TV & Internet in Dubai

Tools:

Television and Radio

Most of the local TV channels are government run and are broadcast in Arabic. There is a single English channel in the UAE, One TV.

The majority of people choose to purchase a satellite dish. The Nilesat, Arabsat, Hotbird, and Asiansat satellites are receivable in the UAE and offer both free and pay-tv channels. It is also possible to subscribe to a satellite pay-TV package. Your choice of provider will be largely dictated by your native language, as well as they type of viewing matter you prefer to see.

Internet

Provided you already have a telephone connection, arranging internet access via DSL, ISDN or dial-up is straightforward. The main ISP is Etisalat, the Emirates' telephone company. To request a connection, you will need to visit an Etisalat office and provide a completed application form, letter from your employer confirming your salary, a copy of your passport and a copy of your lease to confirm your address.

Etisalat offers a simple solution for immediate, no subscription, connection with it's Dial 'N' Surf service. There are no subscription charges or monthly rentals - you are simply charged 0.12 AED for every minute that you spend connected to the service. To connect, simply dial 5000 5555 using your PC's modem. The charges for connection are billed directly to the telephone number that you are connecting from.

Internet access in most areas of Dubai is filtered to screen out sites that are deemed to be against the cultural or religious ideals of the UAE. The exception to this is areas served by the internet service provider TECOM, which are not currently filtered.

Cybercafes are good value in Dubai and in some cases, for example at the Emirates Towers, there are cafes where you can surf for free for as long as you are buying food or drinks! Generally, the big shopping centres do not have internet cafes in them, so it can be difficult to locate your closest internet cafe. Etisalat offers a WiFi internet connection service known as iZone, which is accessible from many shopping centres and cafes across Dubai.

Newspapers

A selection of English language newspapers is available in the UAE, including:

  • Gulf News
  • 7DAYS
  • Khaleej Times
  • Emirates Today

Update 11/09/2006


Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

When you move internationally you are taking a big step. Lots of things are changing and you have a million things to think about and take care of. If you are able to select a top of the line moving company that moves for a modest price, it can take a big weight of your shoulders in busy times.

Our network of international removal companies can move your furniture & possessions to United Arab Emirates and anywhere overseas.

Filling in the form will allow you to request up to 5 quotes from various moving companies. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.


Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about tv & internet in Dubai, moving in.