Internet and mobile telephony in Dubai: operators, packages, eSIM, installation, practical advice

Have you just moved to Dubai and are wondering which operator to choose for your phone and Internet connection? Between mobile packages, fiber installation and new eSIM options, it's not always easy to find your way around.

In this article, we'll take a look at the country's three main operators (Etisalat, Du and Virgin Mobile) and compare their offers.

You'll also find out about the differences between mobile, fixed Internet and combined packages, as well as the steps and documents required to subscribe.

Finally, we'll look at the benefits of eSIM for frequent travelers, and share practical tips for reducing your set-up costs and choosing the network best suited to your neighborhood.

Ready to find the easiest and most cost-effective way to stay connected in Dubai ? Then follow the guide!

Introducing Dubai's three main operators

Three operators dominate the Dubai telephony market: 

• Etisalat : the oldest and most reputable operator. It offers excellent coverage and a fast connection, perfect for home or mobile Internet.
  
• Du : the second major player. Its packages are often slightly less expensive. It attracts many expatriates thanks to its flexible offers and good customer service.
  
• Virgin Mobile: newer and 100% digital. Everything is managed via a simple application. It's ideal if you like to personalize your package and pay only for what you use.

Comparative internet offers in Dubai

Here are the different offers available from the three major operators in Dubai.

A. Mobile packages (prepaid, data, calls/SMS)

Here is an overview of the prepaid mobile packages offered by the three operators in Dubai :

1. Etisalat (also known as e& or Wasel)

• Daily, weekly, monthly packages with data + minutes from ~AED 10.50 (400 MB + 15 min, valid for 7 days).
  
• Larger one-month packages: 2 GB at AED 42, 4 GB at AED 63, up to 28 GB at AED 200.
  
• Each social data plan (e.g. WhatsApp, Instagram) is also available: 4.2 GB for AED 42, 7 GB for AED 63.
  
• Special offers for visitors: for example, 2 GB + 30 min + Careem credit for AED 49, 22.5 GB + 525 min + Wi-Fi + Careem for AED 200 (28 days).

2. From

• Prepaid Easy plans: initial credit (AED 25 or 45), then free top-ups + data, total flexibility.
  
• Prepaid Flexi plans: you customize data and minutes, and if you pay by the year, you get 50% off!
  
• Youthbox Flexi offer for young people: data between 2 GB and 10 GB, gifts included (Redmi headphones, free music).

3. Virgin Mobile (100% digital)

• eSIM tourist packages :
  
  • 3 days unlimited data at AED 99 (without minutes/SMS)
    
  • 7 to 30 days, with 21 GB, 40 GB or unlimited data, for prices ranging from AED 143 to AED 500.
    
• Long-stay packages :
  
  • 3 GB + 3 GB, 50 min local for AED 79
    
  • 6 GB + 4 GB for AED 119, 10 GB + 4 GB for AED 162 (with local minutes).

Table summary :

Operator	Typical price range	Highlights	What you need to know
Etisalat	~10 to 200+ AED	Wide choice, good coverage, visitor options	Data may be expensive, but it's stable
From	Variable (Flexi/Youthbox)	Customizable, youth & full-year promotions	Customer support sometimes criticized
Virgin	AED 79 to ~500	100% digital, very economical on long packages	Coverage sometimes less, service via chat only

B. Fixed Internet (box, fiber, 5G router)

Here is a comparison of fixed internet offers in Dubai:

1. Etisalat (e&) - Fiber and 5G Home

• eLife fiber optics: very fast (up to 10 Gbps) from AED 299/month (500 Mbps) to AED 2,699/month for 10 Gbps, with 24-month contract.
  
• Home Wireless Internet: AED 229/month (Advance) or AED 299/month (Premium), unlimited data, 5G router included, quick activation.
  
•  Quick installation: simply insert the SIM card into the router and everything's ready to go.

2. Du - Fiber (Home Ultra) and 5G Home

Ultra fiber (optical, very fast) :

• Starter: AED 272/month for 1 Gbps, 24-month contract.
  
• Basic to Ultimate plans: 1 Gbps with TV, landline, best routers, from AED 349 to 905/month.

Home Wireless 5G:

• Wireless Plus: AED 229-299/month, unlimited, 5G router, some streaming services included.
  
• Gaming/Entertainment: more complete versions with streaming and better router at AED 239-349/month on special offer.

Routers included:

• Depending on the plan, Du supplies Linksys Velop AC1300s, or even AX5400s for the best packages.

In a nutshell:

Supplier	Connection type	Price (AED/month)	Highlights	What you need to know
Etisalat	Ultra-fast fiber	299 → 2 699	Very high speed (up to 10 Gbps)	24-month contract, professional installation
	Wireless 5G	229 → 299	Quick and easy to install	Unstable upload, variable coverage
From	1 Gbps fiber + TV	272 → 905	TV, streaming, best routers	24-month contract, deposit possible
	Wireless 5G (several offers)	229 → 349	Similar to Etisalat, various promotions	Less stable than fiber

C. Combined packages (TV + Internet + mobile)

Here is a comparison of combined TV + Internet + mobile packages in Dubai :

1. Etisalat (e&) - eLife Ultra Starter & Fusion

• Ultra Starter (≈ AED 299/month, fiber or 750 Mbps) includes internet, TV (200 + channels), landline phone, Amazon Prime, STARZPLAY, 4K TV box and premium router.
  
• Ultra Fusion (≈ AED 840/month) offers super-fast internet, TV, landline phone, Amazon Prime, music, games via Arena eLife, and more.

