delivery direct to your phone. There's no need to queue at the airport or to register the Burj Mobile eSIM with your ID, saving you lots of time.
The following table shows the eSIM plans that are currently available from Burj Mobile in the United Arab Emirates:
Plan | Data | Plan Cost | |
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| 1GB data | US$4.50 (approx 17 AED) 7 days validity | See deal |
| 2GB data | US$7.00 (approx 26 AED) 15 days validity | See deal |
| 3GB data | US$9.50 (approx 35 AED) 30 days validity | See deal |
| 5GB data | US$13.00 (approx 48 AED) 30 days validity | See deal |
| 10GB data | US$21.00 (approx 77 AED) 30 days validity | See deal |
| 20GB data | US$35.00 (approx 129 AED) 30 days validity | See deal |
As a special offer for October 2024, you can get a 10% discount on all Burj Mobile eSIMs. Simply enter the KEN10 voucher code at checkout. This offer is only available if you're new to Airalo.
If you've already used an Airalo eSIM in the past, you can use the KEN5 voucher code to get a 5% discount on your plan.
See all Burj Mobile eSIM deals →
Once you've ordered your Burj Mobile eSIM, it will only activate when your cellphone actually connects to a supported network in the United Arab Emirates. This means the validity period will only begin when you actually land in the United Arab Emirates and turn your cellphone on.
Your Burj Mobile eSIM works with the dual-SIM function on most modern smartphones. This means you can use your regular SIM card alongside the Burj Mobile eSIM (e.g. to receive incoming phone calls and text messages on your normal phone number).
Alternatives to Burj Mobile
The main disadvantage of Burj Mobile is the fact you're getting a data-only service on the eSIM. You will not get a local phone number in the United Arab Emirates when you're using the Burj Mobile eSIM in your phone.
If you'd like to call or text whilst you're travelling in the United Arab Emirates, you'll need to use your normal SIM card instead (on which international roaming fees may apply). Alternatively, you can side-step these charges by making your calls through WhatsApp or other similar apps.
If you're looking for a more fully featured SIM card with a local phone number in the United Arab Emirates (starting with +971), you could consider getting a regular prepaid SIM card upon arrival instead. This will involve some additional hassle (e.g. queuing up at the airport to get your SIM card, a registration process for the SIM card, etc) but it can be preferable and better suited for longer-term use in the United Arab Emirates.
Burj Mobile Coverage
If you're using a Burj Mobile eSIM, you'll have access to 4G mobile coverage in the United Arab Emirates. This is provided by the following partner networks:
Coverage Provider | Network Type | Coverage Area |
---|---|---|
Etisalat | 4G LTE | United Arab Emirates |
There's no international roaming available on a Burj Mobile eSIM. Therefore, you won't be able to use it outside of the United Arab Emirates. If you're planning to visit multiple countries on your trip, you may need to get a separate eSIM for the other countries you visit.
Other Airalo eSIMs
Airalo's Burj Mobile eSIM can only be used in the United Arab Emirates.
If you're planning to visit multiple countries on your trip, you could consider getting a Discover or Menalink eSIM. These eSIM plans will work in the United Arab Emirates, as well as a number of other countries.Discover eSIM
Airalo's Discover eSIM will also work in the United Arab Emirates, giving you 4G & 5G coverage from ETISALAT. In addition, you'll be able to use it in 123 other countries. The Discover plans start from US$9 for 1GB of data:
Plan | Data | Plan Cost | |
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| 1GB data | US$9.00 7 days validity | See deal |
| 2GB data | US$17.00 15 days validity | See deal |
| 3GB data | US$24.00 30 days validity | See deal |
| 5GB data | US$35.00 60 days validity | See deal |
| 10GB data | US$59.00 180 days validity | See deal |
| 20GB data | US$69.00 365 days validity | See deal |
Menalink eSIM
Airalo's Menalink eSIM will also work in the United Arab Emirates, giving you 4G coverage from Etisalat. In addition, you'll be able to use it in 13 other countries. The Menalink plans start from US$15 for 1GB of data:
Plan | Data | Plan Cost | |
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| 1GB data | US$15.00 7 days validity | See deal |
| 2GB data | US$28.00 15 days validity | See deal |
| 3GB data | US$39.00 30 days validity | See deal |
Discover+ eSIM
The Discover+ eSIM works in a very similar way to the Discover eSIM, also allowing you to use your mobile phone in the United Arab Emirates. However, it adds the ability for you to make and recieve phone calls and SMS text messages on your eSIM. You'll be assigned a +43 phone number (based in Austria) to use for calling and texting.
The Discover+ plans currently start from US$15 for 10 minutes, 10 texts and 1GB of data:
Plan | Data | Plan Cost | |
---|---|---|---|
| 1GB data | US$15.00 7 days validity | See deal |
| 2GB data | US$27.00 15 days validity | See deal |
| 3GB data | US$36.00 30 days validity | See deal |
| 5GB data | US$50.00 60 days validity | See deal |
| 10GB data | US$79.00 180 days validity | See deal |
| 20GB data | US$89.00 365 days validity | See deal |
Other Country Specific eSIMs
You can also buy other country-specific eSIMs from Airalo, including the following:
- Yes! Go! (Australia)
- Joia (Brazil)
- Tuque Mobile (Canada)
- Chinacom (China)
- Bonbon Mobile (France)
- Hallo! Mobil (Germany)
- Hkmobile (Hong Kong)
- Indicomm (India)
- Indotel (Indonesia)
- Mamma Mia (Italy)
- Moshi Moshi (Japan)
- Chorro Fon (Mexico)
- Choukran (Morocco)
- Fofo Mobil (Portugal)
- CellSA (South Africa)
- Guay Mobile (Spain)
- Merhaba (Turkey)
- Uki Mobile (United Kingdom)
- Change Mobile (United States)
- Xin Chao (Vietnam)
For more information, read our Airalo review.
More Information
For more information about Burj Mobile, please see the Airalo website. If you're based inside the UK, you can also read our guide on the best SIM cards for roaming in the United Arab Emirates.
Brad said:
I am planning on using Airalo in Pr
Portugal. Do you know if they allow tethering the phone to an iPad?
Ken replied:
Hi Brad,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, it should be possible to tether with your Airalo eSIM.
Hope this helps,
Ken
Richard said:
Hi Ken
Love this site!
I’m off to South Africa in Feb 24 and I have a EE contract, they however do not cover that Country in their Data Roaming, what is the best way I can use my phone over there please?
Get a sim when I land or do you know any other deals
Thanks
Richard
Gilberto said:
hi. when I use Eurolink e card can I keep and use my original WhatsApp number?
Ken replied:
Hi Gilberto,
Thanks for your comment. Indeed, you can – you can continue using WhatsApp with your original number 🙂
Ken