How to Get Connected to Wi-Fi in Dubai

In Dubai, it's easy to stay connected to the internet, whether you're living there or just visiting. Many Wi-Fi options are available so that you can go online without hassle. You can find free Wi-Fi in public places or choose from various paid options. This guide will explain each option and give helpful information to ensure a secure and enjoyable Wi-Fi connection.

Free Wi-Fi in Public Places

Over 24,000 free Wi-Fi points are available in public places in Dubai. Some of the popular places to connect to WI-FI in public places are:

Dubai International Airport

When you land at Dubai International Airport, you can connect to the free Wi-Fi. To access the airport's Wi-Fi, select the "DXB Free Wi-Fi" network and follow the instructions provided. The process is the same for connecting with mobile phones and laptops.

Shopping Malls

Dubai is well-known for its huge shopping malls, and many of them offer free Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected while shopping. The famous malls in Dubai with free Wi-Fi are:

Dubai Mall

Mall of the Emirates

Dubai Festival City Mall

Dubai Marina Mall

City Centre Deira

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

City Centre Mirdiff

Hotels

Almost all the hotels in Dubai offer complimentary Wi-Fi to their guests. The connection process may vary from hotel to hotel, so be sure to inquire about the Wi-Fi password when checking in.

Cafes and Restaurants

Free Wi-Fi at cafes and restaurants makes it easy for customers to work, study, or socialise. The process for accessing Wi-Fi at cafes and restaurants may vary, so ask your server or barista for help. A few restaurants in Dubai that offer this facility are:

Starbucks

P.F Chang's

Toshi

Cheesecake Factory

Chicken Cottage

%Arabica

Public Transport

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Du, provides free Wi-Fi for passengers travelling around Dubai using Metro stations and Bus stations. The SSID for free Wi-Fi is "@WiFi UAE from du".

Metro Stations

At metro stations, you can stay entertained with free internet access for up to 60 minutes. Just connect to the network, enter your name, phone number, and email when the pop-up appears, and you are good to go.

Bus Stations

Many bus stations across the city, such as Satwa, Union, Al Ghubaiba, Gold Souq, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, International City, City Centre Deira, Al Qusais, and Al Jafiliya, also offer 60 minutes of free WiFi with the same easy sign-in process.

Tips for Browsing Public Wi-Fi

Some useful tips to keep in mind before connecting to a free wi-fi in public places are:

Avoid sharing personal details, such as credit card numbers or passwords.
A VPN helps protect your data from scams and threats, so use one.
Scammers may create a fake network to breach your privacy and steal sensitive information. So, verify the network first before connecting to a public wi-fi.

Wi-Fi Services at Home

Dubai has two prominent telecommunications companies: Etisalat and Du. They offer a variety of internet packages, so let's take a closer look at them.

Note: In some buildings, the internet is only available with one provider. Therefore, check with your agent or the building management first.

Etisalat

Etisalat is a leading telecom company headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Established in 1976, it provides services to 155.4 million users in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. To set up an Etisalat internet connection, you must provide:

Application form (Download from the website or visit a nearby store)
Passport with residence visa stamped (original and copy)
Emirates ID (original and copy)

Etisalat Home Internet Packages

Package	Speed	Price	Contract Length
eLife Lite 12	12 Mbps	AED 299/ month + 5% Vat	12 month
eLife Lite 25	25 Mbps	AED 399/ month + 5% Vat	12 month
eLife Lite 50	50 Mbps	AED 599/ month + 5% Vat	12 month
eLife Lite 100	100 Mbps	AED 749/ month + 5% Vat	12 month

Setup Procedure

Submit all the required documents at the service centre or call 101, and a representative will come to your location.
Pay the fee for your internet package online through the Etisalat website, Quickpay, the My Etisalat UAE app, or at a service centre.
The billing date is usually the 15th of every month.

Du

Established in 2006, Du offers more affordable and lightning-fast internet packages in Dubai. You need the following documents to set up Du internet connection:

Ejari tenancy contract or title deed
Passport with residence visa stamped (original and copy)
Emirates ID (original and copy)

Du Home Internet Packages

Package	Speed	Price	Contract Length
Home Wireless Plus	5G-enabled router	AED 229/ month + VAT	12 months
Home Wireless Entertainment	5G-enabled router	AED 239/ month + VAT (AED 299/month after 6 months)	12 months
Home Wireless Gaming	Gaming-enhanced 5G router	AED 279/ month + VAT (AED 349/month after 6 months)	12 months

Setup Procedure

Submit all the required documents at the service centre or online.
Pay the fee for your internet package online through Du QuickPay, the Du app, or at a service centre.
A representative will install the connection within a day.

Conclusion

Dubai offers a variety of convenient and reliable Wi-Fi options for residents and visitors. With abundant free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places and a range of home internet packages from leading providers like Etisalat and Du, staying connected is easy and hassle-free. By exploring these options, you can enjoy a secure and seamless online experience in Dubai.