IoT connectivity in the United Arab Emirates
Updated
In the United Arab Emirates, we have not yet found a reliable source on permanent roaming. Of the 2 mobile operators we track there, 0 have switched off 2G and 0 3G; the status of 2 networks is still unclear, as of 26 October 2026. Sources are listed below each table.
Permanent roaming
No reliable source found yet. See how we search in the permanent roaming guide.
2G and 3G shutdowns by operator
| Operator | Network | Status | Date | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| du | 2G | Planned | 31 December 2023 | telecomreview.com, emnify.com du said in 2021 the TDRA-led 2G phase-out would complete by end-2022; emnify now lists 31 Dec 2023. Date has passed without confirmation of completion found; LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) only says UAE 2G retirement is advanced. |
| du | 3G | Unclear | none | linkmobility.com LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says UAE 3G retirement is advanced and availability should be confirmed with the operator. No du or TDRA 3G date found. |
| e& | 2G | Planned | 31 December 2023 | cullen-international.com, emnify.com Formerly Etisalat. TDRA first set end-2022 for the national 2G switch-off, later end-2023 (Cullen, Jul 2023; emnify lists 31 Dec 2023). Date has passed without confirmation of completion found; LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) only says UAE 2G retirement is advanced. |
| e& | 3G | Unclear | none | linkmobility.com LINK Mobility (Aug 2026) says UAE 3G retirement is advanced and availability should be confirmed with the operator. No e& or TDRA 3G date found. |
What it means for IoT devices in the United Arab Emirates
- 2G still runs on some networks, but plan new devices on 4G-based technologies (LTE Cat-1bis, LTE-M or NB-IoT where available): 2G is being closed across the region.
- Private delivery works the same from the United Arab Emirates: device data reaches your cloud over private links. See private delivery.
Other countries in Middle East
Full tables: permanent roaming rules by country and 2G and 3G shutdown dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is 2G switched off in the United Arab Emirates?
Status by operator, as of 26 October 2026. du: planned for 2023-12-31; e&: planned for 2023-12-31.