Top 3 mobile operators in dubai for tourists

Etisalat (e&) and du are the two largest mobile operators in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general. There is also Virgin Mobile, which operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), using Etisalat’s infrastructure to provide services. Below is detailed information on the year of establishment, services provided, coverage area, etc.

I. 3 largest mobile networks in Dubai

Below are the 3 largest mobile networks in Dubai, including Etisalat (e&), Du, Virgin Mobile:

1. Etisalat (e&) – Leading mobile operator in dubai

Etisalat is a leading global technology group, serving over 156 million customers in 16 countries. Established in 1976, Etisalat began rebranding to e& in 2022. To date, it is one of the fastest-growing networks, achieving much success. In particular, Etisalat has wide coverage in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general.

Overview information

Etisalat network services

  • Mobile: provides prepaid and postpaid packages with many different voice – message and data incentives.
  • Mobile internet: Provides high-speed internet over fixed lines (FTTH) and mobile (4G/5G).
  • Pay TV: Provides a variety of domestic and foreign pay TV channels
  • eLife: A bundled service package including internet, fixed line, television

2. Du Network

This is the 2nd largest mobile network in Dubai in particular, and the UAE in general. This network was established in 2006 and has been growing strongly, becoming a formidable competitor to Etisalat.

Information about Du

  • Year established: 2006
  • Headquarters: Al Salam Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road
  • Trade Centre 2, Dubai, UAE
  • Slogan: Add life to life
  • Du’s hotline in Dubai: 155
  • Website: https://www.du.ae/personal

Main services of du network Mobile

Like most other networks, du also offers prepaid and postpaid mobile plans.

  • Prepaid package: You need to top up your account with different denominations, top up before using (Usually prepaid packages will be suitable for tourists coming to Dubai)
  • Postpaid package: This is a package that uses first and pays later. This package has many incentives for data, messaging, voice and is more suitable for locals living in Dubai.
  • Roaming in Dubai: Use when going abroadInternetFixed broadband internet: high speed fiber optic.
  • Mobile data plan: Use on phones that support the network, tablets, laptops
  • Pay TV (du TV): Many different options, domestic and international content

3. Virtual network Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile UAE is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) operating on the network infrastructure of Etisalat (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company) in the United Arab Emirates. Virgin Mobile launched in 2017 and targets young customers.

Advantages of Virgin Mobile

  • Easily switch plans according to usage needs, because most of the plans of this network are not contractually bound.
  • You can easily manage your account, purchase appropriate packages, track data usage through the mobile application.
  • Wide coverage

All 3 networks have wide coverage across the UAE Many incentives
Focus on mobile data with large capacity, meeting the increasing internet usage needs of customers (especially young people).

II. Do Mobile Operators in Dubai Offer eSIM?

In addition to traditional plastic sim card in dubai for tourist, some operators provide eSIM (embedded digital SIM) options compatible with newer phone models like iPhone 14.

  • eSIM for dubai is a third-party retailer by GIGAGO and sells eSIM only from $5.9 for 30 days
  • Etisalat launched eSIM support for consumers in 2020. It lets you easily manage multiple numbers digitally through the My Etisalat app.
  • du also introduced eSIM for customers along with its new Pay As You Go Flex plan tailored for eSIM usage. Scan a QR code to instantly activate the plan.
  • Virgin Mobile claims to be the first MVNO in the region to launch eSIM support. This means you can use eSIM functionality on the du network.

So if you have an eSIM-capable device, both Etisalat and du offer this as a convenient alternative to standard SIM cards.