Choosing between the UAE’s two mobile networks, e& (formerly Etisalat) and du, decides how much you pay for data and how well your phone works across the seven emirates. This guide compares prepaid, postpaid and tourist options for 2026, and explains exactly what you need to register a line.
e& vs du: the basics
Both networks give strong 5G coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, so for most city residents there is no meaningful signal difference. e& has operated since 1976 and still reaches further into remote desert, mountain roads and smaller towns, which matters if you travel off the main highways. du is widely regarded as the better-value choice for prepaid users who want more data per dirham.
Prepaid plans
Prepaid suits new arrivals, light users and anyone who dislikes contracts. A prepaid starter SIM typically costs from around AED 55 with some initial data included, and you top up monthly bundles as needed. e& offers flexible add-ons from as little as AED 2 for a quick top-up up to roughly AED 300 for a top-tier unlimited data pack, while du’s monthly prepaid bundles tend to squeeze in more gigabytes for the same spend.
- Light user: AED 50–100 monthly bundle for browsing and messaging.
- Average user: a mid-tier bundle in the AED 100–150 band with generous data and local minutes.
- Heavy user: an unlimited-style pack around AED 300 if you stream on the go.
Postpaid plans
Postpaid makes sense once you are settled with an Emirates ID and want a fixed monthly bill, a handset instalment or GCC roaming. Mid-range postpaid plans commonly sit in the AED 100 to AED 300 per month band depending on data and minutes. e&’s entry family postpaid plans start near AED 100 per month on a 24-month commitment and bundle unlimited local minutes and GCC “roam like home” style benefits; du’s postpaid tiers are broadly comparable and often bundle streaming perks.
| Option | Typical monthly cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid bundle | AED 50–300 | New arrivals, flexibility |
| Postpaid plan | AED 100–300 | Settled residents, roaming, handsets |
| Tourist SIM | ~AED 49 (2GB/28 days) | Short visits |
| Free visitor eSIM | Free (10GB, 1 day) | Airport arrival day |
Prices are indicative and change with promotions, so confirm current rates at eand.ae and du.ae before buying.
Tourists: SIM and eSIM
Visitors do not need to commit to a resident line. e& offers an instant visitor eSIM with 10GB of free data that self-activates once you clear immigration at a UAE airport, valid for one day. Paid tourist SIMs are affordable too: a popular e& option gives roughly 2GB over 28 days for about AED 49, and du offers near-identical tourist pricing. Travel eSIMs from third parties can undercut local SIMs while using the same networks.
What you need to register a line
UAE law requires every SIM to be registered to an identity. Residents register with a valid Emirates ID and a fingerprint scan at a store or kiosk. Tourists register with their passport (and sometimes a UAE entry stamp). You can buy SIMs at the airport, e& and du branches, malls and many supermarkets. Because staying connected is one of the first tasks for arrivals, factor it into your wider UAE cost of living planning. For the corporate story behind the market leader, see our e& (Etisalat) company profile, and for a neighbouring market compare our guide to getting a SIM card in Bahrain.
eSIM and modern phones
Both e& and du now support eSIM on compatible iPhones and Android flagships, letting you activate a line by scanning a QR code without a physical chip. This is handy for keeping a home-country number active alongside your UAE line, and for switching networks without visiting a store. If your phone is older or locked to a physical SIM, stick with the traditional plastic SIM, which every plan still offers.
Switching networks and keeping your number
The UAE allows mobile number portability, so you can move between e& and du and keep the same number. You will need to be the registered owner, settle any outstanding postpaid bills, and complete the request at a store with your Emirates ID. Prepaid users can port too. If you are chasing a better bundle, check whether a fresh SIM promotion beats porting, since new-line offers are sometimes the better deal.
Data-only and second SIMs
Both networks sell data-only SIMs for tablets, mobile hotspots and in-car connectivity, which can be cheaper than adding data to your main line. Frequent GCC travellers should also compare each operator’s regional roaming packs, as e&’s “roam like home” style benefits and du’s roaming bundles can save far more than paying per-megabyte abroad.
Bottom line
For flexibility and value, start on du prepaid; for the widest coverage and family postpaid deals, e& is hard to beat. Tourists should grab the free e& visitor eSIM on arrival and add a cheap paid bundle only if they need more than a day of data. Whichever you pick, register with your Emirates ID or passport, keep some data headroom for hot summer streaming, and revisit your plan every few months as promotions shift.
Read next: UAE Home Internet Plans 2026: e& vs du Fibre Packages & Costs
Primary sources: the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the UAE Government portal.
