How to Register a New SIM Card in the UAE

Getting a new SIM card in the UAE is a straightforward process, but every mobile number must be registered against valid identification before it can be activated. The requirement applies to both voice and data SIM cards, including physical SIMs and eSIMs. The process is handled by licensed telecom operators under the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) requirements.

Whether you are a UAE resident setting up a new mobile number or a visitor buying a temporary SIM, you will need to provide an approved identity document. The exact steps vary depending on your status, the operator you choose and whether you are buying a physical SIM or eSIM.

What You Need to Register a SIM in the UAE

The documents required depend on whether you are a UAE resident or a visitor.

• UAE residents and citizens: You generally need your valid Emirates ID to register a mobile SIM. TDRA states that the original Emirates ID is required for SIM registration and that copies or scanned images are not accepted for this purpose.
• Visitors: Visitors can register a SIM using their passport. GCC citizens can also use their GCC national ID, subject to the operator’s requirements.

You should also have your mobile phone with you if you are activating an eSIM or need to complete an SMS or digital verification step. The exact eligibility requirements can vary between operators and plans. For example, e& states that its Visitor Line is available to visitors aged 18 and above.

How many SIM cards can you register?

The commonly quoted limit of 10 SIM cards per person is not the current TDRA limit.

According to TDRA, residents can register up to five SIM cards per service provider, while visitors can register up to two SIM cards per service provider. The limit applies to mobile SIM cards, including those used for voice and data services.

How to Register a SIM Card at a Store

Visiting a telecom operator’s store remains one of the simplest options if you are buying a new number or need help with activation.

The process is generally as follows:

1. Choose a mobile operator such as e&, du or Virgin Mobile UAE.
2. Visit an authorised store or outlet with your original Emirates ID if you are a resident.
3. Visitors should bring their physical passport and any other documents requested by the operator.
4. Choose a prepaid, postpaid or data plan.
5. The operator verifies your identity and completes the required mobile registration process.
6. Once registration is completed, the SIM can be activated according to the operator’s procedures.
7. Insert the physical SIM into your phone, or follow the instructions provided if you have purchased an eSIM.

The exact fees, plans and activation times depend on the operator and the package you choose, so there is no single UAE-wide SIM activation fee.

For example, e& currently lists a one-time charge of AED 57.75, including VAT, when a new SIM is required for certain prepaid services. This should not be treated as a standard activation fee for every SIM or operator. du also lists new prepaid and postpaid activations among the services available through its Express Stores.

How to Register or Update Your SIM Online

You do not always need to visit a store to manage your mobile registration. TDRA allows subscribers to update or renew their registration details through telecom operators’ apps, websites and other digital channels. UAE Pass can also be used for digital identity verification and data updates.

For existing e& customers, mobile registration renewal can be completed through the e& UAE app or website using UAE Pass. e& requires a verified UAE Pass account with a valid Emirates ID added to it. The process involves signing in with UAE Pass, selecting the relevant mobile accounts and approving document sharing through UAE Pass.

du similarly provides online account management and ID renewal through its digital services. Its My Account platform allows customers to manage their services and update ID documents.

It is important to distinguish between registering a completely new mobile number and updating the registration details of an existing number. The available online options depend on the operator and the type of service you are purchasing.

How to Get a New eSIM in the UAE

If your phone supports eSIM, you can use an embedded SIM instead of a physical SIM card. The registration requirement is the same — the mobile number still needs to be registered against valid identification — but the activation process is digital.

For example, du allows customers to purchase a new mobile plan with an eSIM option through its store or online channels. After purchasing the plan, the customer receives an eSIM QR code that can be scanned from the phone’s SIM settings.

Existing du customers can also convert a physical SIM to an eSIM through the du app. The process involves selecting Manage your SIM, choosing Convert to eSIM and verifying the request using UAE Pass. du also confirms that tourists are eligible for eSIM, provided they meet the relevant identification and service requirements.

Before buying an eSIM, make sure your phone supports the technology and that it is not carrier-locked.

How Tourists Can Register a SIM in the UAE

Visitors can purchase temporary mobile SIMs using their passports instead of an Emirates ID.

TDRA confirms that visitors can obtain mobile SIM cards using a passport, subject to the conditions imposed by the licensed operator and the limited validity of the service. Tourist SIMs are available through telecom operator stores and selected airport locations.

For example, e& offers a Visitor Line for tourists and recurring visitors. The company says Visitor Line packages are prepaid, valid for 28 days and can be purchased using a valid passport and visa. A maximum of two Visitor Line SIMs can be issued per passport.

Virgin Mobile UAE also operates tourist SIM collection points at Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi Airport and Sharjah Airport.

The validity and available benefits depend on the specific visitor plan, so check the operator’s current terms before purchasing.

What Happens When Your Emirates ID Is Renewed?

Your mobile registration details should be kept up to date when your Emirates ID or other registration information changes.

TDRA recommends updating your information whenever there is a change, including when an ID is renewed or your legal status changes.

e& provides a digital registration renewal process through its website and app using UAE Pass. The company recommends completing the renewal as soon as you receive your new Emirates ID to avoid potential service interruption.

du also provides an ID renewal service through its digital account-management platform.

How to Check Which SIM Cards Are Registered Under Your Name

If you are unsure how many mobile numbers are registered using your identity, you can check them through official channels.

TDRA’s My Numbers service allows subscribers to check mobile numbers registered under their name. You can also check through the e& or du apps, or visit a service provider branch with your original Emirates ID.

This is particularly useful if you have previously used multiple mobile numbers, changed providers or are concerned that a number may have been registered using your identity without your knowledge.

If you discover a mobile number registered under your name that you did not authorise, TDRA recommends contacting the relevant service provider and filing an official complaint.

What Happens If Your SIM Registration Expires?

Keeping your registration information valid is important because an operator can suspend service if the required information is not updated.

TDRA says that if a subscriber does not provide valid and verifiable registration information within 60 days of the registration expiring, the operator must suspend the SIM and associated services, with advance notification. During the initial suspension period, outgoing calls are disabled while incoming calls and SMS remain available. A further grace period applies before complete disconnection.

For visitors, the rules are different. If a visitor fails to provide valid registration information within 48 hours after the subscription expires, the operator must disconnect the SIM and associated services, again subject to the required notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read: How to Pay DEWA Bill Online: Step-by-Step Guide