UAE is very competitive in telecommunication markets with lots of good mobile operators to select. This article discusses the top mobile operators in UAE, choosing the best one that suits you, and compares their top attributes.

Popular mobile operators in which you can buy UAE SIM Card:

Mobile operators in UAE featured image

I. List of Mobile Operators in UAE

1. Main Mobile Operators in UAE

DU mobile operators in UAE

There are 2 major UAE mobile operators:

  • Etisalat – Originally a state-owned and telecommunications operator in the UAE, Etisalat has a long history and extensive network. It is currently the market leader in the UAE.
  • du – The second mobile operator to enter the market in 2007 when it ended Etisalat’s monopoly. du has focused on innovation, customer service and competitive pricing to increase its market share.

Both Etisalat and Du offer high-quality mobile services and compete fiercely on prices and promotions to attract customers.

2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in UAE

In addition to the two major operators, there are several Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that provide mobile services in the UAE by leasing network access from Etisalat and du:

  • Virgin Mobile
  • EITC
  • Lebara
  • FRiENDi

These MVNOs have their own brand names but rely on the underlying network infrastructure of the major operators. They focus on low-cost prepaid mobile services targeting expatriate customers.

II. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operators in UAE 

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a UAE mobile operator.

  • Coverage – Check coverage maps to make sure that the operator has good coverage in places where you live, work or frequent often. The two companies, Etisalat and Du have a nation-wide coverage.
  • Price – Compare prices of call rates, data rates, roaming rates and costs of extras against your pattern of use.
  • Add-on features – Add things like international call rates, roaming packages, data roll over, free cloud storage, etc. Select a provider that suits your needs.
  • Customer Service – Check the comments and ratings on the contact form, wait times, and so forth to ensure that if something goes wrong you will be well looked after.
  • Handset deals – Operators offer price cuts or give a back on buying a device.
    Consider handset offers offering the most value for money.

Consider your specific usage requirements and priorities to determine the right match rather than just going for the cheapest option. A few dirhams difference in monthly charges may be worth paying for much better service quality.

III. Best Mobile Operators in UAE – Detailed Comparison

Let’s dive into a detailed side-by-side comparison of the major operators in the UAE.

Operator Coverage & Speeds English Support Prices & Plans Other Factors
Etisalat Excellent nationwide 4G coverage. Faster average 4G/5G speeds. Strong English support across all customer touchpoints. Competitively priced starter packages and plans. More expensive flagship plans. Largest network, reliable connectivity. 5G availability expanding. WiFi calling/VoLTE supported.
Du Wide 4G nationwide with largest 5G population coverage. Slightly slower average speeds. Adequate English support but some touchpoints still developing. Most affordable starter packages and plans overall. Good value extra-data bundles. Growing network investments. Excellent value plans for budget-conscious users. 5G/VoLTE wider compatible devices.

Note:

  • Currency is converted from AED to USD, 1 AED = 0.27 USD
  • Depending on your needs and budget choose the suitable plan for your trip 

 

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card from Mobile Operators in UAE?

Etisalat-Kiosk

New mobile connections from Etisalat and du along with free SIM cards are available across the UAE:

  • Operator stores – Walk into the nearest du or Etisalat store with Emirates ID and passport copies. SIM activation is done in minutes. Stores are located across malls, commercial areas etc.
  • Kiosks – Find Etisalat and du kiosks at local supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu or Spinneys. Show documents, fill form and get new SIM card instantly.
  • Airports – Prepaid SIM cards from Etisalat and du are available at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport arrival areas.
  • Online – On Etisalat website choose mobile plan and delivery address for free home delivery of activated SIM. Du also offers self-service online activation.
  • Resellers – Authorized resellers of Etisalat and du like Jumbo Electronics also provide new SIM cards. Verify authenticity before buying.

Expats looking for cheap prepaid connections can also find Virgin, Lebara and other MVNO SIM cards across most retail stores. Elife and Carrefour stores offer the widest choice of mobile operator SIMs.

Kiosk-at-Dubai-International-Airport

V. Do Mobile Operators in UAE Offer eSIM?

Yes, both Etisalat and du have launched eSIM technology in UAE. Instead of physical plastic SIM card, an eSIM allows your mobile plan to be digitally downloaded onto supporting devices.

  • UAE eSIM by GIGAGO will give you the best experience in UAE travel. We offer many eSIM options from $33.0 – $288.50 for 1-30 days depending on your needs.
  • Etisalat eSIM is available for iPhone XS, XS Max and above models. Android phones like Google Pixel also support Etisalat eSIM. It allows using two different Etisalat plans on dual-SIM phones.
  • Du also provides eSIM for newer iPhones and Android devices. Du eSIM supports using iPhone cellular plan and Apple Watch plan from same package.
  • Activating eSIM is very simple via the Etisalat or du apps respectively. No need to visit store.
  • eSIM makes juggling between personal and business numbers on same device easier. But ensure your device model supports eSIM technology.
  • Standard physical SIM cards can also be used alongside eSIM on dual-SIM devices. eSIM does not replace regular SIM, it just offers added flexibility.

VI. FAQs

Q: Which operator has better international call rates?

A: Du typically offers more competitive rates for international calls, especially to South Asian countries, Philippines, Egypt etc.

Q: How long does mobile number portability take if changing operators?

A: You can switch from say Etisalat to du and port your number via the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). This is completed within 1 working day.

Q: Can tourists get prepaid SIM card in UAE?

A: Yes, tourists can easily purchase prepaid SIM cards from Etisalat, du or MVNOs by providing passport copy as identity at stores. The process is very smooth.

Q: Is 5G available in UAE from Etisalat and du?

A: Yes, Etisalat and du have both launched 5G networks with coverage in selected areas. 5G capable devices are needed to access the ultra-fast speeds where available.

Q: Which operator is better for international roaming?

A: du provides very attractive roaming rates in most countries which makes it the preferred operator if you travel overseas frequently.

Conclusion

In summary, both leading providers Etisalat and du offer excellent mobile services in UAE with widespread 4G LTE coverage, fast data speeds and competitive rates. Du has an edge for international roaming and calls while Etisalat leads in domestic coverage reach.