Favorable tariffs for tourists and expats, speed and availability of the Internet in Dubai – we talked about everything in the article.
Dubai has finally recovered from the pandemic: the flow of tourists not only caught up with pre-Covid levels but also surpassed them. In 2023, the city was visited by over 17 million people. Most of them came to stay.
All visitors, whether expats or travelers, need access to the global network. Maps, translators, booking applications – literally any activity in the modern world requires the Internet.
To bypass blocks, many countries use VPN services, but in the UAE this option is prohibited by law. And for everyone, from residents to tourists.
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The most reliable way to bypass blocks in Dubai is not to bypass them, but to use permitted services like Zoom or Google Meets.
Next, we will tell you in detail about the operators and tariffs of cable and mobile Internet.
Dubai boasts standard network parameters, including 4G and 5G coverage, with an average speed of 90 megabits per second. Both mobile and cable Internet options are available, and WiFi connectivity is provided in hotels, restaurants, and airports.
Next, we’ll delve into a detailed examination of operators and tariffs for both cable and mobile Internet in Dubai.
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Cable internet services in Dubai primarily cater to expatriates and locals, with stringent requirements for connection.
To access cable internet, individuals must possess an Emirates ID and be at least 21 years old. The connection process typically spans at least a week, during which the necessary equipment is delivered, often bundled with cable television services.
The main providers of cable internet services in Dubai are du and Etisalat, both offering various packages at different price points.
du:
Etisalat:
When purchasing local SIM cards for the Internet, you may encounter an interesting innovation. Traffic in Dubai is divided into general and social networks. When purchasing SIM cards, it is usually indicated how much traffic is allocated for general and social needs. For example, 500 MB + 500 MB Data Social. It is worth considering this when visiting Dubai.
The entire infrastructure for providing Internet services in the Dubai market is represented by two main providers. The difference between them is essentially minimal. In addition, both are under government control. That is, all blocking and restrictions are directed from above.
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In addition to the main providers, you can also find smaller organizations in the Internet services market. But in fact, they are part of the main ones. This is probably why all VoIP traffic here is monopolized and controlled by the government. Accordingly, this traffic is successfully monetized.
Information about available WiFi points can be easily obtained through specialized websites and applications like wifimap. Some notable locations offering free WiFi include:
Each access point provides 1 hour of complimentary network access. Although the connection speed may not be the fastest, it is adequate for tasks such as checking emails, sending messages, or using maps. Therefore, for individuals with minimal communication needs during a short stay in Dubai, purchasing a SIM card may not be necessary.
