Internet in Dubai – what is the best operator?

Internet in Dubai for tourists in 2026

The internet makes travelling easier. An internet connection on your phone or laptop allows you on holiday to check directions to selected attractions, the best restaurants in the area and book tickets for the best attractions in Dubai. Mobile internet on your phone is very useful in Dubai. With the internet on your phone, you can check your route to walk or take the metro, order a taxi or food to your flat, and upload photos from your holiday to social media. On holiday in Dubai, tourists can use hotel and open Wi-Fi networks in the city, mobile internet from a purchased SIM card or internet available through a purchased eSIM card. Which is the best internet option in Dubai? What mobile internet deals are available in Dubai? Mobile internet Dubai 2026 - find out all about internet on holiday in Dubai.

Internet providers in the UAE

Internet in the UAE is dominated by two providers, Etisalat and du. Etisalat is the most popular internet provider in the UAE, offering the widest coverage in the country and having the most users. Du is a competitor to Etisalat. The company is known for offering more affordable internet plans and flexible contract plans. Mobile internet in the UAE for tourists is also offered by Virgin Mobile UAE.

What are the mobile internet prices in Dubai?

Mobile internet in Dubai is not among the cheapest. Its price is comparable to other countries in the region, but higher than most countries in Asia and Europe. An example price for 4gb of internet on an Etisalat SIM card is AED 48.99 (11,28€) and AED 78.99 (18,19€) for 6gb. The larger the internet package, the more favourable the price for the customer. The eSIM card offers with internet are worth noting. Owners of phones that support eSIM cards can save a lot.

Where to buy a SIM card with internet in Dubai?

Buying a SIM card in Dubai is quick and easy. You can buy a SIM card with internet access in Dubai when you land at Dubai International Airport, at Abu Dhabi Airport and at one of the many mobile operator outlets in the city (most easily in shopping malls). A SIM card purchased as soon as you land at Dubai Airport gives you immediate access to the internet in Dubai for tourists. At Dubai Airport in the arrivals area you will find booths of the largest internet operators in the UAE, namely Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile UAE. Buying an eSIM card in advance and installing it once you land in Dubai is also an option.

Internet on holiday in Dubai – the best deals for tourists

Internet in Dubai offers a wide range of services, allowing travellers to enjoy a seamless connection while exploring the city, checking routes to attractions or communicating with loved ones. It's also a chance to take advantage of a variety of online services, making it easier to plan trips lun searching for information about local attractions. What is the best internet provider in Dubai? The best internet deals in Dubai for tourists:

• Etisalat: you can choose between 4 GB for AED 48.99 (11,28€), 6 GB for AED 78.99 (18,19€), 10 GB for AED 98.99 (22,80€), unlimited internet for 7 days for AED 200 (46,06€), or larger packages. The internet is valid for 28 days. You can find the rest of the available internet packages on the Etisalat website. There is also a free SIM card with 10GB for 24 hours, which you can then top up with one of the above amounts.
• Du: you can choose between 4gb for 49 AED (11,29€), 10gb for 99 AED (22,80€) or, for example, 20gb for 189 AED (43,53€). The internet is valid for 28 days. There are also unlimited internet packages available for 7 or 14 days. You can find the rest of the available internet packages on du's website.
• Virgin Mobile: you can choose between 3 days of unlimited internet for AED 100 (23,03€), 21 GB for 7 days with a limit of 3 GB per day for AED 150 (34,55€), unlimited internet for 10 days for AED 200 (46,06€), and unlimited internet for 20 days for AED 300 (57,58€). Available internet packages can be found on the Virgin Mobile UAE website.
• eSIM: Internet via an eSIM card is often the cheapest option for using the Internet in Dubai. eSIM cards are offered by operators such as Airalo, Saily, Revolut, and many other companies offering eSIM card services. Currently, it is difficult to clearly identify the best internet provider in Dubai, as the offers are competitive, but 5GB of internet costs around €10 and above.

All of these Dubai internet offers are without a permanent contract - once you're on holiday in Dubai, you don't have to worry about upgrading your SIM card or paying extra. You take the SIM card out of your phone and can leave it as a souvenir of a memorable holiday. If you're planning a holiday in Dubai, then take a look at the Two Continents website, where you'll find the best attractions in Dubai, pre-trip guides, accommodation in luxury flats and package trips to Dubai with Two Continents travel agency.

Hotel internet in Dubai: is there free wifi in Dubai hotels?

Almost all hotels offer free wifi in Dubai. Even cheap hostel facilities give tourists access to free internet. The internet speed in Dubai via hotel wifi is fast and definitely enough for everyday use and great for watching movies, chatting with loved ones, working remotely and uploading photos.

Wifi in Dubai outside of hotels

Outside of hotels, most attractions and tourist sites in Dubai offer open Wi-Fi. You can find free internet in shopping malls, cafes, restaurants or inside museums or other tourist attractions. The speed of a public wi-fi network will allow you to check your route on maps, upload photos or browse social media. Some of the wifi networks will be open, some will require a password (in restaurants often written on the menu) or answering a short question or entering a phone number or email.

The best internet deals in Dubai for residents

Residents in Dubai are most likely to use the two largest telecoms providers in the UAE: Etisalat and du. The providers offer a variety of internet packages, with specified or unlimited internet access or a phone number, and bundled TV. Which internet offer is best for residents in Dubai?

Basic internet packages start at AED 250 per month. Premium internet with additional services costs from AED 800 per month. Once you are settled in Dubai, it is best to go to the headquarters of both telecoms companies and together with the consultants, choose the best offer for your preferences.

Is 5G internet available in Dubai?

The most important providers offer 5G broadband speeds in Dubai. The entire city is covered by 5G quality. Is the internet in Dubai fast? Yes, despite a few drawbacks, internet speeds in Dubai are fast and provide a reliable and stable connection for work and entertainment for residents.

What are the opinions on internet providers in Dubai?

According to residents living in Dubai permanently, Etisalat is the best internet provider for residents. Etisalat offers the fastest internet at the best quality, but highlighting that a few years ago the difference between the networks was apparent. Now, in the opinion of Dubai residents, the du network is just as good as Etisalat. Virgin Mobile UAE is also worth considering, as the network offers many attractive promotions for new customers.

Questions and answers (FAQs)

• What are the internet options for tourists in Dubai?

  Tourists in Dubai can choose from three internet options during their holiday: a local SIM card with internet, an eSIM card with internet, or public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés and shopping centres. Prices for local SIM cards in Dubai start at AED 48.99 (11,28€) for 4GB. The cheapest option is internet with an eSIM.

• Are public Wi-Fi networks available in Dubai?

  In Dubai, public Wi-Fi networks are available in hotels, malls, restaurants, cafes, museums and many other public places. As soon as you land at Dubai Airport, you can use the internet right away with free unlimited Wi-Fi.

• Is internet in Dubai expensive?

  Internet in Dubai is not the cheapest and is more expensive than in most European countries. 4 gigabytes of internet cost AED 48.99 (11,28€) from local mobile providers or AED 78.99 (18,19€) for 6GB. An alternative is an eSIM card with internet from providers such as Airalo, Revolut or other companies in the eSIM industry.