How to Set Up Home Internet in UAE

Choose Between du and Etisalat

Two licensed operators provide fibre broadband across the UAE. Etisalat serves most areas under the e& brand while du covers Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and several northern emirates. Both deliver up to 2 Gbps speeds on new builds, yet coverage differs by building. Check your exact address on each website before you decide.

Current 2026 Residential Plans and Prices

Etisalat’s Home 300 starts at 299 AED per month for 300 Mbps, includes free router, and bundles 6 months of streaming. The Home 500 plan costs 399 AED and the 1 Gbps tier is 499 AED. du’s equivalent 300 Mbps package is 289 AED, 500 Mbps is 379 AED, and 1 Gbps is 479 AED. Both charge a one-time 100 AED activation fee and require a 12-month contract. Add 50 AED monthly for a static IP or extra mesh pod.

Check Coverage at Your Address

Before you sign, enter your building name and apartment number on the provider’s portal. Some older villas still rely on 5G fixed wireless at 200 Mbps for 249 AED. If fibre is available, you will see an instant installation calendar. New towers in Dubai South and Yas Island usually receive both networks within 30 days of handover.

Book Installation and Required Documents

Book online or call 800 122 (du) or 101 (Etisalat). You need your Emirates ID, tenancy contract stamped by RERA, and the DEWA or ADDC electricity account number. A technician visits within 24-48 hours, installs the ONT, and activates the line on the same visit. No site survey is needed for standard apartments. If you live in a freehold villa, allow an extra day for external cabling.

Activate and Optimise Your Connection

After activation, change the default Wi-Fi password in the app and enable band steering. Test speed at different times of day; peak hours (8-11 pm) can drop 15 percent on shared building nodes. If you need symmetrical upload for video calls, request the business-grade upload boost for 100 AED extra. Both providers allow mid-contract speed upgrades without penalty.

Cancel or Switch Providers

To switch, the new provider handles the porting request. You pay any remaining contract months plus 200 AED early-termination fee. Keep the old router until the final bill clears to avoid a 300 AED non-return charge. Most expats switch only when moving to a new building.

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 →