Sharjah Airport Authority Partners with e& UAE to Offer Free SIM Cards for Visitors
The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the visitor experience at Sharjah International Airport by partnering with e& UAE to provide free SIM cards to all arriving tourists. This initiative aims to ensure that visitors have immediate access to digital services upon their arrival, making their transition into the UAE as smooth as possible.
Starting from their first moments at the airport, travelers can benefit from a complimentary visitor SIM card that grants them 10GB of data, valid for 24 hours. This data package allows newcomers to connect to essential applications for navigating their journey, such as mapping services, taxi bookings, digital payments, messaging apps, and other online platforms necessary for a comfortable stay in the UAE.
S.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, expressed enthusiasm for this alliance, stating, "We are pleased to partner with e& UAE in order to provide incoming tourists at Sharjah Airport with the internet services that will allow for a more convenient and comfortable travel experience right from the moment they arrive. This initiative reflects our commitment to building effective partnerships with government entities to enhance service quality and add value for visitors. It also underscores Sharjah Airport's dedication to creating a welcoming environment that leaves a positive impression while supporting the emirate's status as a preferred destination for tourism and commerce."
Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, CEO of e& UAE, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the free SIM card empowers visitors to stay connected right from the start of their journey. He remarked, "With this service, visitors can manage their mobility and communication needs quickly and efficiently, even before they collect their luggage. This improves their overall digital experience and sets the stage for a smooth beginning to their exploration of the UAE and its extraordinary attractions."
In the first half of 2025, Sharjah International Airport served over 9.1 million passengers, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Given the rising number of arrivals, this partnership represents an innovative approach to enhancing the first point of contact for travelers. It fortifies the UAE's leadership in digital communication and identity while showcasing successful collaborations between the public and private sectors to advance national priorities.
The introduction of free SIM cards at the airport is not just a convenience; it's a strategic move to boost the tourism sector in Sharjah as tourism continues to play a vital role in the local economy. By facilitating easy access to connectivity, the Sharjah Airport Authority and e& UAE are making important strides toward transforming the travel experience and ensuring that tourists have every resource at their fingertips to explore the wonders that the UAE has to offer. As the emigration trend continues to rise, initiatives such as this will be essential in maintaining and enhancing tourism in the region, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe eager to learn more about the culture, adventure, and beauty of the UAE.