Internet in Dubai: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources

385 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Dubai?

Median fixed broadband in United Arab Emirates is 385 Mbps and mobile is 645 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-03). Fast, free wifi in cafés and malls; WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are blocked, so use Botim, Zoom or Teams.

Getting online in Dubai

	Details
Home fibre	Fibre from e& and du is standard; roughly 300–500 AED a month for 500 Mbps–1 Gbps.
Cafés and coworking	Fast, free wifi in cafés and malls; WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are blocked, so use Botim, Zoom or Teams.
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 Dubai

Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.

Space	Area	Day pass
WeWork	Several locations including JLT and Business Bay	—
Regus	Business towers across Dubai	—

Internet speeds in Middle East

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

Country	Fixed	Mobile
United Arab Emirates	385 Mbps	645 Mbps
Israel	281 Mbps	66 Mbps
Kuwait	230 Mbps	373 Mbps
Qatar	212 Mbps	576 Mbps
Jordan	194 Mbps	46 Mbps
Saudi Arabia	168 Mbps	227 Mbps
Bahrain	146 Mbps	275 Mbps
Oman	96 Mbps	170 Mbps
Palestine	85 Mbps	—
Turkey	83 Mbps	171 Mbps
Iraq	50 Mbps	72 Mbps
Lebanon	22 Mbps	37 Mbps

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Dubai?

Which SIM card should I get in Dubai?

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 Dubai?

Yes: WeWork, Regus.

More about Dubai

Going to Dubai solo?

SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Dubai meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.

See plans in Dubai

Sources

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 Spotted something out of date?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.