Before you start

An Emirates ID for a resident prepaid or postpaid line (passport works for a tourist SIM only)
A UAE residence visa for postpaid plans (carriers verify residency)
An unlocked phone, plus eSIM support if you want a digital SIM

Step-by-step

1
Grab a tourist SIM at the airport if you need a number day one
Both e& and du have desks in the DXB arrivals halls selling prepaid visitor SIMs on your passport, often bundled with tourist data and some free incoming minutes. It bridges the gap until your Emirates ID lands, but it is not a long-term plan.
In personWho: YouMinutes on arrivalTourist SIM bundles roughly AED 50-125
2
Choose carrier, plan type, and prepaid vs postpaid
Compare e& and du on coverage and price. Prepaid (e& Wasel / du Prepaid) means no contract and top-ups as you go; postpaid is a monthly contract with a bill, bigger data, and easier device instalments. Coverage is strong nationwide for both, so price and the specific bundle usually decide it.
OnlineWho: YouSame day to decidePlans from ~AED 25-50/mo (prepaid) up
3
Register the SIM against your Emirates ID
Buy and activate at a carrier shop, a kiosk, or in the e&/du app. By law the line must be registered to your Emirates ID, so bring it — staff scan it to activate. A physical SIM activates within minutes once registered.
In personWho: YouSame day; activation in minutesSIM/starter pack often AED 25-55
4
Or activate an eSIM from the app
Both carriers support eSIM on compatible phones, so you can buy and activate a plan in the e& or du app by scanning your Emirates ID and verifying identity — no shop visit. Handy if your handset is eSIM-only, though some newcomers still prefer a physical SIM for the first line.
Mobile appWho: YouSame day, fully digitalSame as the chosen plan

Documents you’ll need

Emirates ID (original) for a resident line
Passport with residence visa (postpaid / residency check)
Passport only — for a tourist/visitor SIM
A compatible handset (eSIM-capable if going digital)

Things most newcomers don’t know

WhatsApp and FaceTime voice/video calls are blocked in the UAE.

VoIP calling apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Facebook Messenger calls) are restricted; messaging usually still works, but to call home you use carrier-licensed apps like e& BOTIM/C'Me or a normal phone call. It blindsides almost every newcomer — plan your calls-home strategy before arrival.

Source: TRA/carrier policy + expat guides

There are only two carriers, and every SIM is ID-registered.

e& (Etisalat) and du are the choices — no anonymous SIMs exist, since each line must be tied to your Emirates ID (or passport for tourists). Knowing it is a duopoly sets realistic expectations on price and means you simply pick the better bundle.

Source: e& / du official

A tourist SIM bridges the gap until your Emirates ID is issued.

A full resident prepaid/postpaid line needs the EID, which can take a couple of weeks. A passport-based visitor SIM from the DXB desks gets you a working number on day one so you are reachable while residency processes.

Source: carrier airport-desk info

eSIM lets you skip the shop entirely on a compatible phone.

Both networks support eSIM, so you can activate a plan in-app by scanning your Emirates ID — useful for eSIM-only handsets or if you would rather not queue. Confirm your phone supports eSIM before relying on it.

Source: e& / du eSIM pages

Common mistakes to avoid

Assuming WhatsApp/FaceTime calls will work — VoIP calling is blocked, so set up a licensed calling app
Expecting an anonymous pay-as-you-go SIM — every line is registered to your Emirates ID or passport
Trying to get a resident postpaid plan before your Emirates ID is issued