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28 March 2024

UAE mobile number portability: Pay to migrate?

Published
By Joseph George

Is Mobile Number Portability (MNP) really free in UAE?

Although the marketing material of service providers doesn’t mention any fee, those migrating from etisalat to du should note that the latter is charging an activation fee.

Mobile Number Portability in the UAE has gone ‘live’ since yesterday (December 30, 2013), and du says it will charge Dh55 and Dh125 to prepaid and postpaid customers, respectively, as activation fee for migrating their services from etisalat.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE initiated the process allowing both etisalat and du to launch the MNP service starting from Sunday, December 22, 2013.

The actual transfer for subscribers became effective since the morning of December 30.

While mobile operators continue to insist that the MNP service is free, du maintains it is charging the activation fee.
Etisalat on the other hand pointed out that customers shifting from du can go ahead and use their service without any additional fee.

For those wanting to move but have still not initiated the process, here is what you need to do:

If you are an etisalat customer wanting to shift to du, please note that it is better to directly visit one of the 51 du shops or select authorised partner outlets of Axiom, E-Max, Eros Digital Home, Jacky’s and Jumbo.

Although you can register online (click here for the du online form), you will still have to visit the du shop in order to submit your documentation and collect the new SIM card.
 

On the other hand etisalat says you can register online (click here for the etisalat link), your new prepaid SIM card will be delivered to your door. Relevant documents will need to be presented at the time of delivery.

Here are the documents required for individual and enterprise customers:

Individual customers

UAE nationals: Valid UAE national ID or valid UAE passport

GCC nationals: Valid UAE or GCC national ID or valid GCC passport

Expats: Valid UAE national ID or valid foreign passport plus valid UAE visa or residence

Enterprise customers

Copy of current trade license

Valid establishment card

Power of attorney/letter of authorisation (if you are not the owner of the company)

Valid ID (in accordance with above)

Both telecom operators have introduced toll free numbers to help answer customer queries: du: 800242643 (800CHANGE) and Etisalat: 80099