du
du is the UAE's second national telecom operator, offering prepaid tourist plans and eSIM support alongside standard mobile and home internet services.
What it helps with
- Mobile data for a holiday in the UAEData-focused Tourist Plan packages as a physical SIM or eSIM.
- Buying at the airportdu shops at the airports sell tourist packages on arrival.
- Topping up from the phoneCheck usage and top up in the du app.
About du
As Etisalat's main competitor, du offers strong coverage across the UAE's major cities, with prepaid tourist plans and eSIM activation designed to be more convenient for short-term visitors than setting up a full postpaid account.
Key Features
- Prepaid Tourist Plans: Data-focused prepaid plans designed for visitors, available as physical SIM or eSIM.
- eSIM Activation: Some tourist plans can be activated digitally without a physical SIM card.
- Self-Service App: Check balance, top up, and manage your plan through the du app.
- Strong Urban Coverage: Reliable network coverage across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other major cities.
How to Get Started
- Buy a du tourist SIM at the airport or any du store, bringing your passport, or purchase an eSIM plan if eligible.
- Activate the SIM or eSIM following the provided instructions.
- Download the du app to check balance and usage.
- Top up online or at any authorized retailer as needed.
Before you use it
- Sign-up: A passport and UAE visa copy are required to register a SIM.
- Limits: WhatsApp and FaceTime voice calls are blocked in the UAE; Zoom and Teams calls work.
- Good to know: Customer support: 155.
English available
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does du work with a foreign bank card in United Arab Emirates?
- Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
- Is du available in English?
- Yes, du has an English-language interface.
- Do I need a local phone number to use du?
- No, an international phone number generally works for du.
- Do I need local ID or residency for du?
- No, du doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use du?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does du cost?
- Prepaid Tourist Plan packages sold at airports and stores; app is free