Capital city, United Arab Emirates
Internet in Abu Dhabi: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Abu Dhabi?
Median fixed broadband in United Arab Emirates is 385 Mbps and mobile is 645 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-03). Fast wifi in cafés and malls; VoIP calls on WhatsApp are blocked, so use Botim or Zoom.
Getting online in Abu Dhabi
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from e& and du is standard; roughly 300–500 AED a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Fast wifi in cafés and malls; VoIP calls on WhatsApp are blocked, so use Botim or Zoom. |
| Tourist SIM | du and e& sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and in malls; passport needed. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | e& (Etisalat), du, Virgin Mobile UAE |
| Monthly data plan | Dh100–200 ($27–54) |
| Blocked services | Voice and video calls on WhatsApp and many other apps are blocked; Botim, Zoom and Teams work. Dating and LGBTQ+ sites blocked. VPNs are common, but using one to commit an offence is illegal. |
Coworking spaces in Abu Dhabi
Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.
| Space | Area | Day pass |
|---|---|---|
| WeWork | Al Maryah Island and other locations | — |
Internet speeds in Middle East
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Abu Dhabi?
Median fixed broadband in United Arab Emirates is 385 Mbps and mobile is 645 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-03). Fast wifi in cafés and malls; VoIP calls on WhatsApp are blocked, so use Botim or Zoom.
Which SIM card should I get in Abu Dhabi?
du and e& sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and in malls; passport needed.
Can I use an eSIM in United Arab Emirates?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
Are there coworking spaces in Abu Dhabi?
Yes: WeWork.
More about Abu Dhabi
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: United Arab Emirates
- e& (Etisalat)
- du
- Virgin Mobile UAE
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.