With over 11.93 million overnight visitors between January and August 2024, Dubai’s status as a top destination for travelers continues to grow. Virgin Mobile UAE is stepping in to make connectivity effortless, introducing a facial recognition system that lets tourists activate their eSIM as soon as they arrive—offering a smoother start to their UAE experience.

Virgin Mobile UAE has introduced a fully digital eSIM activation process. Tourists can now purchase and activate their eSIM as soon as they clear immigration desks or Smart Gates, enabling instant connectivity without needing to visit a physical store.

“At Virgin Mobile UAE, we’re committed to transforming the mobile experience with smart, customer-first technology,” said Rob Beswick, Managing Director at Virgin Mobile UAE. “This initiative makes it possible for tourists to explore the UAE with seamless connectivity right from the airport, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones, navigate the city, and make the most of their visit. It’s a step toward enhancing convenience while supporting the UAE’s vision of a digitally connected future.”

For tourists, it doesn’t stop at seamless eSIM activation. Virgin Mobile UAE’s unlimited tourist plan, starting at AED 220, keeps visitors connected throughout their stay with unlimited data and local and international calls—because we know every moment matters when you’re exploring a new city. By pairing connectivity with flexible plans, Virgin Mobile UAE ensures that travelers can get the full Dubai experience, all without interruptions.

Several UAE telecom providers offer a variety of connectivity options for tourists, including free SIM cards and tailored plans:

Etisalat by e&

• • Free Tourist SIM: Visitors can receive a complimentary SIM card upon arrival at airports, offering 1 GB of free data for 24 hours. Etisalat eSIM offer
  • Tourist Plans: Starting at AED 49, plans include up to 10 GB of data, local and international calls, and validity options ranging from 7 to 28 days.

du

• • Free Tourist Line: Available at Dubai International Airport, du free SIM includes free 1 GB of data and a three-minute call allowance valid for 24 hours.
  • Tourist Plans: Starting at AED 49, du offers up to 30 GB of data, local minutes, and international calling minutes, with flexible validity options.

Virgin Mobile UAE

• • Unlimited Data Plan: Starting at AED 220, Virgin Mobile offers unlimited data and international calls, activated instantly through their eSIM service with facial recognition technology.

These offerings cater to various budgets and connectivity needs, with free starter SIM cards providing immediate access, and comprehensive plans designed for uninterrupted connectivity throughout a stay.

About Virgin Mobile – United Arab Emirates:

Virgin Mobile believes in making mobile better across the industry with the best customer experience, innovative products, and creating a great place to work. Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company has launched Virgin Mobile as the first fully digitalized mobile service in the UAE, providing an experience that has never been seen before in the region. In conclusion, Virgin Mobile UAE’s eSIM with facial recognition technology offers a seamless and innovative solution for tourists, ensuring instant connectivity and a smooth start to their UAE experience.

Virgin Mobile is the second mobile brand to operate under the EITC umbrella, adhering to the rights and obligations of EITC’s telecommunication license while bringing a distinctly different offering and brand promise to the market.