The United Arab Emirates has positioned itself as a global leader in 5G deployment, with some of the fastest mobile internet speeds in the world. In this comprehensive guide, we map out where you can find the best 5G connectivity across all seven emirates.
UAE's 5G Revolution: A Brief Overview
Since its initial rollout in 2019, 5G technology has expanded rapidly across the UAE. According to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the UAE now ranks among the top countries globally for 5G coverage, with network availability in all major populated areas.
The primary 5G providers in the UAE are:
- Etisalat by e&
- Du
- Virgin Mobile UAE (operating on the Du network)
As of April 2024, average 5G download speeds in the UAE range from 600 Mbps to over 1 Gbps in optimal conditions, representing a significant leap from 4G technology.
5G vs. 4G Speed Comparison
Our recent speed tests show that 5G in the UAE is approximately 10-20 times faster than 4G LTE, with significantly lower latency (response time), making it ideal for gaming, high-definition video streaming, and emerging technologies like augmented reality.
Dubai: 5G Coverage Map
As the UAE's most populous city and a global business hub, Dubai has received priority in 5G deployment. Here's a breakdown of current coverage:
Dubai 5G Coverage Map - Updated April 2024
Areas with Excellent 5G Coverage (900+ Mbps):
- Downtown Dubai (including Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall)
- Dubai Marina
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
- Palm Jumeirah
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- Dubai Internet City and Media City
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) - all terminals
Areas with Good 5G Coverage (600-900 Mbps):
- Deira
- Bur Dubai
- Al Barsha
- Jumeirah
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai Production City
- Dubai Sports City
Areas with Developing 5G Coverage (300-600 Mbps):
- Some parts of Dubai South
- Outskirts of Dubai Land
- Portions of Al Qusais
- Parts of International City
Dubai Operator Comparison
In our citywide testing across Dubai, Etisalat by e& consistently delivered the fastest 5G speeds, with an average download speed of 965 Mbps. Du followed closely with 912 Mbps, while Virgin Mobile (on Du's network) showed similar performance to Du.
Abu Dhabi: 5G Coverage Map
The UAE capital has seen aggressive 5G rollout with particular focus on government and business districts:
Abu Dhabi 5G Coverage Map - Updated April 2024
Areas with Excellent 5G Coverage (900+ Mbps):
- Al Maryah Island (including Abu Dhabi Global Market)
- Yas Island (including Ferrari World and Yas Mall)
- Saadiyat Island (including Louvre Abu Dhabi)
- Al Reem Island
- Corniche area
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
- Khalifa City
Areas with Good 5G Coverage (600-900 Mbps):
- Downtown Abu Dhabi
- Al Bateen
- Khalidiya
- Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area)
- Embassies District
- Masdar City
Areas with Developing 5G Coverage (300-600 Mbps):
- Portions of Mohammed Bin Zayed City
- Parts of Mussafah
- Some areas of Al Shahama
Abu Dhabi Operator Comparison
In Abu Dhabi, Du showed a slight edge in our testing with average download speeds of 930 Mbps, while Etisalat by e& delivered 905 Mbps. Both operators performed exceptionally well in business districts and tourist areas.
Sharjah: 5G Coverage Map
The UAE's third-largest city has seen significant improvements in 5G coverage throughout 2023 and early 2024:
Sharjah 5G Coverage Map - Updated April 2024
Areas with Excellent 5G Coverage (800+ Mbps):
- Al Majaz
- Al Khan
- Al Nahda
- University City
- Sharjah International Airport
Areas with Good 5G Coverage (500-800 Mbps):
- Al Qasimia
- Al Taawun
- Al Mamzar
- Industrial Areas 1-6
- Muwailih Commercial
Etisalat by e& maintains stronger coverage in Sharjah, with average speeds of 850 Mbps in optimal areas compared to Du's 790 Mbps.
Other Emirates: 5G Availability
Ajman
5G coverage is concentrated in Ajman City center, with both operators achieving speeds between 600-800 Mbps. Coverage extends to Mushairef and Al Jurf, though with slightly reduced speeds.
Umm Al Quwain
The smallest emirate has limited but growing 5G coverage, primarily in UAQ city center and along the E11 highway corridor, with speeds ranging from 400-700 Mbps.
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK City and Al Hamra area enjoy solid 5G coverage, with speeds of 600-800 Mbps. The mountainous regions of RAK remain challenging for consistent 5G service.
Fujairah
Fujairah City and the port area have received 5G upgrades, with both operators delivering 500-700 Mbps. Coverage along the east coast varies, with stronger signals in Dibba and Khor Fakkan.
Indoor vs. Outdoor 5G Performance
One important consideration for 5G users is the difference between outdoor and indoor performance. The higher frequency bands used for 5G (particularly mmWave, when implemented) can be affected by building materials:
| Environment | Average Speed Reduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modern glass buildings | 10-20% | Minimal impact in newer buildings with 5G-friendly construction |
| Concrete structures | 30-50% | Significant reduction, especially in older buildings |
| Underground locations | 70-100% | Often requires dedicated indoor solutions |
| Shopping malls | 20-40% | Many UAE malls have installed indoor 5G repeaters |
Major shopping destinations like Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall have deployed indoor 5G solutions to ensure consistent connectivity.
Device Compatibility and Settings
To take full advantage of 5G in the UAE, you'll need a compatible device. Most premium and mid-range smartphones released since 2020 support 5G, but there are some considerations:
Optimizing Your Device for 5G
- Check network settings: Ensure your phone is set to prefer 5G networks (Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Mode)
- Update firmware: Keep your device updated with the latest software for optimal 5G performance
- Consider band compatibility: Some international devices may not support all 5G bands used in the UAE
- Battery considerations: 5G can consume more battery, so adjust settings for longer trips
Popular 5G-compatible devices widely used in the UAE include:
- iPhone 12/13/14/15 series
- Samsung Galaxy S21/S22/S23/S24 series
- Google Pixel 6/7/8 series
- Huawei Mate and P series (newer models)
- Xiaomi 12/13 series
Future 5G Expansions in UAE
According to announcements from both Etisalat by e& and Du, 5G coverage will continue to expand throughout 2024-2025, with several planned improvements:
- Rural coverage expansion: Extending 5G to more remote areas and highways connecting the emirates
- mmWave deployment: Beginning trials of even faster mmWave 5G in select business districts
- Indoor solutions: More extensive deployment of indoor 5G repeaters in residential buildings
- 5G standalone: Moving from non-standalone to standalone 5G architecture for improved performance
- Smart city initiatives: Dedicated 5G networks for autonomous vehicles and smart city applications
Conclusion: Making the Most of 5G in UAE
The UAE's position as a 5G leader presents tremendous opportunities for residents, tourists, and businesses alike. To maximize your 5G experience:
- Consider which operator has the best coverage in areas you frequent most
- Ensure your device supports the 5G bands used in the UAE
- Select data plans with sufficient allowances to make use of 5G speeds
- Remember that 5G consumes more battery, so carry a power bank for extended use
For personalized advice on selecting the best 5G plan for your needs in the UAE, don't hesitate to contact our connectivity experts.
