Dubai Metro WiFi: All you need to know

As part of the Wifi UAE initiative, rolled out in several locations in order to contribute to Smart UAE, Dubai Metro commuters are now able to enjoy free Wifi while travelling.

The initiative replaced available Wifi against a charge, offering free, but limited, internet access; and also unrestricted access against a charge.

To be sure that your Metro surf goes uninterrupted, 'Emirates24|7' spoke to Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer, Du, who offered some practical tips.

How does it work?

There are several steps that need to be taken before the connection is up and running. To begin with, Wifi must be enabled on the device.

The network is named ‘Wifi UAE’, whether you opt for the free or premium connection.

The user will then have to enter his/her mobile phone number, and select either ‘WiFi UAE’ or ‘WiFi UAE Premium’.

The next step is to complete the registration form.

Once registered, a pin code will be sent via SMS to the mobile number submitted. This number should be entered on the WiFi UAE webpage.

Users of the complimentary internet connection are now connected.

However, before surfing the net, a sponsored video must be watched. This video will play every 60 minutes and must be watched every time before using the service.

When opting for the premium service, the user will be asked to select a payment method. Once this payment is made, the connection will follow.

In both cases, a mandatory survey will have to be completed before the internet can be used, but this only applies for the first time of using the internet connection.

What is the difference between WiFi UAE and WiFi UAE Premium?

With WiFi UAE, users can browse the internet, access emails and use the most common social media applications free of charge, at a speed of 512Kbps.

With Premium WiFi, users enjoy a high-speed internet connection with unrestricted access.

However, there is a charge.

For Dh20, users can avail six hours of connectivity that can be used over three days. Or for Dh50 users buy 20 hours of connectivity that can be used over a seven-day period.

If hours are consumed within a shorter time frame, users may purchase more internet hours.

Both options will enable customers to access government websites and mobile apps at unrestricted speed.

How to buy internet hours?

There are two ways to pay for the Premium service.

Users can recharge with a du WOW recharge card or use their UAE or GCC-issued credit card to buy credit.

A pin number will be required to ensure safety and security.

Important to know is that Du credit cannot be used for this service, as this balance will be lost automatically. If this happens Du will refund the lost balance.

Prepaid customers will receive their compensation on their account, while post-paid customers will see a credit on their next bill.

If you are not a Du customer, you will be directed to a Du shops to receive a WOW Recharge Card to buy a Premium WiFi Package.

What is the free trial?

A free trial of the Premium service will be offered for a 5-minute period, once every 24 hours.

After this time frame, the user has the option to either switch to complimentary WiFi, or to continue access to Premium WiFi through payment.

The Premium service will not be activated unless the payment procedure is completed, so users will not be charged unknowingly.

Who can use Wifi UAE?

Only users with a valid UAE phone number will be able to consume the internet accessibility, as the connection must be activated through a pin code sent to that phone number. Users with an international phone number will not be able to log on.

Bear in mind that only one Wifi session per mobile phone number can be consumed.

The fact that a phone number is required does not mean the connection can only be consumed on a mobile phone. Laptops, tablets or other devices with a Wifi reception can also be used.

What does it mean when a message pops up saying that the mobile phone number is not registered?

This only happens if the user’s UAE mobile number is invalid. If this message does pop up, the user should double-check that the correct number was entered – in the correct format and screen.

If everything was done correctly and the message persists, then the user should call the helpdesk number on 800 WiFiUAE.

What should be done if the screen is frozen?

In this case, the user should directly open his/her internet browser (such as Chrome, IE, Safari or Firefox) and open the page once again. This will solve the problem.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.