Setting Up Internet and TV in Your New Dubai Home
After your DEWA is activated and your boxes are unpacked, getting internet and TV running is the next priority. Dubai is served by two main telecommunications providers: du (EITC) and Etisalat (now branded as e&). Both offer home internet, TV, and landline bundles, but they differ in coverage areas, pricing, and installation timelines. In our experience managing relocations across every Dubai neighbourhood, internet setup is the step that catches tenants off guard most often because installation can take 3 to 7 business days depending on your area and provider. This guide helps you plan ahead so you are connected from day one.
du vs Etisalat: Which Provider Covers Your New Home?
The first thing to understand is that your building determines which provider you can use. In Dubai, most residential buildings are pre-wired for either du or Etisalat, and you cannot choose the other provider. Some newer developments offer both, but this is the exception rather than the rule.
- du-served areas include much of Dubai Marina, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Business Bay, City Walk, Dubai Hills Estate, and many Emaar-developed communities.
- Etisalat-served areas include Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Barsha, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Al Nahda, International City, and most older Dubai neighbourhoods.
- Both available in select towers in Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and some JLT towers.
To confirm your provider, check with your building management or enter your address on the du and Etisalat websites. Our team can also advise based on the specific building you are moving to.
Home Internet Packages: What to Expect
du Home Internet Plans
- du Home Basic: 250 Mbps, AED 299/month, includes Wi-Fi router
- du Home Starter: 500 Mbps, AED 389/month, includes Wi-Fi 6 router and basic TV
- du Home Power: 1 Gbps, AED 549/month, includes Wi-Fi 6 router, premium TV, and Netflix
Etisalat (e&) Home Internet Plans
- eLife Basic: 250 Mbps, AED 299/month, includes router and basic TV
- eLife Start: 500 Mbps, AED 389/month, includes Wi-Fi 6 router and TV streaming
- eLife Premium: 1 Gbps, AED 549/month, includes premium router, TV box, and streaming subscriptions
Pricing between the two providers is closely matched at each tier. The main difference for most users comes down to building coverage and the included TV content rather than raw internet speed.
Documents Required for a New Internet Connection
Both du and Etisalat require the same core documents when you apply for a new home connection:
- Emirates ID (valid, original — they scan it in-store or you upload a copy online)
- Ejari certificate — your registered tenancy contract (see our Ejari registration guide for details)
- Passport copy with valid residence visa
- DEWA bill or activation confirmation — some branches ask for this as proof of occupancy
Both providers also require a 12-month contract commitment for home broadband. Early termination fees apply, typically ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000 depending on how many months remain on the contract.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Option 1: Online Application
- Visit the du or Etisalat website and navigate to "Home Services."
- Enter your building name or address to check availability.
- Choose your preferred package.
- Upload your Emirates ID, Ejari, and passport.
- Select an installation date. The earliest available slot is usually 3 to 5 business days from application.
- Pay the setup fee (typically AED 100 to AED 200) via credit card.
Option 2: Visit a Store
- Visit any du or Etisalat retail store. Major locations include du at Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, and Etisalat stores on Sheikh Zayed Road and in Ibn Battuta Mall.
- Bring your original Emirates ID, Ejari printout, and passport.
- A sales representative will check availability for your building and walk you through plan options.
- You can schedule your installation appointment on the spot.
Installation Timeline and What to Expect
Installation timelines depend on whether your building already has active infrastructure from the provider:
- Active building (fibre already installed): 2 to 3 business days for a technician visit
- Building requires new wiring: 5 to 7 business days, sometimes longer if additional infrastructure work is needed
- Villa communities: Villas in areas like Arabian Ranches, The Springs, and Jumeirah Park may require 5 to 10 business days if fibre needs to be pulled from the street
The technician visit itself takes 1 to 2 hours. They will install the ONT (fibre box), configure the router, test speeds, and set up the TV box if your package includes one. We advise scheduling the installation visit for 2 to 3 days after your moving day so you have time to unpack and settle in first.
Transferring an Existing Connection to Your New Home
If you already have a du or Etisalat account and are moving to a building served by the same provider, you can transfer your existing plan instead of cancelling and resubscribing. This avoids early termination fees and preserves your current plan pricing.
- Contact your provider at least 7 business days before your move.
- Provide your new address details and Ejari for the new property.
- Schedule disconnection and reconnection dates. Ideally, the disconnection at your old address and installation at your new address should be 1 to 2 days apart.
- A transfer fee of AED 100 to AED 200 applies in most cases.
Transfers within the same provider are straightforward, but if your new building is served by a different provider, you will need to cancel your current contract and sign a new one. Check for early termination fees and negotiate waiver options if you are a long-standing customer.
TV and Streaming Options
Both du and Etisalat offer TV packages bundled with internet plans. These include a set-top box with local channels, sports, movies, and children's programming. Premium tiers include access to OSN, StarzPlay, and Netflix. If you primarily use streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Apple TV, you may prefer a basic internet-only plan and manage your subscriptions separately, which can save AED 50 to AED 100 per month.
Tips from Our Moving Team
Based on thousands of moves we have managed across Dubai, here are practical tips for a smooth internet setup:
- Apply for your new connection the same week you register Ejari. Do not wait until moving day.
- Ask your building security or concierge which provider services your building before visiting a store.
- Keep your old connection active until your new one is confirmed working. Overlap by a few days if possible.
- Position your router centrally. In large villas or apartments, ask the technician about mesh Wi-Fi extenders.
Planning your move to a new Dubai home? Our apartment moving team and packing specialists coordinate every detail of your relocation. Request a free estimate from SAMA Movers and let us handle the logistics while you handle the admin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose between du and Etisalat for my home internet?
In most Dubai buildings, you cannot choose your provider because the building is pre-wired for one specific provider. Some newer developments in Downtown Dubai and DIFC offer both du and Etisalat, but this remains uncommon. Check with your building management or test your address on each provider's website before signing any contract.
How long does home internet installation take after applying?
In buildings with existing fibre infrastructure, installation typically takes 2 to 3 business days from the date you submit your application. Villas and buildings requiring new cabling can take 5 to 10 business days. During peak moving season in September and October, expect longer wait times and book your installation as early as possible after registering your Ejari.
What is the penalty for cancelling my internet contract early?
Both du and Etisalat charge early termination fees for cancelling before your 12-month contract ends. The typical penalty ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,000, calculated based on the remaining months. If you are relocating to a building served by a different provider, contact your current provider to discuss waiver options, especially if you have been a customer for multiple years.
