The UAE has officially reached 100% internet connectivity, ensuring every resident has access to the internet, according to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) as reported by Emarat Al-Youm. Mobile subscriptions now stand at 203 for every 100 residents, reflecting a growing trend of individuals carrying two internet-enabled phones.
For some, the two-phone habit is about separating work and personal life; for others, it’s about convenience, better coverage, or avoiding SIM card swaps. Cybersecurity analyst Omar Qaddour said having two devices makes his job more manageable. His work phone, costing about Dh350 a month, handles urgent calls, client meetings, and system monitoring, while his personal line costs about Dh250. “Separating them helps me stay organised,” he said.
Sharjah-based project manager Omar Hassan said the arrangement lets him “switch off” during vacations or weekends by simply turning off his work phone. Despite paying more for two plans, he sees it as the only way to maintain boundaries.
Marketing executive Reem Ali shifted to two phones after years of using a dual-SIM device. She now keeps work and personal communications separate — and sometimes leaves her work phone at home entirely. “I once switched it off for a whole weekend,” she said, prompting her manager to check on her. “It was a special family weekend, and I didn’t want to be disturbed.”
According to TDRA, high-speed fixed internet subscriptions rose from 37 per 100 residents in 2023 to 41 in 2024, while fixed phone subscriptions remained at 21. Monthly mobile plans in the UAE typically cost between Dh150 and Dh1,200, with two-phone users often spending Dh500–Dh700.
Under UAE labour law, employees are not obliged to respond outside official hours unless their contract specifies it or they receive formal overtime instructions, said Hadiel Hussien, senior associate at BSA Law.
