Etisalat SIM renewal is a mandatory regulatory process in the UAE that ensures your mobile number remains active, compliant, and fully functional. Now operating under the e& UAE brand, Etisalat requires all SIM cards—prepaid, postpaid, visitor lines, and business numbers—to be continuously linked to a valid Emirates ID or an approved form of identification.

Whether you are a UAE resident renewing after Emirates ID expiry, a tourist using a Visitor Line, or a business user managing multiple numbers, this guide explains exactly how Etisalat SIM renewal works, how to renew online, common problems, timelines, and best practices—all in one place.

Table of Contents

What Is Etisalat SIM Renewal?

Etisalat SIM renewal refers to the process of updating or re-verifying your identity details (primarily Emirates ID) linked to your mobile number, as mandated by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

This is not the same as buying a new SIM or recharging balance.

Why SIM Renewal Is Mandatory

UAE law requires all mobile numbers to be linked to a valid identity
Expired Emirates ID = temporary service suspension
Extended non-compliance = permanent disconnection

Recommended: How to Check Etisalat Number

Who Needs to Renew Their Etisalat SIM?

You must complete Etisalat SIM renewal if you fall into any of the following categories:

UAE residents with an expired or renewed Emirates ID
Users who received SMS renewal reminders from e&
Business accounts updating trade license or ID details
Visitor Line users extending or reactivating service
Users unable to make calls, use data, or receive OTPs

Etisalat SIM Renewal Timeline & Rules

When Should You Renew?

Immediately after receiving your new Emirates ID
Do not wait for service suspension

Grace Period

Personal accounts: short grace period before suspension
Business accounts: up to 60 days before outgoing services are barred

Cost

SIM registration renewal is 100% free
Charges apply only if you request SIM replacement

Recommended: 052 Du or Etisalat?

How to Renew Etisalat SIM – Step-by-Step Methods

1. Renew via e& UAE App (Fastest & Recommended)

This method is AI-verification enabled and usually approved within 2 hours.

Steps:

Download e& UAE App (Android / iOS)
Log in using your mobile number
Select “Mobile Registration Renewal”
Choose the SIM(s) to renew
Verify identity using one of the following:
- UAE PASS (recommended)
- Upload Emirates ID (front & back) + facial scan
Confirm details and submit
Enter OTP sent to your number

Best for: Residents, families, multi-user families

2. Renew viathe Etisalat Website

Visit etisalat.ae
Log in to My Account
Go to Quick Access → Mobile Registration Renewal
Follow the same verification steps as the app

3. USSD Code (Quick Menu Access)

Dial *101#
Follow on-screen renewal prompts
Limited functionality compared to app/web

4. SMS Renewal Link

Etisalat sends reminder SMS before ID expiry
Tap the secure link
Complete verification online

5. In-Store Renewal (Physical Verification)

Visit any e& Business Centre with:

Original Emirates ID
Account holder present
Fingerprint or biometric verification (if required)

SIM Renewal vs SIM Replacement (Very Important)

Feature	Registration Renewal	SIM Replacement
Purpose	Update Emirates ID	Replace damaged/lost SIM
Cost	Free	AED 25 (+VAT)
Online	Yes	Yes
eSIM Option	Not required	Free switch available

eSIM Alternative

Available via e& UAE App
Instant activation
No physical SIM required
Ideal for dual-SIM smartphones

Etisalat SIM Types & Renewal Considerations

Visitor Line (Tourist SIMs)

Validity: 24 hours to 28 days
Auto-deactivation after inactivity
Renewal or reactivation required for extended stays

Common Visitor Plans Include:

Free Visitor Line (10GB – 24 hours)
AED 49 / AED 94 / AED 119 / AED 190 plans
Unlimited data plan (14 days)

Wasel Prepaid SIM (Residents)

Requires Emirates ID renewal
Recharge does not replace SIM renewal
Managed fully via e& UAE app

What Happens If You Don’t Renew?

Incoming & outgoing calls blocked
Mobile data suspended
OTPs and banking verifications fail
Eventual permanent disconnection
Number recovery may not be possible

Common Problems & Practical Solutions

“My SIM stopped working suddenly”

→ Emirates ID likely expired. Renew via app immediately.

“I renewed ID but service still blocked”

→ Restart phone and wait up to 2 hours. Contact e& support if unresolved.

“I lost my Emirates ID”

→ Renew Emirates ID via ICP/GDRFA, then complete SIM renewal.

“Can I renew someone else’s SIM?”

→ No. Account holder identity verification is mandatory.

Expert Tips & Best Practices

Use UAE PASS for fastest approval
Renew before ID expiry, not after
Keep confirmation reference numbers
Test calls and data after renewal
Switch to eSIM if physical SIM issues persist

Key Benefits of Timely Etisalat SIM Renewal

No service interruptions
Full access to banking & OTP services
Compliance with UAE telecom laws
No need for store visits
Secure digital identity management

FAQs

Can I get Etisalat SIM online?

Yes. You can order physical SIM or eSIM online via the e& UAE app or official website with home delivery in the UAE.

Can I get a SIM online in the UAE?

Yes. All major UAE telecom providers, including e&, allow online SIM and eSIM purchases with ID verification.

What is Etisalat 30GB 30 days plan?

It is a prepaid data bundle offering 30GB local data valid for 30 days, commonly available as an add-on for Wasel prepaid users.

What is Etisalat 90 days data plan?

Etisalat offers long-validity data packs (60–90 days) for prepaid users, ideal for light or intermittent usage.

Conclusion

Etisalat SIM renewal is a simple but critical requirement for anyone using mobile services in the UAE. With fully digital options via the e& UAE app, renewal takes only minutes and prevents serious service disruptions.

Renew early, use official channels, and keep your mobile number active, secure, and compliant—without unnecessary store visits or downtime.

Author
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Safna

Safna is a full-time writer at TheDubaiWeb.com, where she covers the latest finance news and trending topics across the UAE. With over 10 years of experience living in the UAE, she brings local insight and a deep understanding of the region to her reporting.