Choosing between Du and Etisalat (now e&) is one of the most common dilemmas for UAE residents and newcomers. Both telecommunications giants offer comprehensive mobile, internet, and TV services, but which one truly delivers better value, coverage, and customer experience?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll analyze Du vs Etisalat across all critical factors including network coverage, pricing, data speeds, customer service, and switching procedures. Whether you’re a new resident selecting your first UAE provider or considering switching networks, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
By the end of this article, you’ll understand the key differences, strengths, and weaknesses of each provider, enabling you to choose the network that best fits your needs and budget.
Du vs Etisalat: Which Network is Better in UAE?
The answer depends on your specific needs, location, and usage patterns. Both Du and Etisalat are reliable networks with extensive coverage across the UAE, but they differ in pricing strategies, package options, and customer service approaches.
Quick Overview:
Etisalat (e&) Strengths:
- Largest network infrastructure (established 1976)
- Slightly better coverage in remote areas
- More international roaming partnerships
- Comprehensive loyalty rewards program
Du Strengths:
- 10-15% more competitive pricing
- Better prepaid package flexibility
- Modern digital-first approach
- Faster customer service response times
Let’s dive deeper into each comparison aspect to help you decide which provider suits you best.
Network Coverage & Signal Quality Comparison
Both providers offer excellent coverage throughout UAE’s major cities and highways, but subtle differences exist.
| Coverage Aspect | Etisalat (e&) | Du |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Coverage | Excellent (all major cities) | Excellent (all major cities) |
| Remote Areas | Better in deserts, mountains | Good but slightly less extensive |
| 4G/LTE Coverage | 99% population | 99% population |
| 5G Availability | All major cities | All major cities |
| Average 4G Speed | 70-100 Mbps | 60-95 Mbps |
| Average 5G Speed | 400-700 Mbps | 350-600 Mbps |
Verdict: Both networks provide exceptional coverage in populated areas. Etisalat has a marginal advantage in extremely remote locations due to older, more extensive infrastructure. For 95% of users living in cities, the difference is negligible in daily use.
Pricing & Plans: Du vs Etisalat
Pricing is where significant differences emerge. Du typically positions itself as the value-oriented option while Etisalat maintains premium positioning.
Prepaid Plans Comparison
| Plan Type | Etisalat (Wasel) | Du (Prepaid) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Recharge | AED 5-500 | AED 5-500 |
| Daily Data Bundle | AED 2-5 (500MB-2GB) | AED 2-3 (500MB-1GB) |
| Monthly Bundle | AED 100-200 (20-80GB) | AED 85-180 (20-75GB) |
| Tourist Package | AED 55 (4.5GB/15 days) | AED 55 (5GB/14 days) |
Price Winner for Prepaid: Du generally offers 10-15% lower prices on comparable packages.
Postpaid Plans Comparison
| Plan Category | Etisalat | Du |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plans | AED 80-150/month | AED 75-140/month |
| Mid-Range Plans | AED 200-350/month | AED 180-320/month |
| Premium Plans | AED 400-600/month | AED 350-550/month |
| Data Allowances | 10GB-Unlimited | 10GB-Unlimited |
| Free Minutes | Unlimited local (most plans) | Unlimited local (most plans) |
Price Winner for Postpaid: Du typically offers 8-12% cost savings on equivalent plans.
Home Internet Plans Comparison
| Internet Type | Etisalat | Du |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Home Internet | AED 199-299/month | AED 189-279/month |
| High-Speed Plans | AED 399-599/month | AED 349-549/month |
| Ultra Plans (1Gbps) | AED 699-999/month | AED 649-899/month |
Price Winner for Home Internet: Du offers consistently lower pricing by 5-10%.
Customer Service & Support Comparison
Quality customer service can make or break your telecom experience.
| Contact Method | Du | Etisalat |
|---|---|---|
| Hotline Number | 155 (24/7) | 101 (24/7) |
| Average Wait Time | 3-8 minutes | 4-10 minutes |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.3/5 (iOS) | 4.1/5 (iOS) |
| WhatsApp Support | Available | Available |
| Physical Stores | 30+ locations | 80+ locations |
| Live Chat | 24/7 available | 24/7 available |
Du Customer Service Strengths:
- Shorter average wait times
- More flexible problem resolution
- Modern, user-friendly app interface
- Quick response on social media
Etisalat Customer Service Strengths:
- More Customer Happiness Centers nationwide
- Better Arabic language support
- Priority support for premium customers
- Established complaint resolution process
Winner for Customer Service: Du edges ahead with faster response times and more streamlined processes, while Etisalat offers more physical locations.
