Registering a new SIM card in the UAE requires linking the mobile number to a valid identity document before activation. The rule applies to both physical SIMs and eSIMs, following guidelines set by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Residents must provide an Emirates ID, while visitors can use their passport or GCC national ID, depending on the operator’s specific requirements.
Documents and Registration Limits
You generally need your original Emirates ID to register a SIM as a resident. TDRA notes that copies or scanned images are not accepted for this purpose. Visitors can register using their passport, and GCC citizens may use their GCC national ID, subject to the operator’s rules. The limit on how many SIM cards you can register is often misunderstood; the TDRA actually allows residents up to five SIM cards per service provider and visitors up to two SIM cards per provider.
Telecom operators like e&, du and Virgin Mobile UAE offer different plans. Activation fees vary by provider and package; for example, e& lists a one-time charge of AED 57.75 for certain prepaid services. If you have an eSIM-compatible device, you can activate a digital SIM without visiting a store.
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It is worth noting that keeping your registration current is a legal requirement. When your Emirates ID expires, the operator can suspend your service if you do not update the information within 60 days. If a mobile number is registered under your name without your knowledge, TDRA advises contacting the service provider to file a complaint.
Online Registration and Verification
Subscribers can often update or renew their registration details through telecom operator apps and websites. The TDRA allows this process to be managed digitally, with UAE Pass serving as a verification tool for many services. For example, e& customers can use the e& UAE app or website, requiring a verified UAE Pass account with a valid Emirates ID added to it. Du also provides an online account-management platform where customers can manage their services and update ID documents.