TV & Communications
Now that you have arrived in Abu Dhabi, staying in touch with your loved ones and friends is made easy.
Du and Etisalat are the phone & internet providers in the UAE.
Telephone calls between landlines within Abu Dhabi are free, calls within the UAE cost 0.12- 0.18dhs/min while calls to mobiles cost 0.18/min off-peak to 0.25/min at peak times and international tariffs vary from country to country. Both Du and Etisalat offer off peak rates and regular special deals to coincide with public holidays and such occasions. Public payphones are located across the city, some will accept coins but the majority require a prepaid phone card widely available.
Mobile to mobile calls are cheap within Abu Dhabi and international tariffs vary. Mobile users can choose between monthly payments or pay as you go. Monthly billing is available to only those who hold a residency visa.
Internet services in Abu Dhabi are available through Etisalat. All internet usage is regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), this means that any sites that are deemed offensive, either politically religiously or culturally are blocked and cannot be accessed.
Internet is accessible from any standard phone line. It is possible to set up ISDN, ASDL and DIAL UP accounts at an extra cost for line rental and modem purchase. To get connected you will need a copy the account holder’s passport and residency visa and a completed application form. See www.e4me.ae for more information.
Most expatriates subscribe to a satellite network in the UAE. Showtime and Orbit are the main ones, Showtime provides coverage of live premiership football whilst Orbit shows UK programmes such as East Enders, Strictly Coming Dancing. Subscribe to one that suits your needs and that of your family! Listings are published in newspapers and entertainment magazines.
There are several English language radio stations in Abu Dhabi.
Several English language newspapers are available in Abu Dhabi – The National, Gulf News, Gulf Today, Emirates Business 24/7 as well as some free publications - 7 Days.
The Times and Sunday Times are printed locally and if you chose to subscribe a free delivery service is offered.
Several French and German and other international newspapers are also available in supermarkets and bookstores, these tend to be a day or two old before they reach Abu Dhabi and are generally substantially marked up in price