SIM Services: Renewal and Porting
SIM Renewal Quick Comparison
Du SIM Renewal:
- Cost: AED 10-25 (depending on SIM type)
- Methods: Du app, store visit, or call 155
- Delivery time: Immediate in-store, 24-48 hours online
- For detailed steps, check our guide on how to check Du number
Etisalat SIM Renewal:
- Cost: AED 10-25
- Methods: e& app, store visit, or call 101
- Delivery time: Immediate in-store, 24-72 hours online
- Required: Original Emirates ID for all methods
Mobile Number Porting (Du to Etisalat or Vice Versa)
Switching providers while keeping your number is simple:
Porting Process:
- Visit new provider’s store with Emirates ID
- Clear all outstanding bills with current provider
- Fill out Mobile Number Portability form
- Choose your new plan
- Wait 24-48 hours for completion
Porting Fees:
- Porting charge: AED 0 (free since 2019)
- New SIM card: AED 10-25
- No cancellation fees from old provider
What Transfers: Your mobile number and SIM contacts What Doesn’t Transfer: Balance, data packages, loyalty points
For complete cancellation guidance before porting, visit our detailed guide on how to cancel Du subscription.
Emirates ID Update Requirements
Keeping your Emirates ID updated with your telecom provider is legally mandatory in UAE.
How to Update Emirates ID in Etisalat and Du
Du Method:
- Via Du app: 12-24 hours approval
- In-store: Immediate update
- Reminder: 60 days before expiry
- Upload clear photos of both ID sides
Etisalat Method:
- Via e& UAE app: 24-48 hours approval
- In-store: Immediate update
- Reminder: 30 days before expiry
- Required: Valid Emirates ID matching account name
Consequences of Not Updating:
- Service suspended 30-60 days after ID expiry
- Outgoing calls blocked first
- Eventually full account suspension
- Reactivation requires in-person visit
Winner: Du provides earlier reminder notifications (60 vs 30 days) and slightly faster app processing.
Internet Speed & Performance of Du and E&
Mobile Data Speed Comparison:
| Network Type | Du | Etisalat |
|---|---|---|
| 4G Download | 60-95 Mbps | 70-100 Mbps |
| 4G Upload | 15-30 Mbps | 18-32 Mbps |
| 5G Download | 350-600 Mbps | 400-700 Mbps |
| 5G Upload | 50-100 Mbps | 60-110 Mbps |
| Latency | 20-35ms | 18-30ms |
Winner: Etisalat shows marginally better speeds in most tests, though differences are minimal in daily use.
Home Internet Performance:
Both providers offer similar fiber infrastructure:
- 100-500 Mbps plans: Consistent performance on both
- 1 Gbps plans: Du slightly better reported uptime
- Connection reliability: Etisalat 99.5%, Du 99.3%
- Both implement fair usage policies during congestion
International Roaming Comparison
| Roaming Factor | Du | Etisalat |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Networks | 650+ networks in 200+ countries | 750+ networks in 220+ countries |
| Data Roaming Cost | AED 25-50/day (varies) | AED 30-60/day (varies) |
| Call Charges | AED 3-8/minute | AED 3-10/minute |
| Roaming Packages | Daily/weekly/monthly | Daily/weekly/monthly |
Winner: Etisalat has more roaming partners, but Du often offers more competitive package pricing.
Additional Services & Loyalty Programs
Value-Added Services:
Du Offers:
- Du Flex (customizable plan builder)
- Data rollover options
- Device protection plans
- Cloud storage options
Etisalat Offers:
- Smiles rewards program (extensive)
- Entertainment bundles (OSN, sports)
- Digital services platform
- More international partnerships
Loyalty Programs:
Du: Points on recharges and bills, redemption for data, minutes, devices
Etisalat Smiles: Points on spending, extensive merchant partnerships, movie tickets, dining, shopping discounts
Winner: Etisalat’s Smiles program is more comprehensive and offers broader redemption options.
Du vs Etisalat: Quick Comparison Summary
| Feature | Du | Etisalat |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Excellent (urban) | Excellent (urban + remote) |
| Pricing | 10-15% cheaper | Premium pricing |
| Customer Service Speed | Faster (3-8 min wait) | Slower (4-10 min wait) |
| Physical Stores | 30+ locations | 80+ locations |
| Mobile App Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| International Roaming | Good | Better |
| Loyalty Rewards | Basic | Comprehensive (Smiles) |
| SIM Renewal Time | 24-48 hours online | 24-72 hours online |
| Emirates ID Reminder | 60 days before expiry | 30 days before expiry |
| Number Porting | Free, 24-48 hours | Free, 24-48 hours |
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Du If You:
✅ Want more affordable pricing (10-15% cheaper)
✅ Prefer simpler, more flexible plans
✅ Value modern app experience
✅ Live primarily in urban areas
✅ Like faster customer service
✅ Want easier plan changes
Best For: Young professionals, students, price-sensitive customers, urban residents, expats seeking flexibility
Choose Etisalat If You:
✅ Need maximum coverage including remote areas
✅ Travel internationally frequently
✅ Want comprehensive loyalty rewards
✅ Prefer having many physical store locations
✅ Value established, premium brand
✅ Live in remote/rural areas
Best For: Frequent international travelers, business executives, families with multiple lines, those living in remote areas, premium service seekers.
