The UAE has two mobile network operators: Etisalat, which traded as e& from 2022 and went back to its original name in October 2026, and du. Virgin Mobile UAE is a digital brand run by du’s parent company, and FIVE is a low-cost prepaid line on the Etisalat network. To check your balance, dial *121# on Etisalat or FIVE and *135# on du. Customer care is 101 on Etisalat and 155 on du.
Do this next
- On Etisalat? Go to our Etisalat UAE Guide for codes, data packs and SIM tasks.
- On du? Go to our du UAE Guide.
- Changing network? You can keep your number. The rules are below.
- Emirates ID renewed? Update it with your operator so the line is not suspended.
UAE mobile networks and brands
| Brand | Who runs it | Check balance | Customer care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etisalat | Emirates Telecommunications Group | *121# or the app | 101 |
| du | Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) | *135# or the app | 155 |
| Virgin Mobile UAE | A brand of EITC, on du’s network | Virgin Mobile UAE app | 800165 |
| FIVE | Prepaid line on the Etisalat network | *121# or the Five app | 800 544 |
Etisalat and du each run their own network across all seven emirates. Virgin Mobile UAE is managed almost entirely in its app. For coverage, speed and value compared head to head, read du vs Etisalat.
Common tasks on Etisalat and du
| Task | Etisalat | du |
|---|---|---|
| Check balance | *121# | *135# |
| See your own number | *101# menu | *116# |
| Send credit, same network | *100* | *121* |
| Borrow credit | *108*1# (Reserve Credit) | *108# (Out of Credit) |
| Customer care | 101 | 155 |
Local credit transfers stay inside one network. Etisalat sends from a prepaid or postpaid line to an Etisalat prepaid number, and du’s One2One works between du prepaid numbers. If a code stops working, use the operator’s app, because short codes do change.
SIM registration and your Emirates ID
Every UAE SIM must be registered to its user. Residents register with an Emirates ID and visitors with a passport. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) regulates the sector, and lines with expired or missing details can be suspended until they are updated, so tell your operator whenever you renew your ID.
- See every SIM registered on your Emirates ID
- Update your Emirates ID with Etisalat
- Renew your Etisalat SIM registration
- Activate an Etisalat SIM or eSIM
- Activate a du tourist SIM
- Convert to a du eSIM
Keep your number when you switch
Mobile number portability lets you move between Etisalat, du and Virgin Mobile UAE and keep your number. Apply with the operator you are moving to, not the one you are leaving. Porting itself is free, though a new SIM can carry a charge, and it usually completes within one or two working days. Use up any prepaid credit first, because it does not move with the number.
Guides by network
Etisalat
- Etisalat UAE Guide: all codes and tasks
- Check your Etisalat balance
- Etisalat data offers
- Transfer Etisalat balance
du
FIVE
Calls, apps, roaming and spam
WhatsApp messages work normally in the UAE, but WhatsApp voice and video calls are blocked. Internet calling is legal only through a licensed operator or an app the TDRA has approved, such as BOTIM.
Related guides
Official sources
- Etisalat UAE website
- du website
- Virgin Mobile UAE website
- FIVE mobile website
- TDRA, the UAE telecom regulator
Frequently asked questions
Which telecom companies operate in the UAE?
Etisalat and du are the two network operators. Virgin Mobile UAE belongs to du’s parent company EITC, and FIVE is a prepaid line on the Etisalat network.
Is e& the same as Etisalat?
Yes. The company traded as e& from 2022 and announced in October 2026 that it would go back to the Etisalat name.
Can I transfer balance between Etisalat and du?
No. Local credit transfers only work within the same network.
Do I need an Emirates ID to buy a SIM?
Residents register with an Emirates ID. Visitors can buy a tourist SIM with a passport at airports and operator stores.
Can I keep my number if I change network?
Yes. Apply with the operator you are moving to. Porting is free, and it usually completes within one or two working days.
Who regulates telecoms in the UAE?
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
Last updated: November 2026
Reviewed by: DubaiHowTo Editorial Desk
Disclaimer: Information reflects operator pages on the date above. Codes, prices and rules can change without notice. DubaiHowTo is not affiliated with any operator.