Lost or Stolen SIM in UAE — How to Block & Replace (Etisalat & Du)

Lost your phone or had your SIM stolen in the UAE? Act fast to block your number and prevent unauthorized use.

Etisalat Cost: Replacement SIM fee applies Prepaid Postpaid Verified May 2026

Which police app you use to file the report depends on where you are in the UAE — Dubai has its own dedicated app, while other emirates route through the federal MOI UAE app instead, and using the wrong one just means redoing the report.

Quick answer

Etisalat: call 101. Du: call 155. Either works from any phone to request an emergency block.

Step 1: Block immediately

Call your operator’s number, or walk into any Etisalat or Du store if you can’t remember which network you’re on — staff can look up your line.

Step 2: File a police report

In Dubai, use the Dubai Police app. Elsewhere in the UAE, use the federal MOI UAE app instead. Either produces the documentation your operator needs for a replacement.

Step 3: Get a replacement

Visit your operator’s store with your original Emirates ID. Fingerprint verification confirms ownership, and a new SIM is issued with your existing number.

Step 4: Block the device

Provide the IMEI (dial *#06# on the phone beforehand) so the device is blocked across all UAE networks.

Step 5: Secure your accounts

Change passwords on banking apps, email, and social media tied to your number, and enable two-factor authentication on a different device.

Verified against Etisalat and Du’s official SIM replacement procedures, August 2026.

Written & verified by GSMplans Editorial Team · Last checked May 2026

The GSMplans Editorial Team researches, writes, and verifies every guide on this site against official operator sources — Etisalat, du, STC, Mobily, Zain, Ooredoo, Vodafone, Omantel, Batelco, and… Our process →

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1

    Block immediately

    Call 101 (Etisalat) or 155 (Du) from ANY phone. Request emergency SIM block.

  2. 2

    File police report

    Use Dubai Police app or visit station. Needed for SIM replacement.

  3. 3

    Get replacement

    Visit store with Emirates ID. Fingerprint verification. New SIM with same number issued.

Troubleshooting

Can't remember which carrier

Try calling both 101 and 155. Or visit any telecom store — they can look up your number.

Someone is using my number

Block immediately via 101/155. File police report. Unauthorized SIM use is a criminal offense in UAE.

Pro Tip
Save your IMEI number (*#06#) somewhere safe NOW — before you lose your phone. If stolen, providing the IMEI lets the operator block the entire device across all UAE networks, making it worthless to thieves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which police app do I use?

Dubai Police app if you're in Dubai; the federal MOI UAE app for other emirates.

Will I keep my number?

Yes, replacement SIMs retain your original number.

Can I block without another phone?

Yes — visit any Etisalat or Du store in person with your Emirates ID and staff can block it immediately.

What happens if someone else uses my stolen SIM?

Unauthorized SIM use is treated as a criminal offense in the UAE — block immediately and file your police report.

Etisalat
UAE
Customer Care: 101
All Etisalat guides UAE telecom overview