Quick Decision Matrix to Choose Etisalat or Du
| Your Priority | Recommended Provider |
|---|---|
| Lowest Price | Du |
| Maximum Coverage | Etisalat |
| Best App Experience | Du |
| More Store Locations | Etisalat |
| International Roaming | Etisalat |
| Customer Service Speed | Du |
| Loyalty Rewards | Etisalat |
| Plan Flexibility | Du |
Making the Switch: What to Consider
Before Switching:
- Check your current contract remaining months and early termination fees
- Compare current vs new plans for data, minutes, and total cost
- Consider porting your number (free, keeps same number)
- Test coverage by asking friends about their experience
- Calculate 12-month total cost including hidden fees
Switching Checklist:
✅ Compare exact plans side-by-side
✅ Check early termination costs
✅ Verify coverage in your daily locations
✅ Have Emirates ID ready for porting
✅ Clear any outstanding bills
✅ Backup contacts and data
✅ Understand porting timeline (24-48 hours)
For detailed balance checking after switching, learn how to check Etisalat balance using multiple methods.
Conclusion:
Both Du and Etisalat offer excellent telecommunications services in the UAE with minimal quality differences in everyday use. Your choice ultimately depends on personal priorities:
Choose Du for: Better pricing, simpler plans, faster customer service, and modern digital experience
Choose Etisalat for: Maximum coverage, extensive roaming, comprehensive rewards program, and premium positioning
The Good News: Mobile number porting makes switching easy and free, so you’re never locked into a wrong choice. Many UAE residents maintain lines on both networks for business/personal separation.
Final Recommendation: For most urban residents prioritizing value and flexibility, Du offers better overall proposition. For those needing extensive coverage, international travel support, or premium services, Etisalat remains the solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Du or Etisalat better in UAE?
Both Du and Etisalat provide excellent service in UAE. Du offers better pricing (10-15% cheaper) and more flexible plans, making it better for budget-conscious users. Etisalat has slightly better coverage in remote areas and more comprehensive international roaming. For urban residents, the quality difference is negligible.
Q2. Can I switch my number from Du to Etisalat?
Yes, you can port your Du number to Etisalat through Mobile Number Portability. The du to etisalat porting process takes 24-48 hours and is free of charge. Visit any Etisalat store with your Emirates ID, clear outstanding Du bills, and submit a porting request.
Q3. Which is cheaper, Du or Etisalat?
Du is generally cheaper than Etisalat across most service categories. Du prepaid plans are 10-15% less expensive, postpaid plans cost 8-12% less, and home internet is 5-10% cheaper compared to equivalent Etisalat plans.
Q4. How do I update my Emirates ID in Etisalat?
To update emirates id in etisalat, use the e& UAE app: go to Services → My Profile → Update Emirates ID, then upload photos of both sides of your new Emirates ID. Approval takes 24-48 hours. Alternatively, visit any Etisalat Customer Happiness Center for immediate update.
Q5. Does Du have better internet speed than Etisalat?
Internet speeds are comparable between Du and Etisalat. Etisalat shows marginally better average speeds (70-100 Mbps on 4G, 400-700 Mbps on 5G) compared to Du (60-95 Mbps on 4G, 350-600 Mbps on 5G). In real-world daily usage, most users notice no practical difference.
Q6. Is porting from Du to Etisalat free?
Yes, porting your number from Du to Etisalat is completely free (AED 0) as per UAE regulations. You only pay for the new Etisalat SIM card (AED 10-25) and your chosen plan activation. The process takes 24-48 hours with minimal service interruption.
Q7. Which network has better coverage in UAE?
Etisalat has marginally better coverage in remote areas, deserts, and mountains due to infrastructure established since 1976. However, in all major cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah), both Du and Etisalat provide equivalent excellent coverage with minimal differences.
Q8. How long does du sim renewal take?
Du sim renewal in-store is immediate with instant activation. Online renewal through the Du app takes 24-48 hours for delivery. You can request renewal by calling 155 with options for express (24 hours) or standard delivery (48 hours).
Q9. Can I use both Du and Etisalat in one phone?
Yes, if you have a dual-SIM phone, you can use both Du and Etisalat SIM cards simultaneously. Many UAE residents maintain both numbers for business/personal separation or coverage redundancy. You can switch between networks for calls, texts, and data in your phone settings.
Q10. What happens if I don’t update my Emirates ID?
If you don’t update your Emirates ID, your service may be suspended 30-60 days after ID expiry. Outgoing calls are blocked first, followed by eventual full account suspension. Reactivation requires an in-person store visit with updated Emirates ID.
