International travelers arriving at Zayed International Airport (AUH) will now receive a complimentary visitor SIM card loaded with 10GB of free data, courtesy of a new strategic partnership between Abu Dhabi Airports and telecom giant e&. The initiative was championed by Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, and Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, who both emphasized that the service is designed to deliver a seamless, digital-first experience, ensuring every visitor has instant connectivity from the moment they land in the capital.
10GB free SIM on arrival
ing in Abu Dhabi just got a whole lot easier and a whole lot cheaper! Abu Dhabi Airports, in a brilliant move focused entirely on making your trip stress-free, has partnered with the telecom giant e& (formerly Etisalat) to offer every single international traveler a complimentary visitor SIM card.Here are the key details you need to know about the free data package:
- Who Gets It? Every international traveler arriving at Zayed International Airport (AUH). You must be 18 years or older.
- The Freebie: A whopping 10GB of high-speed data.
- The Time Limit: The free 10GB is valid for the first 24 hours from activation. This gives you a full day to settle in, navigate, and communicate.
- The Tech: You can often choose between a traditional physical SIM card or a modern, hassle-free
eSIM , depending on your phone’s capabilities.
Instant connection right after immigration
The best part? This free service is designed to be as seamless and fast as possible, perfectly aligning with Abu Dhabi Airport’s reputation for world-class service (it’s been named the “Best Airport at Arrivals Globally” for three consecutive years).The process of getting connected is instantaneous, helping you avoid queues and saving you the headache of searching for a Wi-Fi signal after a long flight.How to get instantly connected:
- Clear Immigration: The free SIM service becomes available right after you complete your entry formalities.
- Scan and Smile: The activation process is completely digital. You simply need to scan a designated QR code and complete a quick, secure connection using facial recognition technology.
- Go! The digital self-activation means your line is live almost instantly.
This immediate connectivity is crucial for a traveler. You can instantly access essential digital services like Google Maps to navigate, ride-hailing apps (like Careem or local taxis) to book your transport, and cashless payment apps to start your transactions without delay. It also allows immediate use of messaging apps to tell your family you’ve arrived safely and access destination guides, like the Abu Dhabi Pass, which offers special discounts.
Bonus tip for Etihad travelers
If you are flying into AUH with Etihad Airways, the free SIM card with 10GB of data is often bundled as part of the complimentary Abu Dhabi Pass. This pass is an extra benefit that gives you discounts (sometimes up to 15% off) on major city attractions and even includes free access to the Abu Dhabi Tourist Shuttle service.
What to know next?
While 10GB for 24 hours is an amazing welcome, there are two crucial details you must keep in mind to ensure a perfect start to your trip: Remember, the 10GB clock starts ticking immediately. If you plan to stay longer than a day (which is likely!), you will need to purchase one of e&’s prepaid Visitor Line packages before the 24-hour free period expires. These plans offer varying amounts of data, call minutes, and longer validity periods.An important rule to remember when using any telecom service in the UAE is that local regulations generally do not permit Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. This means while you can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Viber for chatting and sending media, the voice and video calling functions on these apps may be restricted. You’ll need to purchase a paid package that includes local and international minutes for standard calling.
