du says it’s the first in the UAE to enable direct emergency calling from compatible 5G smartwatches. The feature is available now and runs on du’s nationwide 5G network. The promise is simple: if your phone isn’t with you, your watch can still call emergency services.
What’s new and why it matters
du’s update brings native emergency calling to 5G-enabled wearables on its network. That closes an annoying gap for runners, parents, and anyone who wants a safety net on the wrist.
- Direct dialling to emergency services from a compatible smartwatch
- 5G compatibility for stronger connectivity on the move
- Immediate rollout on du’s network in the UAE
- A network-first claim: du positions itself as first in the country with this feature on 5G watches
For many users, this is the most practical smartwatch upgrade in years. If a fall happens on a jog or your phone runs out of battery, being able to reach emergency services from the watch can make a difference. It also nudges the UAE wearable market toward proper phone-free safety features, not just notifications.
Availability and device support
du says the feature is available immediately for customers with compatible 5G smartwatches on its network. It hasn’t named models in the announcement, so check your watch’s cellular/5G spec and ensure your line and eSIM are active.
- Live today across du’s 5G footprint
- Works on compatible 5G-enabled wearables
- Operates through du’s existing network setup
If your watch supports cellular and your du line is provisioned on the watch, you should be set. If you’re new to eSIMs or switching phones, our iPhone 17 eSIM guide explains local activation and provider support in the UAE, including du.
The network angle: 5G where it counts
A feature like this is only as good as the network behind it. du frames this launch around its 5G coverage and reliability, which should help watches place and hold calls quickly. The telco has been busy on the radio side, including recent 5G+ and 5G-Advanced activity that aims to cut latency and lift speeds—useful for wearables.
- Lower latency helps with faster call setup on wearables
- Better cell density improves coverage when your phone isn’t nearby
- Power efficiency matters for small watch batteries (less hunting for signal)
If you’re comparing providers, our e& vs du network report breaks down Opensignal’s latest UAE results across speed, gaming, and video—handy if you’re deciding where to keep your primary line or eSIM.
Who should care: runners, parents, commuters
This isn’t just for athletes. It’s for anyone who sometimes leaves the phone behind or buries it in a bag. Emergency calling on-wrist can be peace of mind.
- Runners and cyclists who train phone-free
- Parents who want a backup line when hands are full
- Commuters who keep phones in laptop bags
- Outdoor workers who may need fast access to services
If you’re picking a watch now, see our best Apple Watch picks for the UAE and our top fitness trackers list. Both round up models we’ve tested, with local notes and value picks.
What we still don’t know
The announcement focuses on availability and network support. It doesn’t list specific watch models or pricing details for plans or activations, if any. We’ll update once du shares more. For now, check your watch’s cellular capability and ensure your du plan supports eSIM on wearables.
- No device matrix yet
- No plan add-on info in the release
- Standard eSIM rules in the UAE still apply (Emirates ID for activation, etc.)
When is emergency calling on 5G smartwatches available on du?
du says it’s available immediately for customers with compatible devices on its 5G network.
Which smartwatch models are supported?
du hasn’t listed models in the announcement. If you watch supports cellular/5G and you have activated your du eSIM on it, you should be able to use the feature.
Do I need a special plan or add-on?
The press note doesn’t specify. If you’re setting up from scratch, see our local eSIM guide for how activation works in the UAE and then confirm any smartwatch line fees with du.
