In the United Arab Emirates, voice and video calls over the internet are a regulated service. The regulator, TDRA, publishes a list of approved calling apps, and at the time of writing (September 2026) WhatsApp calls and FaceTime are not on that list. An esim0 UAE eSIM uses the du network, but its data reaches the internet through our supplier's network in Europe. This changes the route of your data, not the rules that apply to you in the UAE, so read what TDRA says before you rely on any calling app.
What the UAE regulator says about internet calls
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) regulates telecoms in the UAE. Its internet guidelines say that voice and video calls are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and that VoIP is a regulated activity in the UAE. TDRA's FAQ adds these points:
- Licensed operators may provide VoIP services. Other companies may provide them together with a licensed operator, or with approval from TDRA.
- Licensed operators must block access to VoIP services that are not licensed.
- Except where the policy makes an exception or TDRA gives approval, a person who uses a VoIP service that is not provided by a licensed operator, or together with one, may be committing a criminal offence.
TDRA keeps a list of approved VoIP apps on its internet guidelines page. In September 2026 the general list includes, for example, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet (meetings only), Skype for Business, Cisco Webex, Slack, BOTIM, GoChat, Voico, Totok and Comera. The list can change, so check the TDRA page before you travel. The same page lists categories of prohibited content. One of them is content that helps users reach blocked content, including proxy servers and VPN services.
These rules are about voice and video calls. Visitors must follow UAE law, including the rules on what you post and send online. The UK government's travel advice gives examples: it says that swearing and rude gestures are illegal in the UAE, including online, and that media activity needs the right permissions.
How an esim0 UAE eSIM connects
At the time of writing, our UAE plans connect to du. du is one of the companies licensed to provide telecommunications services in the UAE. The plan page lists du with speeds of 3G, 4G and 5G. 5G is not available everywhere.
A travel eSIM is a roaming connection. du provides the signal, but your data is carried back to our supplier's gateway in another country. Your data reaches the internet from that gateway. For every UAE plan on esim0, the gateway is in Europe. The plan page shows this as "Your connection appears from Europe".
So websites and apps see an IP address in Europe, not in the UAE. In the UAE, the licensed operators are required to block certain content on their connections. Your eSIM data does not reach the internet in the UAE, so in practice apps and websites usually behave as they would on a connection in Europe. You do not need to install any extra app for the eSIM to work.
This is a technical effect of roaming. It is not a permission. Visitors must follow UAE law whatever connection they use, and esim0 does not say that an app which is not approved in the UAE becomes allowed because your data leaves through Europe. For calls, you can use an app from the TDRA list, or make a normal call from your own number.
What changes when your connection appears in Europe
A European connection has some side effects. Know them before you travel:
- Search, language and adverts. Websites may show results, languages and adverts for Europe.
- Streaming and shops. Streaming catalogues and some online shops may show what is offered in the European country, not in the UAE.
- Local UAE services. Some UAE apps, such as banking, government, delivery or taxi apps, may treat you as a user abroad. They may limit some features or ask for extra verification.
- Wi-Fi is different. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, and many malls and public places do too. Wi-Fi in the UAE is a local connection. The route through Europe applies only to the eSIM's mobile data.
- No local number. The eSIM is data only. It has no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Codes sent by SMS, for example from your bank, go to your own number, so keep your home line switched on.
Travel eSIM, local SIM or Wi-Fi in the UAE
| esim0 travel eSIM | Local UAE SIM | Hotel or public Wi-Fi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you get it | Bought online before you travel. QR code by email within minutes. | From an operator shop, for example at the airport. You need a copy of your passport and UAE visa. | Free in most hotels and malls, and in many other public places. |
| Phone number | None. Data only. Your own number stays active. | A UAE number. | None. |
| Where apps see you | Europe (our supplier's gateway). | UAE. | UAE. |
| Local blocking of calling apps | Not in the data path. UAE law still applies to you. | Operators must block unlicensed VoIP (TDRA). | A local connection, so local rules apply. |
| Your own SIM | Stays in the phone. The eSIM is a second line. | Replaces it, unless your phone takes two SIMs. | Not affected. |
| Setup | Install at home on Wi-Fi. | After you land. | On site, in each place. |
Set up your eSIM before you fly
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and must not be locked to an operator. See compatible devices.
- Choose a plan. Compare data and validity on the UAE eSIM page. At the time of writing, plans range from 1 GB to 50 GB, with daily plans and fixed plans of 7 to 180 days. Your QR code arrives by email within minutes of payment, and it is also in your esim0 account.
- Install at home on Wi-Fi. Open the QR code on another screen and scan it. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM. On Samsung Galaxy, go to Settings, then Connections, then SIM manager, then Add eSIM. On Google Pixel, go to Settings, then Network & internet, then SIMs, then Add SIM. Name the new line "Travel". Step-by-step guides: iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPad.
- Check when validity starts. The UAE page says the plan starts counting when the eSIM first connects to a network in the UAE, and that an unused eSIM stays valid for up to 180 days. Check the activation rule of your plan on the plan page before you install, and see how to activate an eSIM.
- When you land, select the eSIM for data. Set mobile data to the Travel line. Turn on data roaming for the Travel line only. Keep data roaming and automatic data switching off for your home SIM, so your own operator does not charge you for data.
- Keep your home line on. Your number stays active for calls and SMS, and codes sent by SMS reach you there.
Do not remove the eSIM while it still has data or validity. Removing it is permanent, and the profile may not install a second time. Switching the line off is enough.
If the eSIM does not connect
Check three things in this order. Mobile data must point to the esim0 line, not to your own SIM. Data roaming must be on for the esim0 line. The plan must have data left. If all three are correct, turn airplane mode on and off once. The APN is set automatically. If it still does not work, write to [email protected], 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the contact page. Please contact support before you delete the eSIM. The refund policy explains when a refund is possible. You must ask within 7 days of purchase, and there is no refund once the eSIM has been activated and used.
FAQ
Can I use WhatsApp in the UAE with an esim0 eSIM?
You keep your own number for WhatsApp, because the eSIM only adds a data line. For voice and video calls, read the TDRA rules above. In September 2026, WhatsApp calls are not on TDRA's list of approved VoIP apps, and TDRA says that using an unapproved VoIP service may be a criminal offence.
Do I need a VPN app for the eSIM to work?
No. The eSIM works without any extra app. Install it, select it for mobile data and turn on data roaming for its line. We do not give advice about VPNs. Note that TDRA lists content that helps users reach blocked content, including VPN services, as a prohibited category.
Why do apps say I am in Europe?
Because your data reaches the internet through our supplier's gateway in Europe. Websites and apps see that European IP address. This can change search results, language, streaming catalogues and some shop offers.
Will UAE apps, such as banking or taxi apps, work?
Many will, but some may treat you as a user abroad or ask for extra verification. If a UAE app needs a local connection, try it on hotel Wi-Fi, which is a local UAE connection. Codes sent by SMS go to your own number, not to the eSIM.
Does the eSIM give me a UAE phone number?
No. The eSIM is prepaid and data only. It has no phone number, no calls and no SMS. Your own SIM stays in the phone for calls and messages. If you need a UAE number, a local SIM from a UAE operator gives you one.
