du prepaid gives you a UAE number with no contract, no monthly commitment, and no credit check — you pay for what you use and top up when you like. It is the default choice for visitors, new arrivals, and anyone who wants to cap their spend. This guide breaks down how du prepaid is structured in 2026, what each tier suits, and how to get connected.
How du prepaid is structured
Rather than one fixed monthly fee, du prepaid layers three things on top of your pay-as-you-go SIM: daily data passes, bundled packages (data plus minutes), and add-ons for international calls or social apps. You can run a bare pay-as-you-go line and buy data only when you need it, or subscribe to a recurring monthly bundle for predictable value.
Representative prepaid options
| Tier | Indicative price | Roughly includes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily data pass | from AED 3 | Small daily data, auto-stops at the cap | Light / occasional use |
| Visitor (tourist) SIM | ~AED 55 | 2GB + 30 mins, ~14 days | Short stays |
| Visitor Plus | ~AED 79 | ~6GB, ~14 days | Longer trips |
| Monthly data bundle | ~AED 50 | ~1GB/day for 30 days | Everyday residents |
| Premium monthly | AED 100+ | Large data + generous minutes | Heavy users |
Prices are indicative as of July 2026 and shift with promotions — confirm the live rate before subscribing.
Which du prepaid plan fits you?
- Tourist (a few days): grab a Visitor SIM at the airport — data, minutes, and validity are bundled, so you are covered the moment you land.
- New resident settling in: a monthly ~AED 50 data bundle (about 1GB/day) is the value sweet spot until your Emirates ID and a postpaid plan are sorted.
- Light user: stay pay-as-you-go and buy a daily pass only on the days you actually need data.
- Frequent international caller: add a du international pack rather than burning main credit at standard per-minute rates.
How to get and manage a du prepaid SIM
- Buy a SIM (or an eSIM via the du app) at any du store, airport counter, or authorised retailer — bring your passport or Emirates ID for registration.
- Dial *135# or open the du app to browse and activate packages.
- Recharge via the app, du.ae, scratch card, or UAE banking apps — see how to recharge du.
Keep your number alive
A du prepaid number stays active as long as you recharge or use paid services within the validity window — typically 90 days from your last top-up. Let it lapse and the number can be recycled, so a small recharge every couple of months keeps it yours. To see what is left at any time, check your du balance.
du prepaid vs Etisalat and Virgin Mobile
du is one of three prepaid options in the UAE, and the right pick depends on your priorities:
- du prepaid — strong data-pack value and the widest retail presence; the balanced default for most residents and visitors.
- Etisalat (e&) Wasel — the broadest coverage, especially in remote areas and the northern emirates; worth it if reliability outside the cities matters most. See our Etisalat prepaid guide.
- Virgin Mobile — app-only and fully digital, with build-your-own flexible plans; best for users who never want to visit a store.
All three run solid 5G across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so for everyday city use the practical difference comes down to price per gigabyte and how you prefer to manage the line.
Structure and pricing checked against du’s official prepaid plans page, July 2026.
At a Glance
| Price Range | AED 3/day – AED 200/month |
| Data | 500MB/day – 20GB+/month |
| Contract | None (pay as you go) |
| Best For | Tourists, new residents & budget users |
| Last Verified | May 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest du prepaid plan?
Daily data passes start from around AED 3, and recurring monthly bundles from around AED 50. A bare pay-as-you-go SIM costs nothing monthly — you only pay when you use it.
Is there a du tourist SIM?
Yes. du sells Visitor SIMs at UAE airports for roughly AED 55 (about 2GB + 30 minutes, ~14 days), with a Visitor Plus option (~AED 79, ~6GB) for longer trips.
Can I get a du prepaid eSIM?
Yes, du prepaid is available as an eSIM through the du app, so you can activate a line without a physical SIM.
How long does a du prepaid number stay active?
Recharge or use a paid service within about 90 days of your last top-up to keep the number active and avoid recycling.
Can I switch from du prepaid to postpaid later?
Yes. You can keep your existing number and move to a du postpaid plan at any du store or through the app once you have your Emirates ID.