du has announced 5G+, an upgrade built on 5G-Advanced, promising up to twice the speed with lower latency across the UAE. The company says this will improve streaming, mobile gaming and AI-driven apps.
What is du 5G+?
5G+ is du’s next step on 5G-Advanced. It aims to deliver faster downloads, smoother uploads and tighter response times on compatible phones and SIMs.
- Built on 5G-Advanced architecture
- Up to 2x improvement in download speeds
- Lower latency for real-time apps and gaming
- Requires a compatible device and SIM or eSIM
In simple terms, 5G+ should cut waiting and stutter. That helps when you’re streaming UHD video on the Metro, jumping into online matches on your phone, or using AI tools that need fast round-trips to the cloud. For more context, see our coverage of du rolling out dual-band 5G-Advanced, which paved the way for this upgrade.
What will actually feel faster?
du’s headline is speed, but the everyday gains are about responsiveness and consistency.
- Instant movie downloads, even in crowded places
- Fewer drops in UHD streams
- Lower input lag in games
- Clearer video calls and quicker social uploads
If you commute through busy areas like Dubai Mall or Marina and fight for capacity at peak times, these changes matter. Lower latency also helps cloud gaming and real-time translation, both of which can feel choppy on slower links.
What do you need for 5G+?
You will need the right hardware and the right SIM profile.
More on Tbreak
- A 5G+-compatible phone such as the new iPhone 17 series
- A compatible SIM or eSIM
- 5G coverage in your area
- An updated plan once du enables access (check your account)
du states that 5G+ runs on next-generation infrastructure that operates independently of LTE, which is one reason for the jump in performance. Device and SIM compatibility are required to unlock the new features, so check your model and your SIM status before expecting the boost.
If you’re looking to upgrade, our Best phones of 2025 in the UAE guide highlights the top models that already support advanced 5G. For budget-conscious buyers, we’ve also listed the best phones under AED 1000 and best phones under AED 2500 that offer solid 5G performance.
For eSIM basics and switching in the UAE, our guide to the iPhone 17 going eSIM-only is a quick refresher on how eSIM works locally. It also notes that du supports eSIM activation with Emirates ID.
UAE context: who benefits and where it fits
This sits in a busy year for networks and devices in the UAE, with both operators evolving 5G and vendors pushing AI-heavy phones.
- du has been upgrading its 5G-Advanced footprint, including recent dual-band rollouts
- Home internet on 5G can be fast, but fibre still wins for stable, low-latency links
- New mid-range and flagship phones ship with solid 5G modems, ready for higher speeds
If you spend time gaming on mobile or using cloud-assisted camera features and AI apps, you’ll be in the first wave to notice the change. For fixed connections, fibre remains the safer bet for critical calls and rank-sweats in Valorant, but 5G+ narrows the gap for on-the-go use. Check our guide to best home internet packages in the UAE if you’re comparing fibre against 5G+.
It’s also worth noting that du topped UAE indoor mobile speeds in recent reports, a sign that its investments are showing up in real-world results.
What is du 5G+?
It’s an upgrade to du’s 5G network using 5G-Advanced features to deliver up to double the speed with lower latency on supported devices and SIMs.
Do I need a new SIM or phone?
You need a compatible 5G+ device and a compatible SIM or eSIM. Check your plan and handset model with du before you expect the speed bump.
What real-world tasks improve most?
UHD streaming in busy places, mobile gaming responsiveness, AI-driven apps like real-time translation and AR, plus clearer video calling and quicker social sharing.
