Best Phone Plans in UAE

Note: These are not advertisements or paid promotions. Recommendations are based on personal research and opinion. Prices and plans may change - always verify current offerings on carrier websites.

Carriers

UAE Mobile Carriers

Three main operators serve the UAE market

e& (Etisalat)

Type: Government-linked, largest carrier

Network: Excellent coverage, fast 5G

Best For: Comprehensive coverage, premium service

Pricing: Generally higher, premium positioning

Visit e& →

du

Type: Second major carrier

Network: Good coverage, competitive 5G

Best For: Value-conscious users, competitive plans

Pricing: Often more competitive than e&

Visit du →

Virgin Mobile UAE

Type: MVNO (uses du network)

Network: Same as du coverage

Best For: Flexibility, app-based management, budget users

Pricing: Most competitive, no contracts

Visit Virgin Mobile →

Postpaid

Best Postpaid Plans

Monthly contract plans with fixed allowances

1

du Power Plan 200

Solid mid-tier option with good data allowance. Includes unlimited local calls and SMS, plus decent roaming benefits.

20GB Data Unlimited Calls Roaming

~AED 200 /month

2

e& Wasel Postpaid 150

Entry-level postpaid with reliable e& network coverage. Good for moderate users who want network quality.

10GB Data Unlimited Calls 5G Ready

~AED 150 /month

3

du Power Plan 300

High data plan for heavy users. Includes international minutes and enhanced roaming packages.

40GB+ Data Int'l Minutes Premium

~AED 300 /month

Prepaid

Best Prepaid Plans

Flexible pay-as-you-go options with no commitment

1

Virgin Mobile Flex Plans

Best value prepaid in UAE. Fully customizable through the app. Roll over unused data. No hidden fees or contracts.

Flexible Data No Contract App Control

From AED 50 /month

2

du Tourist SIM

Great for visitors or as a secondary SIM. Good data packages available. Easy to top up at any du store or online.

Tourist Friendly Easy Setup Data Packs

From AED 55 /starter

3

e& Wasel Prepaid

Reliable prepaid option with e& network quality. Good for those who prefer Etisalat's coverage.

e& Network Wide Coverage Data Bundles

From AED 55 /starter

Data Only

Best Data-Only Plans

For tablets, portable WiFi devices, or secondary SIMs

Virgin Mobile Data SIM

Best value for pure data needs. No voice, just data. Perfect for tablets or MiFi devices.

10GB: ~AED 75/month
25GB: ~AED 125/month
50GB: ~AED 200/month

Best For: Budget data users, tablets

du Data Plans

Competitive data packages with good network coverage.

Various packages available
Monthly and daily options
Home internet alternatives

Best For: Flexible data needs, backup internet

Tips

Saving Money on Phone Plans

How to get the best value from your mobile plan

Assess Your Usage

Check your actual data, call, and SMS usage before choosing a plan. Most people overestimate their needs and pay for unused allowances.

Consider Virgin Mobile

For most users, Virgin Mobile offers the best value. Same network coverage as du but typically 20-30% cheaper with more flexibility.

Use WiFi When Possible

Connect to WiFi at home, work, and public places. This significantly reduces mobile data usage, allowing you to choose a smaller plan.

Avoid International Roaming

Roaming charges are expensive. Buy local SIMs when traveling or use eSIM options like Airalo for international trips.

Use VoIP for International Calls

WhatsApp, FaceTime (when available), and other VoIP services are much cheaper than carrier international calling rates.

Review Annually

Carriers constantly update plans. Review your plan yearly to ensure you're still getting the best deal. Loyalty doesn't always pay.

Which Carrier Should You Choose?

Choose e& (Etisalat) if:

Network quality is your top priority
You need coverage in remote areas
You want bundled home services
Budget is less of a concern

Choose du if:

You want good value from a major carrier
You're in urban areas (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)
You want competitive postpaid plans
You need family plans

Choose Virgin Mobile if:

Best value is your priority
You want flexibility with no contracts
You prefer app-based account management
You're a moderate to light user