International Data for a trip to the UAE?

[TheNawab]

Hello folks!

My dad is going to be travelling to the UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi for a week this month, and I was just looking for options to get him internet data when he's there for his work. The hotel will obviously have Wi-Fi but the place he is visiting is basically an expo and would require data on his mobile while there. What are the best international plans I could recharge for the requirement? Are there temporary data SIMs available on UAE Airports, similar to East Asian countries? Please help me out.

Thanks.

He has both Jio and Airtel SIMs on his phone btw, and no E-SIM support on the device, so I am not looking into those options.

 

[raksrules]

I know that on Dubai airport you definitely get a tourist SIM at the immigration counter itself. I don't know if it is the same for Abu Dhabi, but if you do get a tourist SIM in Abu Dhabi during immigration, then you will get 1GB data valid for only one day and then you can recharge it for more validity and more data. I've used this option while visiting Dubai. Operator is DU.

 

[Hydrogen Oxide]

Hello i was a student studying in Dubai i remember Etisalat and DU does give u tourist plan at airports for 28 days around around 4gb data and some 30 mins international calling for about 50 aed. Jio has cheaper plans i remember but still expensive compared to a tourist sim. Also use free wifi where ever available thats the best way to save data for gps and other stuff also use data saver mode and for calling whatsapp call does not work so download botim or go chat or use a vpn.

 

[prime]

I don't know if it is the same for Abu Dhabi,

I didn't get a free sim at Abu Dhabi Airport on arrival last year. Bought it from a DU store later.

 

[TEUser2K1]

Are there temporary data SIMs available on UAE Airports

Generally temp sim should be available in Indian airport itself though UAE airport will have either Etisalat / Virgin / Du.
The expo venue may be providing free internet ?
Both Airtel and Jio gives intnl roaming plans with Jio probably giving a better deal, no need of eSIM.

 

[TheNawab]

Thanks for all the info folks.Will enquire about the tourist sims today.

 

[raksrules]

Generally temp sim should be available in Indian airport itself

I don't think so. I have never seen Indian airports giving some other country SIM cards. You need to get only after alighting or get eSim installed before leaving so you have connectivity as soon as you land.

 

[TEUser2K1]

May be situation changed recently, using same sim purchased from Indian airport even now after years...
Don't like eSIM, but that's just me.