UAE Internet and Mobile Plans in 2026: Best Value

du vs e& in 2026: quick overview

du and e& remain the two main operators. Both cover the mainland, offer 5G nationwide, and run similar pricing tiers. The real difference shows up in data allowances, roaming bundles, and how easy it is to switch between prepaid and postpaid.

Best postpaid plans for residents

Most expats choose postpaid for bigger data buckets and easier family add-ons. Current top picks:

• du Postpaid 299: 60 GB local data, unlimited calls, 1000 flexi minutes, 12-month contract. Extra SIM for AED 50.
• e& Postpaid 349: 75 GB, unlimited local calls, 15 GB roaming in 100 countries. No early-termination fee if you stay 12 months.
• Family 4-line bundle: AED 599 total at du or AED 649 at e&. Each line gets 40 GB, shared 200 GB pool, and one free smart watch line.

Both operators let you upgrade data mid-cycle for AED 50 per 10 GB. MOHRE salary certificate is enough to open the account; no salary transfer required.

Prepaid options for flexibility

Prepaid works well if you move often or prefer no commitment. Top reloads in 2026:

• du Daily 35: 15 GB valid 30 days, AED 35 auto-renew. Good for short-term contractors.
• e& Weekly 99: 30 GB + 500 flexi minutes, rolls over unused data once.
• du Tourist 14-day: 20 GB + 100 min, AED 99, airport pickup desks open 24/7.

Top-up at any ATM, supermarket, or via the app. Both networks still sell physical SIMs and eSIMs at the same price.

Home internet bundles

Most apartments come with a fibre outlet. Current residential offers:

Installation is free if you sign 12 months. DEWA and Etisalat bills can be combined for a 5 % discount. RERA-regulated buildings must allow tenant to choose provider; older towers sometimes restrict to one operator only.

eSIM for tourists and short stays

Visitors landing after January 2026 can activate eSIM before arrival. du and e& both sell 7-day, 15-day and 30-day tourist eSIMs via their apps or airline partners. Prices start at AED 75 for 10 GB. Coverage reaches all metro lines and major malls. No passport scan needed at activation, only at top-up over AED 200.

How to switch or cancel

ICP visa copy plus Emirates ID is required to port a number. Porting takes 2-4 hours on postpaid, up to 24 hours on prepaid. Cancel postpaid by visiting a service centre or through the app; final bill pro-rated. No exit fee if you have completed the minimum term.

Ask Tovi for more

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