Etisalat vs du: Who’s Winning the UAE Mobile Network Battle in 2025?

The latest Opensignal August 2025 report delivers the most comprehensive analysis of UAE mobile network performance to date, revealing a near-complete dominance by e& across 12 out of 13 key categories. This data-driven comparison combines official performance metrics with real user experiences and pricing analysis to help you make the right choice for your mobile network needs in the UAE.

Our analysis draws from verified Opensignal data, recent user testimonials from UAE forums, and current pricing structures from both providers. Whether you prioritise speed, coverage, value, or specific use cases, this guide provides the complete picture of the UAE’s mobile network landscape in 2025.

Network Performance: The Numbers Tell the Story

Speed Comparison – e& Takes the Lead

When it comes to raw UAE mobile network speeds, e& delivers consistently faster performance across all categories. The speed differences are significant enough to impact real-world usage, from streaming to gaming and professional applications.

Download speeds show e& averaging 82.8 Mbps compared to du’s 65.6 Mbps, a 26% performance advantage that translates to noticeably faster app downloads and smoother streaming. Upload speeds reveal an even larger gap, with e& reaching 14.9 Mbps versus du’s 11.3 Mbps, particularly beneficial for content creators and professionals uploading large files.

5G Performance Analysis

The e& 5G network speed advantage extends to next-generation connectivity, with download speeds of 272.0 Mbps compared to du’s 221.6 Mbps. However, du compensates with superior 5G availability at 20% compared to e &’s 10.5%, meaning du users are more likely to stay connected to 5G networks in urban environments.

5G upload speeds again favour e& at 28.1 Mbps versus du’s 22.5 Mbps, making e& the preferred choice for bandwidth-intensive applications requiring consistent upload performance.

Video and Gaming Experience

For UAE mobile gaming performance, e& leads with a Games Experience score of 77.4 compared to du’s 72.8. The gaming experience on UAE networks shows e& providing lower latency and more consistent performance, crucial for competitive gaming and real-time applications.

Video experience metrics reveal e& scoring 64.4 against du’s 61.8, with 5G video performance showing e& at 69.9 versus du’s 67.9. These differences result in less buffering, higher resolution streaming, and more reliable video calls.

Coverage and Reliability: Where Each Network Excels

Availability vs. Coverage Quality

While du edges ahead in availability with 99.4% compared to e &’s 99.2%, the coverage experience tells a different story. e& achieves a coverage score of 9.1 out of 10, compared to du’s 7.2, indicating superior signal quality when connected.

The consistent quality metric shows e& delivering reliable performance 66% of the time compared to du’s 53.6%, with e&’s reliability score of 879 surpassing du’s 820. This translates to fewer dropped calls and more stable data connections during peak usage periods.

Regional Coverage Differences

du 5G UAE coverage excels in urban centres, particularly in Abu Dhabi malls and central Dubai, where du’s infrastructure provides better indoor penetration. Urban users frequently report du’s superior performance in high-density areas like Dubai Marina and business districts.

However, the UAE 5G network coverage in rural and remote areas strongly favours e&. Users travelling between emirates or residing outside major cities consistently report better reliability and broader geographic reach with e&, particularly in areas like Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.

Real User Experiences: Forum Insights and Testimonials

Recent testimonials from UAE resident forums reveal distinct usage patterns and preferences between the two networks. Reddit and ExpatForum discussions from 2024-2025 highlight that e& gives fewer drops, better speeds at the edge of town, and better video streaming at home, making it the preferred choice for users who frequently travel or live outside central urban areas.

Conversely, du users praise the network for being great downtown, barely drops during concerts or at the mall. Urban professionals and students particularly value du’s consistent indoor performance in shopping centres and office buildings throughout Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Gaming communities on UAE forums consistently mention e &’s superior performance for competitive gaming, while du receives recognition from users who prioritise 5G availability in dense city areas and appreciate the network’s optimisation for high-traffic locations.

Customer service experiences remain mixed for both providers according to forum feedback, with no significant advantage for either network. Individual branch performance varies by location, and users report typical telecom service challenges with both providers.

Pricing and Plans: Complete 2025 Comparison

Mobile Plans and Value Analysis

Both providers offer competitive mobile packages; however, the detailed 2025 mobile plan structures vary significantly in their value propositions. Du focuses on affordable, flexible mobile bundles with regular promotions and cashback offers, targeting budget-conscious users and urban professionals.

E& markets premium postpaid and prepaid packages, often bundling entertainment access including Netflix and Amazon Prime subscriptions, exclusive event tickets, and streaming services. This premium approach delivers added value for postpaid subscribers who prioritise comprehensive digital entertainment packages.

Home internet services reveal more transparent pricing differences and the included features differ dramatically.

5G-Advanced Technology and Network Upgrades

Both networks are aggressively pursuing 5G-Advanced deployments throughout 2025, with distinct technological approaches shaping their competitive positioning.

E& has secured strategic partnerships, including an Ericsson deal for 5G RAN expansion and 6 GHz spectrum trials. The company launched the UAE’s first 5G network slicing for enterprises, targeting logistics, AI applications, and industrial automation with dedicated network resources.

Du has deployed 5G-Advanced using mid-band spectrum, including 64T64R dual-band technology that enhances urban coverage and indoor penetration. This infrastructure investment directly supports du’s strength in high-density commercial and residential areas.

Network slicing capabilities position e& as the leader in enterprise applications, while du’s focus on Standalone (SA) deployment and advanced indoor coverage serves consumer and business users in urban environments.

When to Choose Each Provider: Practical Decision Guide

Choose e& If You:

Travel frequently between emirates or live outside central Dubai/Abu Dhabi, as e& provides superior rural coverage and highway reliability. Prioritise consistent streaming and gaming performance, particularly for 4K video content and competitive gaming where e&’s speed advantages become noticeable.

Need reliable coverage for work applications, especially if your job involves video conferencing, large file uploads, or requires consistent connectivity across diverse locations throughout the UAE.

Value premium entertainment bundles and are willing to pay slightly more for integrated Netflix, streaming services, and comprehensive digital packages that e& bundles with higher-tier plans.

Choose du If You:

Live and work primarily in central Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where du’s superior indoor 5G coverage and urban optimisation provide the best day-to-day experience. Spend significant time in shopping malls, office buildings, and high-density areas where du’s infrastructure investment delivers superior signal penetration.

Prioritise 5G availability over pure speed, as du keeps users connected to 5G networks more consistently in urban environments, even if individual speeds may be slightly lower.

Prefer straightforward pricing and high-speed base plans without extensive entertainment bundles, as du emphasises affordable, high-speed connectivity with frequent promotional offers.

Complete Performance Comparison Table

Comprehensive FAQ Guide

The choice between e& and du ultimately depends on your specific location, usage patterns, and priorities. E& provides superior overall performance and rural coverage, while du excels in urban environments and 5G availability. Consider your daily routines, coverage needs, and budget preferences when making your decision.