The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) in partnership with du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, EITC) and Smart Dubai launched the initiative of giving all tourists entering Dubai free pre-paid mobile SIM cards. free sim at dubai airport

The free ‘tourist sim pack’ will be handed over to all tourists above 18-years-old at the Immigration counter, Major General Mohammed Al Marri told Khaleej Times at a press meet at the Dubai International Terminal 3 on Sunday, June 16. He said, “The traveller will be given the SIM card on the basis of their travel document, which includes the travellers’ passport and a valid visit visa.”

The pilot phase of “Connect with Happiness” project allows travellers with transit visa, visit visa, visa on arrival, and GCC citizens arriving at Dubai International Airport to take advantage of complimentary du Tourist SIM cards. The SIM card will provide the tourist three-minute talk time and 20 MB mobile data for free. The SIM card will be valid for 30 days, an entire month, or the duration of the tourist’s stay.

Fawad Al Hasawi, executive Vice President, Emirates Integrated Telecommunication Services, du, also said that the system works in sync with the immigration system, and will be deactivated once the tourist exits the country. “Otherwise, the SIM is valid for 30-days only. The tourist can also top-up the sim for three packages- small, medium, and large,” said Hasawi.

Authorities believe this project will enhance the happiness of all visitors entering Dubai. Currently, the SIM will be offered to passengers exiting Dubai Airport terminals 1,2, and 3.

However, in case the tourist changes his status to a resident of Dubai, he will not be able to convert the number into a permanent one, Hawasi told Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the press meet.

“As per rules set by the telecommunication regulation authorities in Dubai, the SIM card will be deactivated in 30 days or when the individual leaves. As of right now, there is no mechanism in place to convert the temporary number into a permanent one.”

Al Marri also said, “This project aims to contribute to achieving Dubai Happiness Agenda, which is being implemented by the Smart Dubai Office. We have targeted visitors of Dubai in cooperation with du, in a move to ensure they enjoy a safe and happy stay.”

Al Marri added: “Dubai is witnessing an increasing growth in a number of visitors from all over the world. In addition, this initiative is line with the directives of the UAE leadership and with the city’s vision for the implementation of Happiness Agenda to make Dubai the happiest city on Earth. He added, “Through our association with du, we are pleased to be enabling visitors to Dubai to enjoy a unique service on arrival.”

Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, the director general of the Smart Dubai Office said, “Smart Dubai Office in collaboration with its strategic partners, is working to achieve Dubai Happiness Agenda, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2016, which focuses on people happiness, whether visitor, resident or citizen. People’s happiness in Dubai is what we are working for.”

Hawasi said, “As part of future plans, we are hoping the project will eventually be extended to all immigration checkpoints in the UAE. It will also be extended to other airports across the country.”

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How to activate the free Tourist SIM package free sim at dubai airport

Travellers will have access to the Tourist SIM package, which comes preloaded with a free SIM card, three flexi- minutes and three-day validity.

Once activated, tourists can then opt to add more calling minutes or data via three recharge options:

1.    Pay Dh25 and get 150 MB data – 10 flexible minutes, three-day validity
2.    Pay Dh55 and get 500 MB data – 20 flexible minutes, seven-day validity
3.    Pay Dh110 and get 2 GB data – 40 flexible minutes and 14-day validity

To activate the complimentary SIM, all travellers need to do is insert the SIM card, dial *122# and follow the instructions to get connected through du’s outstanding service.free sim at dubai airport

Promoters from du will also be present near immigration desks at Dubai International Airport to help visitors.