Just landed in Dubai? Here’s how to get free data, deals and tourist offers

Dubai: Just landed at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or about to touch down? For tourists, a host of exclusive discounts and offers await you the moment you arrive and the best part is they are at no extra cost.

From free SIM cards to instant hotel and restaurant deals, Dubai welcomes visitors with a range of perks designed to make their trip memorable from day one. Whether you are arriving on a transit, visit, or visa-on-arrival, there are several ways to save on experiences across the city - all starting at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

Here is everything you need to know about getting a free Tourist SIM, activating a special discount card, and using your boarding pass for even more savings.

Upon arriving at Dubai International Airport (DXB), travellers can receive a complimentary ‘Tourist SIM card’ from telecom provider du, available at immigration counters.

This free offer is available to passengers with a transit visa, visit visa, visa on arrival, or GCC citizens. The SIM comes preloaded with 1GB of mobile data, valid for 24 hours. According to Visit Dubai, the official tourism platform of the emirate, you can top up your plan at any du kiosk in the airport’s arrivals area or at Dubai Duty Free.

How to activate your Tourist SIM – verify within 14 days to keep it active

Follow these simple steps to get started:

In 2024, e& introduced an instant eSIM with 10GB of free data for visitors. The free instant eSIM can be self-activated as soon as you pass through immigration at a UAE airport. You will be able to spot the QR code available on ads that have been displayed at the airports and even at some Metro stations and shopping malls. Alternatively, you can visit the webpage here: www.etisalat.ae/en/c/mobile/plans/visitor-line.html and select the eSIM package.

With your free tourist SIM card, you will find a Quick Response (QR) code printed on the back of the envelope. Scan this code to be directed to the app store where you can download the 'ALSAADA' app.

To start enjoying special deals and offers, follow these steps:

The ALSAADA tourist card, provided by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD), grants visitors access to a wide range of promotions and discounts across restaurants, hotels, and shops participating in the ALSAADA programme. Simply present the digital card at partner venues to enjoy your savings.

If you travelled to Dubai with Emirates, don’t toss your boarding pass,  it could be your key to even more discounts. Through the ‘Emirates Pass’ programme, passengers can enjoy offers across the city, from fine dining and spa experiences to shopping, desert safaris, and beach club access.

The pass also provides reduced entry to some of Dubai’s most famous attractions, including At The Top – Burj Khalifa, Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai Parks & Resorts, and various sightseeing tours.

To take advantage, simply present your printed or digital boarding pass along with valid photo ID at participating venues. It’s recommended to take a screenshot of your mobile boarding pass before your flight ends, as it may no longer be accessible after arrival. The same pass can be used at different venues or even multiple times at the same place.

The summer offer under the Emirates Pass is valid from 1 April to September 2025. For a full list of participating hotels, restaurants and attractions, visit the official Emirates website.

Just remember, the boarding pass is for personal use only. It cannot be transferred, sold, or exchanged. If it is bartered or used by someone else, it becomes void.