Although there are some terrestrial, free-to-air TV channels in Dubai, the choices are limited, with UK and US programmes often six months behind the pay or subscription channels. Paying for satellite packages and cable TV offers a wider variety of channels and more English-language programmes. The main providers – OSN, Etisalat and du – offer packages and home installation services at competitive rates. 

Basic family packages with OSN start from Dhs.110 to full packages costing Dhs.294 monthly. There is also a one-off installation fee (including box, decoder, dish, controller) of around Dhs.299. You can subscribe to one or more satellite providers if required.

Prerequisites

• UAE resident 
• Aged 18 (Etisalat) or 21 (du). du will accept an NOC from someone aged 21 or older agreeing to be responsible for your account.
• Decide on channel preferences and choose a cable provider.
• Satellite dish (pre-existing or purchased from provider).
• Decoder or set-top box (pre-existing, free or purchased depending on package).
• Minimum subscription period of at least three months if paying by credit card. Cash payments require an advance of one year.
• Minimum salary of Dhs.2,500 if opting for a post-paid account.

NOTE: You may be charged at least Dhs.600 if you do not return the decoder at the end of your contract, or return it in poor condition. 

What to bring

• Application form (download from website or complete instore)
• Fees (these vary between satellite providers) 
• Passport with residence visa (copy)
• A deposit may be required for additional decoders 
• Title deed or tenancy contract
• Valid GCC credit card

Procedure
Etisalat

• For eLife TV bundles, visit an Etisalat office or etisalat.ae for details.
• Technician will come to your house to install box, cables, dish (if required).
• Buy additional decoder for extra sports channels.
• Pay installation charge and monthly subscription charge.
• An SMS will be sent notifying you when subscription is complete.
• Etisalat provides tiered basic to premium viewing packages from Dhs.20-397.

du

• Many new residences are pre-wired for du’s cable TV+ services.
• Pay installation charge and cost of set-top box.
• Pay monthly rental fee for decoder.
• Pay monthly subscription charges.
• du provides tiered basic to premium viewing packages.

OSN

• Order OSN box online unless you have already purchased one To activate box online, fill in application form at osn.com.
• Provide smart card number, decoder number and mobile phone number.
• To activate box, call 04 367 7575.
• An SMS will be sent notifying you when subscription is ready.
• OSN provides tiered basic to premium viewing packages, the OSN platinum package starts from Dhs.396.