Saudi Arabia & UAE Lead Global Tourism Surge, Driving eSIM Growth
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has long been a hub for business and tourism. With millions of travelers moving across these countries annually, seamless connectivity has become a crucial demand. Traditional SIM cards have posed limitations such as high roaming charges, the hassle of swapping physical cards, and restrictions in network compatibility. The introduction of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology has revolutionized the way travelers stay connected across the GCC. More about GCC travel connectivity is below.
The GCC is witnessing an unprecedented tourism surge, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading global travel expansion, leading to faster adoption of eSIM, a market player said.
Airalo, a leading global eSIM marketplace, said it registered a 20 percent growth of the eSIM market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2024.
GCC & travel connectivity
This reflects the region’s digital transformation and the surge in GCC travellers using eSIMs for seamless connectivity across top destinations in Europe, the US, and Asia, the company said.
Airalo said it recorded a sharp increase in eSIM activations across the region, driven by the demand for instant, cost-effective, and hassle-free connectivity.
The company, citing recent market data, said Saudi Arabia saw a 15 percent increase in international flight bookings last year compared to 2023, while the UAE experienced a 16 percent rise in international visitors during the same period.
Ahmed Elfiky, Director of Growth at Airalo, said Saudi Arabia’s push into leisure and entertainment is evident with major events like the Riyadh Season and the upcoming 2029 Asian Winter Games.
Similarly, the UAE continues to attract and retain visitors with initiatives such as the evolving developments in Dubai’s Expo City.
“These efforts are positioning both countries as premier global tourism hubs. With both countries increasingly drawing millions of visitors, this is fueling demand for seamless digital connectivity,” he said.
Elfiky said with multi-billion-dollar tourism investments, record-breaking visitor numbers, and world-class events, reliable mobile connectivity has become a necessity for modern travellers.
He said in the four years leading up to June 2023, bandwidth consumption in the Middle East grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 30 percent, with a key driver behind this spike being the increasing demand of customers on the move.
“All indications point to this trend continuing for the foreseeable future with digital advancements enabling the potential for mobility at an unprecedented rate,” he said.
Airalo said it offers instant activation of eSIMs, besides flexible data plans, and seamless global connectivity, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps or costly roaming fees.
“As tourism in the GCC continues to soar, more travellers are embracing eSIM technology for instant, borderless, and hassle-free connectivity – ensuring they stay connected wherever their journey takes them,” it said.
Check out some of the best GCC eSIM providers and Airalo positions.
Top 6 eSIM Providers for the Middle East
| Data Plan | BNESIM | Airhub | AIRALO | Nomad | Saily | GigSky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | €3.46 | – | €7.50 | €9.00 | €13.99 | €6.99 |
| 3 GB | €10.09 | €9.00 | €14.00 | €16.00 | €36.99 | €14.44 |
| 10 GB | €31.24 | €21.00 | €32.00 | €34.00 | – | €38.24 |
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Benefits of eSIM for GCC Travelers
1. Cost Savings
With eSIM, travelers can avoid excessive roaming charges by purchasing regional or global data plans tailored to their needs. Many eSIM providers offer competitive rates compared to traditional roaming services.
2. Convenience and Flexibility
Instead of searching for local SIM cards upon arrival, travelers can activate an eSIM plan before departure or upon landing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
3. Multiple Network Options
Unlike traditional SIM cards that lock users into a single carrier, eSIMs allow travelers to switch between multiple networks, ensuring better coverage and competitive pricing.
4. Enhanced Security
A stolen or lost phone with an eSIM is harder to misuse than a physical SIM, as the eSIM is embedded in the device and can be remotely locked or erased.
Conclusion
eSIM technology is revolutionizing travel connectivity in the GCC, offering cost-effective, convenient, and secure mobile solutions. As adoption continues to grow, travelers in the region can expect greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity experiences. Whether for business, tourism, or pilgrimage, eSIM is set to become the go-to connectivity solution for seamless communication across the Gulf.
As awareness and infrastructure improve, eSIM will likely replace traditional SIM cards, further enhancing the region’s digital landscape.
