To transfer Etisalat balance in the UAE, dial *100*05XXXXXXXX*AMOUNT# and confirm, or use My Etisalat UAE → Pay & Recharge → Share Credit & Data. Transfers are from prepaid or postpaid → prepaid only, with AED 2–150 per transaction and a daily/monthly cap applied.
Follow this step by step process to transfer Etisalat balance UAE
Step 1: Check you have enough balance for the amount (plus any fee shown at confirmation).
Step 2: Choose USSD or the My Etisalat UAE app.
Step 3: Enter the number and amount carefully, then confirm the SMS prompt.
How Etisalat balance transfer works?
Eligibility and direction
- Who can send: active prepaid or postpaid lines.
- Who can receive: prepaid e& (Etisalat) UAE numbers.
- Within network: local transfers are e&→e& only.
Amounts and caps (2026)
- Minimum per transfer: AED 2.
- Maximum per transfer: AED 150.
- Daily total cap: AED 150 (any number of transfers until total hits AED 150).
- Monthly cap: AED 1,500 (prepaid senders), AED 500 (postpaid senders).
Fees, timing, confirmations
- A transaction fee is shown during the confirmation step (commonly reported as 5.25% incl. VAT in 2026).
- Transfers usually post instantly; both parties receive SMS confirmations.
Method 1 — Etisalat balance transfer code (USSD)
Find and use the code
- Dial on the phone keypad (not SMS):
*100*05XXXXXXXX*AMOUNT#→ Send.
Step-by-step (≤30 seconds)
- Dial
*100*recipient*amount#. - Read the auto-SMS; press 1 to confirm (or 2 to cancel).
- Wait for the success SMS.
When to use USSD
- Works without data, on any handset, and is the fastest option.
Method 2 — Transfer in the My Etisalat UAE app
Where to tap
- My Etisalat UAE → Pay & Recharge → Share Credit & Data (label may appear as Credit Transfer).
Step-by-step
- Open the app and sign in.
- Enter recipient number and amount.
- Review the fee shown (if any) → Confirm.
Why use the app
- Clear screens reduce typos; you can view history and remaining balance.
Etisalat International credit transfer (to family abroad)
What it is
- Send mobile credit to supported prepaid networks overseas in fixed denominations.
Two official ways
- USSD menu: Dial
*100#→ choose International Credit Transfer → follow prompts. - SMS journey: Text the international number (e.g.,
+923XXXXXXXXX) to 1700 → follow the reply to pick a denomination and confirm.
Notes and limits
- Fixed top-up amounts only (no custom values).
- Availability varies by country/network; check app or 101.
Fees & limits (2026 quick table)
| Item | Local transfer |
|---|---|
| Per-transfer min / max | AED 2 / AED 150 |
| Daily total cap | AED 150 (any number of transfers up to AED 150) |
| Monthly cap (sender) | Prepaid: AED 1,500 · Postpaid: AED 500 |
| Fee | Shown at confirmation (commonly reported ~5.25% incl. VAT in 2026) |
Troubleshooting & common errors
Why it fails — and the fix
| Error text / situation | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “Request cannot be processed” | Daily/monthly cap reached | Try next day or after cap resets |
| No confirmation prompt | Dialed as SMS by mistake | Use phone keypad (call screen), not messaging |
| “Invalid number format” | Missing 05 prefix or extra symbols | Use 05XXXXXXXX (no spaces/plus sign) |
| Deducted, receiver didn’t get | Temporary system delay | Wait a few minutes, then 101 if not posted |
| Postpaid → postpaid blocked | Direction not supported | Send to prepaid only (or add prepaid wallet) |
Pro Tip: Set a Credit Transfer PIN for extra safety. Request it by SMS (you’ll get a small SMS charge), then use the PIN in
*100*05XXXXXXXX*AMOUNT*PIN#when you confirm transfers.
FAQs on Etisalat balance transfer UAE
Can I transfer from Etisalat to du?
No. Local balance transfer is within e& (Etisalat) only. Use the international option for overseas numbers where supported.
What is the Etisalat balance transfer code?
Use *100*05XXXXXXXX*AMOUNT# from the phone dialer, then confirm via the SMS prompt. The app route is My Etisalat UAE → Pay & Recharge → Share Credit & Data.
Is there a fee?
A small transaction fee is presented during confirmation. In 2026, several UAE guides report ~5.25% (incl. VAT); always rely on the live prompt in USSD/app for the exact amount on the day you send.
What are the exact limits?
Per transfer AED 2–150, AED 150 daily total, and monthly caps of AED 1,500 (prepaid) or AED 500 (postpaid) for the sender.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Team DubaiHowto (Telecom desk)
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
DubaiHowto is an independent informational platform created to help UAE residents and visitors understand everyday services such as public transport, telecom, government procedures, visas, fines, and utility systems.
Our editorial team researches and verifies content using official UAE sources (including government portals, service providers, and regulatory authorities) and real on-ground experience of living in the UAE. Each guide is written to be practical, easy to understand, and regularly updated to reflect the latest rules, fees, and procedures.
We focus on clarity, accuracy, and usefulness — especially for people navigating UAE systems for the first time. Learn More about DubaiHowto.
Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers