Dubai: When travelling to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah or Haj, it's easier and more convenient to use your UAE's mobile number on roaming and stay connected without high charges.
Fortunately, UAE telecom providers e& (Etisalat) and du offer special Hajj and Umrah roaming packages that provide discounted rates for calls, data, and roaming services. These packages ensure seamless connectivity without the hassle of changing SIM cards or activating new numbers.
Both Etisalat and du have partnerships with Saudi telecom providers STC, Mobily, and Zain, ensuring strong network coverage in Makkah and Madinah. Here is a breakdown of the available roaming plans and how to subscribe:
e& Hajj & Umrah roaming packages
For postpaid customers
Data: 15 GB
Voice minutes: 650 minutes for receiving calls and making calls to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, plus 50 minutes for outgoing calls to selected countries.
Validity: Seven days
Price: Dh150
For Prepaid Customers
Data: 7 GB
Voice Minutes: 700 total minutes (650 minutes for incoming and outgoing calls to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, plus 50 minutes for outgoing calls to selected countries).
Validity: 7 days
Price: Dh100
How to subscribe
Via the My Etisalat UAE app
Dial *177# (free within the UAE and abroad)
Text "ROP" to 1010 (standard SMS rates apply)
Checking your usage
Via the My Etisalat UAE app
Dial *177# (free within the UAE and abroad)
Text "roam" to 1010 (standard SMS rates apply)
Usage notifications will be sent when you reach 50 per cent, 80 per cent, 90 per cent, and full consumption for data, while voice usage alerts are sent at 80 per cent and upon full consumption.
du Hajj and Umrah Roaming Bundles
du also offers dedicated Hajj and Umrah roaming bundles that provide data allowances and call minutes for seamless connectivity while travelling in Saudi Arabia.
Seven-day package
Data: 10 GB
Calls: 1,000 minutes (incoming and outgoing)
Validity: 7 days (immediate activation upon purchase)
Networks: Works with Mobily, STC, and Zain
Price: Dh350
15-day package
Data: 30 GB
Calls: Unlimited outgoing calls to the UAE, locally within Saudi Arabia, and to selected countries.
Incoming Calls: 500 minutes
Validity: 15 days from first use
Networks: Works with Mobily, STC, and Zain
Price: Dh350
Activation process - Send the text ‘KSA’ to 5102 or use the du app to activate the package.