Industry experts told Arabian Business that the travel and tourism sector in the UAE, as well as across the wider GCC region, is expected to experience significant market growth driven by the increasing popularity of eSims – virtual mobile sims.
Leading global players in the industry, such as eSIM Plus, a prominent international provider of virtual phone numbers and mobile data, are introducing payment options in cryptocurrencies in the UAE market to promote the adoption of their ‘roam-like-home’ services, particularly among tech-savvy youths and the upwardly mobile business and professional community.
The eSim technology offers users seamless internet access, secure and stable mobile connections, and extensive global coverage.
The rise of eSims coincides with the widespread adoption of smartphones globally, with Apple eliminating physical sims for all new releases in the US, and other manufacturers expected to follow suit soon.
Dina Tsybulskaya, CEO of eSIM Plus, highlighted the UAE’s strategic significance as a prime market due to its location, robust telecom infrastructure, and high smartphone penetration. The company has enabled bill payments for customers in cryptocurrencies, catering to the growing demand among travellers, especially those aged between 20-35.
The UAE ranks among the top five countries for eSIM Plus in terms of cryptocurrency payments, reflecting the preference for eSims among travellers and the business community based in the UAE.
Tsybulskaya emphasized that the company has introduced tailored plans for the UAE’s traveller community and offers a mobile app with 24×7 customer support to streamline user onboarding and service activation, according to Arabian Business.
In the UAE market, there is a rush for partnership deals in the eSim segment as global players seek to collaborate with local operators to capture a larger share of the market.
The digital transformation initiatives by UAE authorities, enabling transparent eKYC processes, have contributed significantly to the growing adoption of eSims in the country.
eSims simplify telecom access for travellers worldwide by eliminating the need for physical purchase and offering a seamless digital onboarding process. They also enable users to hold multiple virtual numbers for voice and data requirements without replacing existing primary numbers.
