Mobile Packages in UAE
The UAE mobile market is unique globally - it has only two licensed operators, Etisalat (rebranded as e&) and du, making it one of the most concentrated telecoms markets in the world. Both operators are partially government-owned and offer comparable services at similar price points in AED.
Operator Directory
Compare available networks and open operator pages.
Country Context
Pricing depends on local taxes, policy, and network competition.
Activation Methods
USSD, official app, SMS, and web portals by operator.
United Arab Emirates Operators
Etisalat (e&)
Etisalat (e&) is the UAE's largest telecom operator with broad 4G and 5G coverage across all emirates. The operator offers prepaid, postpaid, tourist SIM, eSIM, and international calling bundles focused on expat communication needs.
Entry Plan
AED 35/month
Popular Plan
Smart L (25 GB, 200 intl mins, AED 150)
App: e& UAE App
Etisalat (e&) packages
du
du is the UAE's second national telecom operator with strong coverage in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other key urban corridors. It offers prepaid, postpaid, tourist SIM, eSIM, and international calling add-ons designed for residents and expats.
Entry Plan
AED 30/month
Popular Plan
Monthly L (40 GB, 200 intl mins, AED 175)
App: du App
du packagesUAE Mobile Market Overview
The UAE mobile market is unique globally - it has only two licensed operators, Etisalat (rebranded as e&) and du, making it one of the most concentrated telecoms markets in the world. Both operators are partially government-owned and offer comparable services at similar price points in AED.
Unlike most countries, UAE mobile plans are heavily designed around international calling - reflecting the country's expat-majority population where over 90% of residents were born outside the UAE. Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, Filipino, and Arab expat workers regularly call home, making international minutes a key factor in choosing a plan.
Key UAE mobile market facts
- Only 2 operators - e& (formerly Etisalat) and du
- All plans priced in AED
- VoIP calls (WhatsApp calls, FaceTime audio, Skype) are officially restricted in the UAE
- Both operators offer 5G
- eSIM available for tourists and residents on compatible devices
- Prepaid SIM requires Emirates ID or passport for registration
e& vs du Comparison Table
| Feature | e& (Etisalat) | du |
|---|---|---|
| Market share | ~65% | ~35% |
| Network quality | Slightly better rural | Strong urban |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes |
| Entry prepaid | AED 35/month | AED 30/month |
| Intl. minutes | Included in most plans | Included in most plans |
| Expat focus | Strong (more IDD options) | Strong (competitive IDD) |
| App | e& UAE App | du App |
| Customer care | 101 | 155 |
| Best for | Wider coverage, roaming | Budget plans, urban |
International Calling from UAE - Pakistan, India & Bangladesh
The most important feature for Pakistani and Indian expats in UAE is international calling minutes. Both e& and du offer dedicated international calling bundles specifically for calls to South Asia and the Middle East.
Calling Pakistan from UAE: Standard IDD rate is typically AED 0.45-0.90 per minute depending on operator and destination. International bundle references include around AED 35 for 200 minutes on e& and around AED 25 for 100 minutes on du (country and campaign dependent).
Calling India from UAE: Similar IDD rate ranges apply, and India remains one of the most called destinations from UAE.
Tip: Use e& UAE App or du App to add international minute bundles on top of your base plan. Pakistan and India focused offers change frequently, especially around Eid and holiday windows.
VoIP (Internet Calling) Restrictions in UAE
The UAE officially restricts several VoIP-based calling services:
- WhatsApp calls - restricted (messaging works normally)
- FaceTime audio/video - restricted
- Skype voice calls - restricted
- IMO calls - restricted
Both e& and du provide licensed alternatives such as BOTIM for voice/video calls under UAE regulations. BOTIM usually requires a subscription (approximately AED 50/month, operator billing dependent).
Regular WhatsApp messaging, photos, and videos work normally; the restriction mainly affects voice and video calling functions.
Getting a UAE SIM Card
Residents: Emirates ID is required for prepaid and postpaid registration.
Tourists: Passport is required, and visitor SIM plans are available at airports and operator counters.
eSIM: Available through e& UAE App and du App for compatible devices with identity verification.
Both operators have airport counters at Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with common availability at Dubai International Airport terminals.
Popular Prepaid Plans - Quick Reference
e& Prepaid (approximate 2026 rates)
| Plan | Data | Intl. Mins | Local Calls | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor SIM | 5 GB | 50 mins | Unlimited | 7 days | AED 49 |
| Smart M | 10 GB | 100 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 100 |
| Smart L | 25 GB | 200 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 150 |
| Smart XL | 50 GB | 500 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 200 |
du Prepaid (approximate 2026 rates)
| Plan | Data | Intl. Mins | Local Calls | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 3 GB | 60 mins | Unlimited | 7 days | AED 35 |
| Monthly S | 8 GB | 50 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 75 |
| Monthly M | 20 GB | 100 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 125 |
| Monthly L | 40 GB | 200 mins | Unlimited | 30 days | AED 175 |
Prices are approximate reference values. Verify latest plans inside e& UAE App or du App before purchase.
Useful UAE Codes
| Action | e& | du |
|---|---|---|
| Check balance | *121# | *135# |
| Check data | *121# | *135# |
| Customer care | 101 (free) | 155 (free) |
| International customer care | +971-2-4010101 | +971-4-360-0000 |
| Report outage | 101 | 155 |