Etisalat vs du Mobile Plans 2026 for Expats

Current 2026 Landscape

Etisalat and du remain the two main mobile operators in the UAE. Both offer prepaid and postpaid plans that suit different usage patterns, from light data users to heavy streamers. Prices and bundles are set for the full year, with no major tariff changes announced by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.

Prepaid Options for Flexible Use

Prepaid plans work well for tourists and new arrivals who want control without a contract. Etisalat's Pay As You Go starter pack costs 25 AED and includes 5 GB valid for 30 days. Top-ups of 50 AED give 15 GB plus 300 minutes, while 100 AED adds 40 GB, 600 minutes, and unlimited social media. Du mirrors this with its Prepaid Daily pack at 25 AED for 5 GB and a 100 AED bundle that supplies 35 GB, 500 minutes, and free WhatsApp calling. Both operators allow balance checks via the My Etisalat or du app and instant top-ups at supermarkets or online.

Postpaid Plans for Regular Users

Postpaid plans suit residents who need predictable billing and larger data pools. Etisalat's Home and Mobile 150 plan charges 150 AED monthly for 30 GB, 1000 minutes, and 5G speeds. The 250 AED tier increases data to 60 GB and unlimited calls. Du's Postpaid 200 offers 45 GB plus 1500 minutes for 200 AED, while the 300 AED plan raises data to 75 GB and includes roaming vouchers for GCC countries. Both providers bill monthly via direct debit and allow plan upgrades without extra fees through their apps.

Data, Minutes, and Extras

Most plans now default to 5G where coverage exists. Etisalat's network shows stronger indoor signals in older Dubai buildings, while du performs better in newer Abu Dhabi suburbs. Unlimited social media add-ons cost 30 AED extra on both networks. International calling bundles start at 50 AED for 300 minutes to India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Roaming day passes are 35 AED for 1 GB across 80 countries on Etisalat and 40 AED on du.

How to Choose and Switch

Compare your monthly data first. Users under 20 GB monthly can stay prepaid and save 50-80 AED. Heavy users who exceed 40 GB benefit from postpaid plans that offer rollover data. To switch, visit an ICP-approved service center with Emirates ID and pay any outstanding balance. Number portability completes within two hours on both networks, and new SIM activation is free when you bring your own unlocked phone.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →