Subscribe to satellite / cable TV

LIVING IN THE UAE

HOW TO'S

A comprehensive step-by-step instruction guide to setting up in the UAE, from applying for your residence visa and resident ID to renting a home and opening a bank account.

Open a Bank Account (1/19)

Take the medical test (2/19)

Apply for visa (3/19)

Renew of visa (4/19)

Apply for a resident ID card (5/19)

Renew a resident ID card (6/19)

Apply for a health card (7/19)

Apply for Mobile (8/19)

Connect Electricity & Water (9/19)

Connect Internet (10/19)

Apply for a landline (11/19)

Subscribe to satellite / cable TV (12/19)

Buy a property (13/19)

Apply for UAE driving licence (14/19)

Transfer a foreign driving licence (15/19)

Buy a new vehicle (16/19)

Buy a second-hand vehicle (17/19)

Have a baby (18/19)

Obtain a Birth Certificate (19/19)

Overview

Although there are some terrestrial, free-to-air TV channels in the UAE, 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.

Info

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 see the website for details.
A technician will come to your house to install the box, cables, and dish (if required).
Buy an additional decoder for extra sports channels.
Pay the installation charge and monthly subscription charge.
An SMS will be sent notifying you when your 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 the installation charge and cost of set-top box.
Pay the monthly rental fee for a decoder.
Pay the monthly subscription charges.
du provides tiered basic to premium viewing packages.

OSN

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

Once your account is set up, ADCB customers can easily pay bills through our handy mobile app.