How to Get Special Tourist Discounts as a Tourist in the UAE
If you’ve just landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you’re in for an exciting adventure. Whether you arrived with a boarding pass from a UAE-based airline or not, there are fantastic ways to make your visit even more enjoyable by taking advantage of special tourist discounts and offers.
The UAE is known for its amazing cities, stunning deserts, and rich culture. You can make your trip even more awesome without spending too much money. There are special deals and tourist discounts just for tourists like you.
To receive exclusive offers and tourist discounts at some of the most well-known locations in the nation, all you need to do is present your boarding pass if you are traveling with an airline located in the United Arab Emirates, such as Emirates or Etihad.
From free SIM cards with data to exclusive savings at hotels, spas, and attractions, this guide will show you how to make the most of your time in the UAE while keeping your budget in check.
Here’s a summary of the methods you can use to access these tourist discounts:
- Airline Boarding Pass Discounts
- Free Tourism SIM Card
- ALSAADA Tourist Card
- Hourly Limousine Rental
1. Airline Boarding Pass Discounts
If you’re in the United Arab Emirates and flew with a UAE-based airline like Emirates or Etihad, your boarding pass can get you special tourist discounts at hotels, spas, restaurants, and theme parks. Just show your boarding pass to access these deals.
Etihad offers the “Abu Dhabi Pass” for savings on dining, theme parks, spas, and hotel bookings.
2. Free Tourism SIM Card
When you arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB), you can get a free “Tourism SIM card” from du, a phone company. It comes with 1GB of mobile data for 24 hours.
This is available to GCC citizens, transit passengers, and visa on arrival travelers. You can top up your plan at Dubai Duty Free or a du kiosk at the airport. Virgin and Etisalat also offer traveler-specific SIM cards.
Etisalat: Etisalat offers “Visitor Line” packages with different options. For more information : https://www.etisalat.ae/en/c/mobile/plans/visitor-line.html
You can also get benefits like Dh100 credit for Careem rides and shopping deals with the Etisalat Smiles app. You can get these SIM cards at UAE airports or Etisalat stores.
Du: If you’re in Dubai, you can get a free SIM card from du. You can request it at the Dubai Airport immigration counter or at du kiosks, shops, or business centers.
The free Tourist SIM package includes a free SIM card, three flexi minutes, 20 MB data, and it’s valid for one month. For more information : https://www.du.ae/tourist
To activate the SIM, insert it into your phone, dial *122#, and follow the instructions. You’ll need your original passport and a valid UAE visit visa to get this SIM card.
The du Tourist SIM is valid for up to 90 days, and you can extend it for another 90 days by dialing *135#. If you decide to change your plan, there’s no charge if you switch to a Postpaid plan, but there’s a Dh55 fee (excluding VAT) for switching to a Prepaid plan.
Virgin Mobile: Virgin Mobile has shops at Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi airports where you can pick up a SIM card and choose a plan that suits you. Virgin Mobile allows you to customize your telecom package based on your usage. For more information : https://www.virginmobile.ae/tourist-sim/
You can also get the SIM card delivered by following these steps:
- Download the Virgin Mobile app.
- Choose a number.
- Set up your plan.
- Apply for the SIM card and make the payment.
The SIM card is delivered within 60 minutes and is activated right away. You’ll need to provide your passport details for verification.
3. ALSAADA Tourist Card
If you get the free tourist SIM at DXB, you can download the “ALSAADA
The app is exclusively accessible to travelers arriving through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and is available for both Apple and Android smartphones.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) provides the ALSAADA tourist card, which entitles holders to a number of incentives and discounts at participating restaurants and retail establishments throughout their visit.
Here’s how you can use the card and enjoy its benefits:
- When you arrive at Dubai Airport, you’ll get an ALSAADA Tourist Card bundle at the passport counters.
- At the ALSAADA counters in the airport, tourists can use a barcode to download the ALSAADA tourist app.
- After you install the app, it will ask for some information like when you arrived in Dubai and your passport number. This helps create a smart card with your name.
- You can use this card all over Dubai to get discounts and deals on different things.
- The app will also tell you about special discounts and promotions from ALSAADA’s partners.
