Choosing a telecom network in the UAE can be a bit tricky, especially when you have to choose between Etisalat and DU. Both networks offer competitive services, but which one is better in terms of coverage, speed, pricing, and customer support? It’s hard for everyone to know, but with the help of experts and our own experience, we’ll tell you which is the better network, Etisalat vs DU.
As a UAE telecom expert, I’ve analyzed network performance, customer experiences, and real-world tests to help you make a better decision. Whether you need home internet, mobile data, business connectivity, or 5G speeds, this detailed comparison will guide you.
Etisalat vs du: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Etisalat | du |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Best in rural & remote areas | Stronger in urban 5G zones |
| 5G Speed | 680+ Mbps (fastest in UAE) | Competitive, better latency |
| Pricing | Premium, bundled deals | More budget-friendly |
| Gaming Performance | Good (73.7/100) | Better (75/100) |
| International Roaming | Wider global coverage | Limited partnerships |
| Customer Support | Reliable but slower | Faster but mixed reviews |
Etisalat customer support is Reliable but slower, Du customer support is faster but mixed reviews as we see on social media pages of both operators. When we checked people’s comments on Etisalat and DU’s Facebook pages, we found more complaints about Etisalat’s support. While DU also had complaints, but much fewer than Etisalat’s.
1. Network Coverage: Which Has Better Reach?
Etisalat has Strong coverage across the UAE.
Etisalat is the oldest telecom network in the UAE. It provides excellent coverage in rural and remote areas such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
- Best for: Rural residents, travelers, and businesses that need a stable connection.
- 5G availability: 10.5% (lower than Du but growing rapidly).
- 4G LTE: 98% coverage.
Du is the king of 5G in cities
Du’s focus is on major cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where its 5G network is most powerful.
- Best for: Urban dwellers, gamers, and those who want the fast speeds of 5G.
- 5G availability: 20% (better than Etisalat in cities).
- 4G LTE: Good in cities but weak in villages.
What should be decided Now:
- Etisalat is better for villages.
- Du is better for 5G in cities.
in short words, if you live in village, Etisalat is the best and if you live in city then Du is the best.
2. Speed ​​and efficiency: Who is faster?
According to Ookla and Opensignal (2024):
Etisalat – Best for downloading and streaming
- 5G ​​download speed: 680.73 Mbps (fastest in the world).
- Video streaming: 63.2/100 (better than Duo).
- Constant speed: Less of a problem even during rush hour.
Du – Best for gaming and video calls
- Gaming Experience: 75/100 (Better than Etisalat).
- Low Latency: Ideal for games like Fortnite, Call of Duty.
- Stability during busy times: Better in cities.
Verdict:
- Want more speed? Etisalat.
- Want gaming or low latency? Du.
3. Prices: Which is cheaper and better?
Du has established itself as the more affordable telecom operator in the UAE, particularly popular among residents in major cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. On the other hand, Etisalat is often preferred by businesses and frequent travelers due to its wider coverage and reliable services. You can explore Du internet plans and Etisalat data plans to know which is good.
Interestingly, about 65% of users in the UAE actually maintain connections with both networks simultaneously. This dual-network approach allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds – Du’s cost-effective plans in urban areas and Etisalat’s extensive coverage when traveling or in remote locations.
In short, we have explained in some infographics:
Etisalat – Expensive but Premium
- Home Internet (eLife): Starting at 199 AED (12 Mbps only).
- Bundle Deals: Includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, BeIN Sports.
- Mobile Plans: More data but expensive (Example: 50GB for 325 AED).
Du – Cheap and Flexible
- Home Internet: 199 AED (500 Mbps).
- Mobile Plans: 125 AED (20GB 5G data).
- Cashback and Discounts: Offers for new customers
Verdict:
- On a budget? Go for du.
- Want premium features? Etisalat.
4. International Roaming: Which is better?
When it comes to international roaming, people don’t pay much attention to it. The reason for this is that most of the needs of people are fulfilled in the same country. The roaming service is excellent on both networks, so you shouldn’t worry about it.
Etisalat – Worldwide connectivity
- Coverage in 200+ countries.
- 35 AED/day (unlimited in US/Europe).
Du – Limited but improving
- Mostly in the Middle East and Asia.
- 50 AED/day for Europe/US.
Verdict:
For Travelers, Etisalat is better choice. Local and residents can select du.
Customer Support: Who is more helpful?
Etisalat – Stable but slow
- Long-term reliability but customer service lags.
Du – Fast but occasional issues
- Online chat is fast but some users have technical issues.
Verdict:
- Want more stability? Etisalat.
- Want faster response? Du.
Final Verdict: Which is better for you?
Use Etisalat If;
- ✅ Coverage in villages/remote areas
- ✅ Fastest 5G (680+ Mbps)
- ✅ Premium TV + Internet bundles
- ✅ International roaming
Use Du If;
- ✅ Affordable and flexible plans
- ✅ Best 5G in cities
- ✅ Low latency for gaming
- ✅ Cashback and discounts
Both networks work well in the UAE, but most of the complaints are about Etisalat. When we checked it ourselves, Etisalat’s speed was low in many areas of the UAE, while DU was fine. But in most areas, including rural areas, Etisalat has very good coverage and speed. Etisalat has improved itself a lot in the past year and now its speed has increased many times up to 680+ Mbps. If you take my opinion, Etisalat is best for business and DU is best for people living in cities on a low budget.
