Mobile SIM Cards, Internet Plans & Telecom Options for Expats in GCC
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Staying Connected in the Gulf
- Getting Your First SIM Card
- Telecom Providers by Country
- Mobile Plans Comparison
- Home Internet Options
- VoIP and Calling Apps
- Tips for New Expats
- Conclusion: Recommended Setup
Introduction: Staying Connected in the Gulf
Reliable communication is essential for new expatriates settling into Gulf life. From coordinating with your employer to staying in touch with family back home, having the right telecom setup makes your transition smoother. GCC countries have modern telecommunications infrastructure with competitive offerings from multiple providers.
This guide covers everything you need to know about mobile SIM cards, internet plans, and telecommunications options across all six GCC countries, helping you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Getting Your First SIM Card
Documents Required
To purchase a postpaid SIM card (monthly contract), you'll typically need:
- Valid passport with residence visa
- Emirates ID / Iqama / QID (country-specific resident ID)
- Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract)
- Sometimes: Salary certificate or bank statement
For prepaid SIM cards, requirements are simpler:
- Passport copy
- Visa copy (sometimes)
- Available at airport, malls, and carrier stores
Prepaid vs. Postpaid
Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go):
- No credit check or contract
- Available immediately upon arrival
- Top up as needed
- Often more expensive per unit
- Good for initial weeks before visa finalization
Postpaid (Contract):
- Monthly billing
- Better rates and allowances
- Requires residence visa and ID
- May include device financing
- Credit check may apply
Telecom Providers by Country
United Arab Emirates
etisalat by e&:
- Largest provider with best coverage
- Premium pricing
- Strong 5G network
- Website: etisalat.ae
du:
- Competitive alternative
- Often better value packages
- Good coverage in urban areas
- Website: du.ae
Virgin Mobile UAE:
- Digital-first, app-based service
- Flexible plans, no contracts
- Runs on du network
Saudi Arabia
STC (Saudi Telecom Company):
- Largest provider, best coverage nationally
- Strong 5G rollout
- Premium pricing
- Website: stc.com.sa
Mobily:
- Second largest, competitive pricing
- Good urban coverage
- Popular with expats
- Website: mobily.com.sa
Zain KSA:
- Third option, competitive rates
- Good data packages
- Website: sa.zain.com
Qatar
Ooredoo Qatar:
- Largest provider
- Extensive 5G network
- Premium positioning
- Website: ooredoo.qa
Vodafone Qatar:
- Competitive alternative
- Good value packages
- Strong customer service
- Website: vodafone.qa
Kuwait
Zain Kuwait:
- Market leader
- Best coverage
- Website: kw.zain.com
Ooredoo Kuwait:
- Competitive pricing
- Good data plans
STC Kuwait:
- Third option
- Competitive offerings
Bahrain
Batelco:
- Established provider
- Good coverage
- Website: batelco.com
Zain Bahrain:
- Competitive alternative
- Good value packages
STC Bahrain:
- Third option
- Growing presence
Oman
Omantel:
- Largest provider, government-owned
- Best coverage including rural areas
- Website: omantel.om
Ooredoo Oman:
- Competitive alternative
- Good urban coverage
- Website: ooredoo.om
Mobile Plans Comparison
Typical Monthly Costs (Postpaid)
| Country | Basic Plan | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | AED 100-150 | AED 200-350 | AED 400+ |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 100-150 | SAR 200-300 | SAR 400+ |
| Qatar | QAR 100-150 | QAR 200-350 | QAR 400+ |
| Kuwait | KWD 8-12 | KWD 15-25 | KWD 30+ |
| Bahrain | BHD 8-12 | BHD 15-25 | BHD 30+ |
| Oman | OMR 8-12 | OMR 15-25 | OMR 30+ |
What's Included
Basic Plans:
- 5-20 GB data
- Local minutes (100-500)
- SMS allowance
Premium Plans:
- Unlimited or 100+ GB data
- Unlimited local calls
- International minutes included
- Roaming packages
- Entertainment subscriptions
Home Internet Options
Types of Connections
Fiber Optic (FTTH):
- Fastest speeds (up to 1 Gbps+)
- Most reliable
- Available in most urban areas
- Recommended for most households
5G Home Internet:
- Wireless alternative to fiber
- Quick installation
- Good for areas without fiber
- Speeds up to 500 Mbps
DSL/ADSL:
- Older technology
- Slower speeds
- Being phased out
Typical Home Internet Costs
| Country | Basic (50-100 Mbps) | Fast (250-500 Mbps) | Ultra (1 Gbps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | AED 300-400 | AED 500-700 | AED 800+ |
| Saudi | SAR 200-300 | SAR 400-500 | SAR 600+ |
| Qatar | QAR 250-350 | QAR 450-600 | QAR 700+ |
Installation Process
- Choose provider and plan online or at store
- Provide required documents (ID, tenancy contract)
- Schedule installation appointment
- Technician installs router and activates service
- Timeline: 2-7 days typically
VoIP and Calling Apps
VoIP Restrictions
Traditional VoIP calling (like Skype voice/video) has been restricted in some GCC countries. Situation varies:
- UAE: Many VoIP apps blocked; carrier apps (BOTIM, C'me) work
- Saudi Arabia: VoIP largely unblocked since 2017
- Qatar: Major apps generally work
- Kuwait: VoIP access varies
- Bahrain: Most apps work
- Oman: VoIP generally accessible
Workarounds
- Carrier VoIP apps: BOTIM, C'me (UAE) - subscription required
- WhatsApp: Messaging works everywhere; calling varies
- Business solutions: Microsoft Teams, Zoom often work for business use
Tips for New Expats
First Week Setup
- Airport SIM: Get a prepaid tourist SIM at arrival for immediate connectivity
- Use free WiFi: Available at malls, cafes, hotels while settling
- Postpaid after ID: Apply for proper plan once you have residence ID
- Bundle deals: Look for mobile + home internet packages
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare carriers before committing to contracts
- Look for promotional offers for new connections
- Consider flex plans without long-term commitment initially
- Use WiFi calling when available to save data
- International calling packages for regular calls home
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing long contracts before understanding needs
- Ignoring data usage—overage charges are expensive
- Not checking coverage at your accommodation
- Forgetting to cancel when leaving the country
Conclusion: Recommended Setup
A solid telecommunications setup is crucial for your Gulf experience. With modern infrastructure across all GCC countries, you'll have access to fast, reliable connectivity.
Recommended approach:
- Get a prepaid SIM immediately upon arrival for basic connectivity
- Switch to postpaid once you have residence visa and ID (usually within first month)
- Choose home internet based on your usage and building availability
- Consider bundle packages for mobile + home for savings
- Download carrier apps for convenient account management
- Set up VoIP alternatives for international calls where needed
With proper planning, you'll be fully connected and ready to thrive in your new Gulf home.