Remember, the card stops working when you leave Dubai, but you can get a new one when you come back.
Discounts on the ALSAADA Tourist Card include:
- Savings on travel and tourism companies.
- Discounts at popular restaurants.
- Deals on beauty and health services and products.
- Special offers from banks and currency exchanges.
- Discounts on renting cars.
- Deals on tech and communication stuff.
- Great sales at malls for top fashion brands.
- Savings on online shopping.
- Special offers on things you need for your home.
- Discounts for weddings and events.
4. Hourly Limousine Rental
Instead of using taxis, you can hire a limousine by the hour in Dubai. It may seem a bit more expensive, but it can be worth it. You don’t have to wait for multiple taxis, saving you time. You can use the DTC
- Download the DTC app.
- Select “Hourly Rental.”
- Choose your location.
- Pick the time and duration (2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours).• Two hours: a minimum payment of Dh400• Four hours: a minimum payment of Dh650Six hours: a minimum payment of Dh 800 is required.• Minimum payment of Dh900 is due after eight hours.Ten hours: a minimum payment of Dh1,100 is required. It’s crucial to remember that after the scheduled hourly package, there will be additional fees. These fees include: Dh3 per kilometer beyond the distance restriction and Dh1 per minute after the time limit.
- Enter your payment info (credit/debit card). The DTC app will charge you an extra Dh16 to validate your card when you enter your card details. You will receive your reimbursement right away once the transaction is over.* After entering your card information, tap “Done.”* To confirm the payment, enter your bank’s Once-Time Password (OTP) next.
- Provide your contact details, and you’ll get an email and SMS confirming your limousine reservation.
Whether you flew in with a UAE airline or not, you can save money and have a great time. The UAE is waiting for you with open arms and lots of cool stuff to do. So, go ahead, use your boarding pass or get that free SIM card, and have an awesome adventure in the UAE. Your next big adventure is just around the corner, and with these discounts, it’s going to be fantastic. Have a safe and fun trip!
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Tourist Discounts in UAE
How can I get tourist discounts in the UAE?
Tourist discounts in the UAE can be obtained through various means. You can present your boarding pass from a UAE-based airline for exclusive offers. Some airlines like Etihad and Emirates also offer discounts at tourist destinations. Additionally, you can get a free SIM card with data and discounts upon arrival at the airport. There are also tourist discount cards and packages available.
What benefits do tourist discount cards offer in the UAE?
Tourist discount cards, like ALSAADA, offer a wide range of benefits including discounts on travel, dining, health and beauty services, shopping, and more. These cards often come with various packages catering to different needs, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Can I apply for a UAE tourist SIM card after leaving the airport?
Yes, you can apply for a UAE tourist SIM card even after leaving the airport. Mobile operators have kiosks, shops, and business centers throughout the UAE where you can get a tourist SIM card.
How long are tourist SIM cards valid in the UAE?
The validity of tourist SIM cards in the UAE varies. Etisalat’s tourist SIM packages are typically valid for 28 days. Du’s tourist SIM is initially valid for up to 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days by dialing a specific code.
Are there any additional charges for changing my tourist SIM plan?
If you decide to change your tourist SIM plan, there are typically no charges for switching to a Postpaid plan. However, if you switch to a Prepaid plan, there might be a one-time fee involved.
Can I get a tourist SIM card delivered to my location in the UAE?
Yes, some mobile operators like Virgin Mobile offer the option to have a tourist SIM card delivered to your location. You can do this through their mobile app by selecting a plan, making the payment, and providing your passport details for verification.
What is the discount card for tourists in UAE?
The ALSAADA tourist card, provided by GDRFAD, offers discounts and promotions at participating restaurants and shops when you show the digital card during your stay.
How to get Al Saada discount card?
The discount card will be distributed free of charge to tourists on their arrival in Dubai. Tourists will be asked to scan a barcode using their smartphones to download the ALSAADA Tourist Card application from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store.
Is it mandatory to register your SIM card in Dubai?
Yes, registering your SIM card in Dubai is required by TRDA regulations, and you should use an official and valid ID like a passport, Emirates ID, or driver’s license for this purpose.