Mobile Phone Companies, Mobile Packages & Internet Data Plans for Pakistanis Living in the UAE
As a Pakistani in the UAE, picking the right mobile phone company, mobile packages, and internet data plans matters—for staying connected locally, keeping in touch with family in Pakistan, and getting value for your money. This guide delivers:
What documents Pakistanis need to get a SIM in the UAE
How to get a SIM at the airport on arrival
Overview of major mobile phone companies – Etisalat (e& Wasel), du, Virgin Mobile UAE (MVNO)
Popular mobile packages & internet data plans, including local data bundles and Pakistan calling options
Short codes and apps for activation and balance checks
Tips on which packages best suit different usage patterns
What Documents Pakistanis Need to Get a SIM in the UAE
Pakistanis arriving or living in the UAE should be ready with:
- If you have an Emirates ID (resident): Present your Emirates ID and complete biometric verification (fingerprints, often at the store or via the UAE PASS system).
- If you’re a visitor (on Pakistani passport with visa): Present your passport + valid UAE entry visa to register your SIM under your passport. Once you receive your Emirates ID, you can re-register the SIM to it.
- Digital ID (UAE PASS): Increasingly used for SIM issuance—many operators allow remote or in-store SIM activation using UAE PASS approval.
How to Get a SIM at the Airport on Arrival in UAE ?
Many Pakistanis find it easiest to get connected as soon as they land. Major UAE airports offer SIM issuance counters right in the arrivals hall:
- Airports covered: Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Sharjah International—all have booths for Etisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile (and sometimes Salam Mobile or MVNOs).
- These counters typically operate 24/7, especially busy during peak periods like Ramadan or holidays.
- What you need: Passport + UAE entry visa (for visitors); Emirates ID (for residents). Biometric or UAE PASS verification is done on the spot.
- Available tourist SIM bundles offer a mix of data, local minutes, and sometimes international minutes or ride credits.
- Once you get your Emirates ID, you can transfer your SIM to your ID for long-term use or switch to a more suitable plan.
UAE Major Mobile Phone Companies & Their Packages for Pakistanis
Etisalat UAE Wasel Packages (now branded as – Wasel)
Why Pakistanis choose it: Widest coverage (especially in remote areas), most stable network, extensive plan variety.
Prepaid Plans (“WaselGo”):
- WaselGo Small: AED 10.50 – 400 MB + 15 flexi minutes, 7-day validity
- Medium: AED 26.25 – 750 MB + 40 mins, 7-day validity
- Large: AED 52.50 – 2 GB + 100 mins, 7-day validity
- XL: AED 78.75 – 3.5 GB + 175 mins, 7 days
Dubai OFW
Unlimited data short-term packs:
- Super 1-Hour (AED 3), Super 3-Hours (AED 6)—unlimited data for specified duration.
Dubai OFW
Visitor SIM bundles:
- Visitor Line: AED 49 – 2 GB + 30 mins + AED 100 Careem credit, 28 days
- Visitor Line+: AED 79 – 4 GB + 30 mins + Careem AED 100
- Visitor Premium: AED 125 – 8 GB + 120 mins + 5h Wi-Fi + Careem AED 100
- Visitor Premium+: AED 200 – 22.5 GB + 525 mins + 30h Wi-Fi + Careem AED 100
- Visitor Unlimited: AED 319 – unlimited data + 100 mins + Careem credit, 10 days
Dubai OFW
International calling to Pakistan:
Activation SMS code DI25 via SMS to 1012 for these bundles:
- Daily: 30 mins for AED 5
- Weekly: 200 mins for AED 25
- Monthly: 500 mins for AED 49 / 1000 mins for AED 79 / 2000 mins for AED 99 per 28 days
Unsubscribe with DI25C.
Plan UAEEtisalat
Half-per-second billing (flat rate):
Per-second call rate to Pakistan is AED 0.38 per minute (List B countries). No setup fee.
Etisalat
Management & codes:
Use My Etisalat UAE app; deactivate bundles via SMS codes; check data with 1701# or text DATA to 1010.
Choose Your Mobile Etisalat
du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company)
Why Pakistanis choose du: Often slightly cheaper, good coverage, attractive international call bundles.
International call offers to Pakistan:
- AED 49 – 500 mins (28 days)
- AED 79 – 1000 mins (28 days)
- AED 99 – 2000 mins (28 days)
Activate via *135# or du app. Excludes Telenor Pakistan.
Dubai Sims
Per-second billing and Botim/Internet Calling:
Standard international minutes (GSM/VoLTE) or use Internet Calling Packs (Botim, C’Me) via data.
myduinternet.ae
Virgin Mobile UAE (MVNO)
Why Pakistanis may prefer it: Flexible app-based plan builder, customizable data + voice packages, competitive per-minute rates to Pakistan (varies by plan).
- Set up your plan in the Virgin Mobile UAE app.
- View per-minute rates to Pakistan via “International Calls” section.
- Manage everything seamlessly within the app.
Dubai SimsWikipedia
Useful UAE Mobile Activation Codes & App Management
| Provider | App | Balance/Data Code | Pakistan Call Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etisalat e& | My Etisalat UAE | 10150# for packs; 1701# for data | SMS DI25 to 1012 (activate Pakistan bundles) |
| du | du UAE app | In-app or *135# menu | Use app or *135# to pick Pakistan bundle |
| Virgin Mobile | Virgin Mobile UAE app | In-app only | Set Pakistan rate within app |
Which UAE Mobile Packages Work Best for You?
| Your Usage Pattern | Best Option(s) |
|---|---|
| Heavy local data, occasional Pakistan call | Etisalat WaselGo XL + DI25 add-on for reliable local + Pakistan calling |
| Mostly calling Pakistan (long voice only) | du 2000-min bundle (AED 99) offers best per-minute value |
| Balanced data + regular Pakistan calls | Etisalat medium or large + Pakistan bundle, or Virgin Mobile initiated plan |
| Short-term visitor or early arrival | Etisalat Visitor SIM via airport or city kiosk |
Final Tips & Community Insights
- Use apps for reliability. Avoid failed USSD attempts and keep track of promos using My Etisalat or du app.
Reddit - Call quality caution. Some users report international calls via Etisalat may be routed through third-party or VoIP paths, occasionally affecting clarity.
Reddit - It’s expensive—plan accordingly. Multiple users warn that data in the UAE is costly compared to many countries.
Reddit - Etisalat ≈ more reliable, du ≈ cheaper. Many users advise Etisalat for stable coverage, du for better value if your area has good du signal.
Reddit
Final Thoughts
For Pakistanis living in the UAE, staying connected means balancing strong mobile data, good coverage, and cost-efficient calling to Pakistan. Here’s a quick takeaway:
- Etisalat (e&): Best coverage, flexible visitor & resident plans, clear add-ons for Pakistan.
- du: More affordable international bundles—excellent if your calls home are long.
- Virgin Mobile UAE: Ideal for tech-savvy users who want customized app-driven plans.
- Visitor SIMs: Available at airports—simple, fast, and easy if you haven’t yet got your Emirates ID.
Need help choosing actual recharge codes or bundles? Let me know your typical monthly data usage and call minutes to Pakistan, and I’ll recommend three concrete plan combinations tailored to your needs.
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