2. Du - Du Home Internet + TV bundles

• Several options depending on internet speed, TV channels and streaming services:
  
  • Home Starter (≈ AED 389/month): 250 Mbps, basic TV, HDTV receiver.
    
  • Home Basic (≈ AED 279/month): 800 Mbps, one TV channel, two streaming services (Disney+).
    
  • Home Advanced (≈ AED 357/month): 1 Gbps, more TV and services, HD receiver.
    
  • Home Ultimate (≈ AED 487/month): 1 Gbps, five TV channels, four streaming services, two receivers.
    
  • Home Premium and Infinity (up to 10 Gbps, multiple TV/streaming), at higher prices.

3. Etisalat - Neo offer (TV + Internet)

• Neo (≈ AED 399/month): 1 Gbps internet, unlimited data, over 200 TV channels and premium subscriptions like Amazon Prime.

Table summary :

Operator	Main offer	Contents	Price (AED/month)
Etisalat	Ultra Starter / Fusion	Internet, TV, mobile, streaming	299 → 840
	Neo	1 Gbps fiber, TV + subscriptions	399
From	Home bundles	Internet, TV, streaming according to plan	279 → 487 (or more)

eSIM in Dubai

Let's find out how eSIM works and why it makes life easier for expatriates!

1. What is eSIM?

eSIM is a digital SIM card. It's integrated directly into your phone, with no need for a plastic insert.

You activate it simply by scanning a QR code provided by the operator. In just a few seconds, your phone is connected to the network, with no need to visit a store.

It's practical for travel: you can keep your main number and add a local eSIM package.

2. Benefits for frequent travelers

Here are the main benefits of eSIM in Dubai for frequent travellers:

• No plastic card to change: you keep your main number and add a local eSIM package.
  
• Quick activation: a simple QR code is all it takes, no need for a store or queue.
  
• Several packages on a single phone: ideal if you travel between several countries on a regular basis.
  
• No loss of SIMs : no more small cards to lose or break.
  
• Special travel offers : Virgin Mobile, Etisalat and Du offer tourist eSIMs with unlimited data or large gigas.
  
• Immediate connection on arrival: scan the code at the airport and you're online in minutes.

Internet and cell phone subscription conditions in Dubai

Here's an overview of Internet and cell phone subscription conditions in Dubai, suitable for visitors and residents alike:

1. Required documents

• For visitors :
  
  • A valid passport (with visa or entry stamp) is all you need to buy a tourist SIM or eSIM.
    
  • Without Emirates ID, this line will be limited in time and will have to be converted afterwards.
    
• For residents (postpaid) :
  
  • You must present an Emirates ID (official identification).
    
  • Sometimes additional supporting documents are required (employment contract, salary slip, service invoice, rental contract).

2. Where can I subscribe?

You can purchase or activate a SIM or eSIM :

• At the airport (Etisalat, Du or Virgin Mobile counters).
  
• Online or via operator applications or physical stores.
  
• In city stores (shopping malls, agencies).

3. eSIM and activation fee

• eSIMs are available to residents and tourists alike.
  
• Activation fee (From) :
  
  • New prepaid: AED 55 + 5% VAT
    
  • New postpaid: AED 125 + 5% VAT
    
  • Physical SIM → eSIM conversion: AED 20 + 5% VAT

Some activations are only possible once you are in Dubai.

Some eSIMs can only be activated from Dubai. They cannot be activated from abroad.

It's common practice to scan the QR code on arrival at a store, and then the eSIM becomes active.

Practical tips & recommendations

Here are some practical tips for managing the Internet and mobile telephony in Dubai:

• For cell phones
  
  • Always compare packages: Etisalat = best coverage, Du = flexibility, Virgin = smart prices.
    
  • Activate a tourist eSIM at the airport: no need to search for a store after a long flight.
    
  • Keep your main SIM: handy if you want to remain reachable on your usual number.
    
  • Check your phone's eSIM compatibility before you leave.
    
• For fixed-line Internet
  
  • Fiber is more stable than 5G wireless: ideal if you're working remotely or gaming.
    
  • Negotiate in-store: there are often hidden promotions (3 months free, double speed).
    
  • Check the fiber coverage of your building before signing.
    
• For frequent travellers
  
  • Opt for multi-country eSIM (e.g. Airalo, Holafly) if you often move between the Gulf and Europe.
    
  • Avoid multiplying SIM cards: one phone can contain several eSIM profiles.
    
  • Keep a hard copy of the eSIM QR code in case you need to reset your phone.

Local tips :

• WhatsApp video calls and other VoIP apps are blocked: use BOTIM, C'Me or Zoom (official in the UAE).
  
• VPN: useful, but choose a reliable service to avoid outages.
  
• Think about combined packages (TV + Internet + mobile) if you're with your family, which are often more economical.

Stay connected and make your move to Dubai easier

 We've come to the end of this guide!

You now know which operators are essential in Dubai, the different types of packages available, how eSIMs work, and the documents you need to sign up. You've also discovered some practical tips on how to save on installation costs and choose the network best suited to your neighborhood.

In short, you have all the keys you need to enjoya reliable connection tailored to your needs as soon as you arrive in Dubai.

And if you want to take your installation one step further, why not enlist the help of local experts?

At Dubai Real Estate, we'll not only help you find the perfect home, but also make all your day-to-day arrangements for a stress-free arrival.

→ Contact our team today and find out how we can support you step by step in your new life in Dubai!