Data is expense in the Gulf region and it costs even more if you are a heavy data user (example: remote worker, streamer, data sharer). This article will walk you through legal methods that help you spend less on data and even allow you to surf the internet for free in UAE and KSA.
This article does not include illegal methods. There are many public WIFI locations. However, we encourage you to use trusted public WIFI locations. We also include legal methods like promotions, rewards and referral programs. We also include tips to help you manage your data allowance.
Take note that offers are time limited. Thus, the information provided in this article is for general information only and you should contact your service provider for more information.
What Are Your Options for Free Internet in UAE and KSA?
There are lots of ways to get free data (or low cost data) in UAE and KSA. Often times, it involves using the data allowance in an unconventional manner. While there are many techniques, we encourage you to verify the information for yourself and use your best judgment.
Currently, there are multiple ways to get free or low-cost mobile data in the UAE including:
- Free public Wi-Fi
- Welcome/promotional offers
- Loyalty programs
- Data referrals
- App-specific data
- Employment/student/tourist benefits
They won’t totally replace a mobile plan, but you can use a combination of these to greatly lower your mobile data plan costs.
You should be cautious about entering your bank information while using the mobile apps of banks and financial services companies while on public Wi-Fi. Using the internet over a secure, private connection, such as a virtual private network, may be a good idea in these situations. Be sure you are in compliance with UAE laws and regulations before using a VPN.
Du and e & provide additional data promotions to new customers. This additional data may be provided in the form of high speed data, social network data, or a discounted first recharge. New customers may want to take advantage of promotions to save data upon arriving in the UAE or when switching operators.
There are numerous programs that offer rewards or loyalty points that may be redeemed for data.
- e & Smiles: e & has a program similar to du rewards where points are awarded based on usage, offers and partner deals. Smiles is a rewards app that offers numerous ways to earn points including offers and partner deals. Points may be redeemed for data packages.
Additionally, Du rewards has offers and campaigns that reward customers with data packages. Customers may want to take advantage of offers and campaigns offered by UAE service providers during festivals.
Because offers are usually time-restricted, turn notifications on in your mobile app.
Tourists can purchase SIM cards at UAE airports and enjoy data on the means of transport to their final destination. While not exactly ‘free data,’ this is often a better offer than international roaming, and some airport offers provide additional data to first time visitors.
If you are only visiting for a short period, you may also use an eSIM. The added benefit of using an eSIM is you avoid long customs and immigration queues.
Free public WiFi is widely available in:
- Shopping Malls and Entertainment Venues
- Airports (Riyadh, Jeddah)
- Cafes and Restaurants
- Some Government Offices and Service Centers
- Holy Cities during Peak Season
There is also a variety of offers provided by the three main operators (STC, Mobily, Zain KSA). Look out for:
- Data allowances on new SIM card connections
- Additional data allowances with SIM card top-ups
- Social media bundles
- Data offers during Ramadan, Eid and Saudi National Day
Check an operator’s app regularly. Some offers are exclusively shown to customers via apps.
As a customer, you’ve probably been awarded points. Redeeming them is a great way to get rewarded! In Saudi, the main loyalty program, Qitaf, is partnered with many service providers. Partner points can be exchanged for rewards like mobile credit and data.
Points are also given out for rewards by service providers. Be sure to check your reward accounts and claim any points you’ve earned.
If you’re in KSA for Hajj or Umrah, consider asking your travel agent about mobile SIM and data offers that are bundled in travel packages. You can also buy local SIM cards at the airport. Just be sure to register your SIM card with your passport to avoid fines and interruptions.
Employees in KSA and Bahrain may be rewarded with mobile data by their employers. Students in KSA may also benefit from reduced mobile data plans. If you have mobile data through your employer, be sure to set it up to tether your other devices.
TURN ON WI-FI AUTO-CONNECT
Your phone probably has the habit of connecting to mobile data. Set it to connect to Wi-Fi automatically instead. Also, to not waste data while connected to the internet, download large files via Wi-Fi.
DATA SAVER
Both iOS and Android have data saver options. Turn them on. If there are apps you don’t want restricted, alter the settings for data saving.
OFFLINE DOWNLOADS
If you have playlists or shows you like to watch or listen to, save them for offline use via Wi-Fi. You can do this on Spotify, YouTube and on Netflix.
LOOK INTO VIDEO QUALITY
To save data, set videos to stream in standard definition.
QUIT AUTO-DOWNLOADING AND AUTO-PLAY
To stop media and videos from automatically loading and playing, go to each app and manually disable that function. If you don’t want to do that, at least set those functions to only use Wi-Fi.
LIMIT UPDATES
Set your app store to only update apps when Wi-Fi is available.
CHECK DATA USAGE
See how much data you’ve used and which apps are using the most by going to your settings or your app/phone’s data usage page.
Customers are commonly targets for data scams, especially when they are looking to get data for free. Some tricks to avoid are:
- Free Unlimited Data Generators: The reason they are called “generators” is because they generate nothing but trouble. Users either don’t receive any data, or in the process of receiving it, lose their personal information to hackers, or are forced to install malware.
- Social Media Give Aways: Data offers from Telecom operators are always published on official platforms. Telecom operators will never ask customers to provide their Emirates ID, or enter their card details to receive a data offer.
- Illegal/Hacked Wi-Fi: Using a network without the owner’s permission is unlawful in both UAE and UK.
- Free Operator Data VPNs: Manipulation of Operator equipment is illegal and against the terms and conditions of the Operator.
When in doubt, always use officially licensed platforms and service outlets.
Maximizing Free Data
A week in the life of a free data enthusiast looks like this:
- Open your operator App and claim any offers.
- Look for time-limited offers.
- Use your data before it expires.
- Keep your mobile data on and use Wi-Fi.
That’s it, that’s all!
- Look over your plan every couple of months.
Expect to do this weekly.
If you don’t, you could be paying for data you don’t use. It adds up.
What can I do to spend less on my data plan?
Using Wi-Fi more is probably the most obvious solution, but you can also make sure you’re utilizing the other data your plan gives you, and using data-saving features. If your plan allows for it, you can also download data to use when you’re offline.
Last Thing
Using the data your plan gives you, and keeping good data habits are probably the best ways to keep your data costs low. Public Wi-Fi, plans with data rewards, and data offered by your phone’s provider are probably the most reliable ways to get free data in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Keep your data plan app up-to-date and claim any rewards it gives you. Using websites that provide unlimited free data can put your plan and your phone at risk, so don’t use them. If you use good data habits and claim the rewards your plan gives you, you should be able to keep your data costs low.
