2G and 3G switch-off in the United Arab Emirates
Quick answer
2G in the United Arab Emirates: Closing at some operators. e& is closing 3G and 2G, under way in 2025. du planned to close 2G by the end of 2022, completion not confirmed, and we found no source for its 3G.
3GClosing at some operators
2GClosing at some operators
Operators
Checked 30 October 2026.
Dates are set by each operator and can change. Check with us before you plan around them.
| Operator | 3G | 2G |
|---|---|---|
| e& (etisalat by e&) | Closing, under way in 2025 | Closing, under way in 2025 |
| du | Not confirmed | Planned for the end of 2022, completion not confirmed |
Details
- e& (etisalat by e&) 2G. e& planned to finish its 2G shutdown by the end of 2023, but its 2025 annual report still describes e& UAE's 2G/3G shutdown process as under way during 2025. e& (Emirates Telecommunications Group)
- du 2G. du said in August 2021 that, on TDRA's direction, its 2G network would be phased out and the shutdown completed by the end of 2022. du
- e& (etisalat by e&) 3G. e&'s 2025 annual report says AI tools supported e& UAE's 2G/3G shutdown process during the year; it gives no completion date. e& (Emirates Telecommunications Group)
Regulator and government
- TDRA set the end of 2022 for switching off 2G (GSM) on the Etisalat and du networks, and stopped the sale of 2G-only devices in June 2022. Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
What this means for your devices
Each SIM profile has its own page, showing where it works and what it supports.
Common questions
When does 2G switch off in the United Arab Emirates?
Closing at some operators.
Is 3G still working in the United Arab Emirates?
Closing at some operators.
Sources
- Integrated Annual Report 2025 (Business review, e& UAE, page 39), e& (Emirates Telecommunications Group)
- du encourages mobile users to upgrade devices as TDRA phases out 2G network, du
- TDRA: 2G Shutdown Is Proceeding As Scheduled, Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)
Checked 30 October 2026. Dates move, so check the operator’s own notice before you plan a change.