FairSIM eSIM for Middle East and North Africa
Gulf itineraries chain together: a Dubai stopover, a Doha connection, Umrah in Saudi Arabia, a Red Sea week in Egypt. Each country hands out a local SIM at the airport, and each local SIM blocks WhatsApp and FaceTime calls. A foreign travel eSIM typically routes around that block, and one regional plan removes the SIM counter at every stop.
The FairSIM Middle East and North Africa eSIM covers 10 countries at one wholesale rate, on e& and du in the UAE, Ooredoo in Qatar, stc in Saudi Arabia, Orange in Egypt and Maroc Telecom in Morocco. It also skips Egypt's 90-day phone registration and the passport checks at Gulf SIM counters.
- CarriersLeading network in each country
- CompatibilityCheck if eSIM is available on your phone
- No days lostPurchase now, data will start when you arrive
Middle East and North Africa eSIM plans
Plan starts: On first data use
Coverage in Middle East and North Africa
- 4G LTE5G
Leading network in each country
e& and du in the UAE, Ooredoo and Vodafone in Qatar, stc and Mobily in Saudi Arabia, Orange in Egypt, Maroc Telecom in Morocco, and equivalents elsewhere.
4G LTE everywhere, 5G across the Gulf cities
Coverage matches the single-country plans. Deep desert, the Empty Quarter and Atlas mountain wadis drop out on every network.
Included countries
- Bahrain
- Egypt
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Morocco
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
How FairSIM works
Three steps between you and the internet abroad. Nothing to pick up at the airport.
Pick a destination and a plan
Choose the country or region and the data you need. The price you see is the price you pay.
Tap install
On iPhone (iOS 17.4+) the eSIM installs in one tap, no QR code. Do it at home while you still have Wi-Fi.
Land and connect
Turn on data roaming for the FairSIM line when you arrive. Your plan starts when it first connects.
Middle East and North Africa eSIM questions
Which countries does the Middle East eSIM cover?
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The full list is on this page and in the app.
Do WhatsApp and FaceTime calls work?
They are blocked on local SIMs in the UAE and Qatar. On a foreign travel eSIM the data usually routes through the provider's home network, so calls typically work, though no provider can officially guarantee it.
Does it work for Umrah or Hajj?
Yes, Saudi Arabia is covered, including Makkah, Madinah and the Nusuk app. Install before you fly and switch on when you land in Jeddah.
How much data for a Gulf stopover plus a week in Egypt?
About 10 GB for maps, ride-hailing, messaging and photos; 20 GB if you stream or make video calls.
What is an eSIM?
A SIM card built into your phone. Instead of a plastic chip, you download a profile. Every iPhone since the XS has one next to the physical SIM slot, so your home number stays put while FairSIM supplies the data.
Is my phone compatible?
FairSIM works with eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked iPhones: the XS, XR and everything newer, on iOS 17.4 or later for the one-tap install with no QR code. iPhones bought in mainland China do not support eSIM at all, even when unlocked. Not sure yours is unlocked? Check Settings, General, About, Carrier Lock, or ask your carrier. The full list is on the How it works page.
When should I install my eSIM?
Before you travel, while you still have Wi-Fi. Installing does not start your plan; the validity typically starts when the eSIM first connects to a network at your destination.
Do FairSIM eSIMs come with a phone number?
No. FairSIM eSIMs are data-only by design, which keeps costs low. For calls and texts, your physical SIM stays active so you keep your existing number, and WhatsApp, FaceTime and iMessage work over data.
