prepaid load being deducted due to 3G default feature of UAE ETISALAT SIM

I think you should consider getting yourself a data-plan (hopefuly it is available for a prepaid SIM where you are). The reason is that iPhone is made to keep using 3G/2G data network even when it is under WiFi coverage for some things such as push mail and app notifications. You can also ask your carrier to block your line's data network access altogether. Usually it can be achieved through punching some codes on the keypad, but that depends on your carrier.

I am one of those who have the same problem as Herz. Looking at some local apple local forums there are a lot out there who have the same anoying issue. Credit keeps vanishing eventhough limited use and access to the internet has took place.
When I got my iPhone 3GS with local UAE carrier Etisalat I also got offered a 250 MB data plan free for 6 months on prepaid sim card.
I have put a complain to the carrier to resolve this issue and still waiting for some one to come back. I have been told different work arounds, but non has worked.
At this very moment I disabled the 3G and connected via wi fi but still the sim card crdit is depleting fast.

Any solution or suggestion would be highly appreciated.

Thanks

i live in melbourne australia,. im currently on holiday in saudi araiba,. the 1st thing i do is turn both my 3GS and my 3G iphones off when i land,.it kills me but then so does recharging $30-50 aus a day,both of mine are also pre-paid,. if i was to put $300-400Aus credit on,. i would get about 30 sms's, no phone calls just sms and a half n hr if that in the internet,.if you LIVE perm in UAE best option is stated above thats to get a sim card only on plan with data for the UAE and get your number ported to the new sim so you keep the same ph number,. unfortunatly ive always had this problem oversea's using my pre-paid sim,, otherwise to use the full features of your iphone,. you will go through WAY to much credit as you no and recharge constantly,.so your not alone in this department,.not much of a consilation though i know,. but emails,push emails 3g and the likes will chew the credit up,.my credit dosnt loose 1 dollar when everything is off though with airplane mode on,,otherwise it does dissapair also,.

you aren't alone with this issue.I am having the same problem with my I phone 3gs. I just got it 2 days ago from etisalat with the same (250 MB) package as yours. the first day I bought 100 drhm credit and was deducted in 2 hours only.I am so frustrated.its switched of now, I stoped using it.already thinking of selling it.
if get any help or solution please post something.