TV & Communications

  • You need to be 21 years old to own a mobile phone in Dubai, under 21s will need a letter of approval from a parent or guardian or alternatively the parent buys the phone in his/ her own name.
  • A residency visa is necessary when applying for a telephone, internet account or satellite package. Welcome packages are available from Du and Etisalat.
  • Censorship rules apply to all websites, many sites are blocked because they offend the cultural / religious values of the country. The same applies for imported magazines – articles deemed inappropriate are blacked out by pen or removed altogether.
  • If your satellite network requires putting a satellite dish on your roof, be mindful of positioning, try to keep out of public view as far as possible, neighbours may protest and also Emaar or Nakeel may insist you remove it. 
  • Imported newspapers arrive in Dubai one or more days old. Imported newspapers and magazines will cost considerably more than UK / US marked price.