e& (Etisalat) UAE — Compare mobile plans and SIM deals
e& (formerly Etisalat) is the UAE's largest mobile network operator and a global telecom group. Operating under the e& brand since 2022, it offers prepaid and postpaid SIM plans, 5G coverage, home internet (fibre), and digital services. e& holds roughly 55% of the UAE mobile market and is the dominant network for UAE nationals and expatriates alike. It is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and is majority owned by Abu Dhabi government.
Live offers
- Galaxy A16 12 months
- Etisalat 25GB E& Plan
- OPPO RENO 12F 5G 12 months
- X9C 12 months
- Etisalat 50GB E& Plan
| Brand name | e& (formerly Etisalat) |
|---|---|
| Country | UAE |
| Market share | ~55% of UAE mobile subscribers |
| 5G | Yes — UAE-wide 5G network |
| Best for | UAE users who want the largest network with the widest coverage and 5G access |
| Alternatives | du |
Best for
- UAE residents who want the widest network coverage including rural and peripheral areas
- Corporate and SME clients who want enterprise telecom services
- Users who want the fastest 5G speeds in the UAE
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious users — du's prepaid plans are often cheaper
- Users who want a virtual network operator (MVNO) with more flexible plans
Etisalat vs alternatives
Etisalat vs du
Second UAE MNO with competitive prepaid bundles and often lower pricing. e& vs du: e& has larger coverage and stronger corporate presence. du is often more price-competitive on prepaid plans. Compare current plan pricing on Giraffy.
Etisalat in United Arab Emirates — FAQ
Is Etisalat now called e&?
Yes. Etisalat rebranded to e& in 2022. The network and services are the same — the brand name changed. All existing SIM cards and plans were migrated to the e& brand.
Which is better in UAE — e& or du?
e& has broader coverage and a larger subscriber base. du is often more price-competitive on prepaid plans. The best choice depends on your specific plan needs and location.
Does e& have 5G in UAE?
Yes. e& was one of the first operators globally to launch 5G. It has extensive 5G coverage across the UAE.