Dubai Airports offers free Wi-Fi across the terminals, launched as unlimited with one-click access at up to 100 Mbps. Travel guides name the network DXB Free WiFi. A 2025 Khaleej Times guide says the portal asks for your name, phone number and email and limits sessions to 60 minutes, while a 2026 guide reports no time limit, so reconnect if you are dropped.
Getting online at Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport (DXB) serves Dubai. Here is how to get online from the moment you land: the free Wi-Fi, where SIM cards are sold, and the eSIM you can install before you fly.
- Serves
- Dubai
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Terminals
- Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Free Wi-Fi at DXB
Buying a SIM card after arrivals
The operator du hands out a free tourist SIM at passport control, with 1 GB of data for 24 hours. Dubai Airports lists du in Terminal 1 arrivals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 arrivals, and Virgin Mobile has a desk in Terminal 1 arrivals. Paid tourist plans across du, Etisalat (e&) and Virgin Mobile run from about AED 30 to AED 319 (checked October 2026). Bring your passport with its UAE entry stamp.
eSIM plans for United Arab Emirates
Install one at home before you fly and you are online when the wheels touch down, with no queue at a SIM counter.
Mobile networks in United Arab Emirates
The UAE has two main mobile operators: e& (formerly Etisalat) and du. Both cover Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the main highways well. A travel eSIM connects to one of them as a roaming partner, which is why data roaming must be on for the eSIM line. The partner network can differ from plan to plan, so check the plan details, or ask us at support@esimlounge.com before you buy.
Fixed data
One allowance for the whole trip, used at your own pace.
Daily data
A fresh allowance every day, slower above it until the next day.
Unlimited data
No cap on data, with a fair-use speed limit after heavy daily use.
Also covered by Global (170 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (170 countries)
Also covered by Global (75 countries)
One eSIM that also works in the other countries of the bundle, for a trip that crosses borders.
See every country in Global (75 countries)
Compare every United Arab Emirates eSIM plan Check your phone supports eSIM
Tips for staying connected
- Some calling apps, such as WhatsApp or FaceTime calls, may not work in the UAE.
Getting into Dubai
The taxis, trains and private transfers from DXB into Dubai are compared on our sister site: Dubai International Airport on airporttransportation.com
Dubai International Airport questions
Is the Wi-Fi free at Dubai International?
Yes. Dubai Airports runs free Wi-Fi across the terminals at up to 100 Mbps. Reports differ on whether sessions are capped at 60 minutes.
Do I get a free SIM card at Dubai airport?
du gives visitors a free tourist SIM at passport control, with 1 GB of data for 24 hours. Paid plans can be added at du counters.
Where can I buy a SIM card at DXB?
du has counters in Terminal 1 arrivals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 arrivals, and Virgin Mobile has one in Terminal 1 arrivals. Bring your passport.