There are a few terrestrial television channels but most people choose from the hundreds of regional channels on offer via satellite or cable.

Pay or subscription television in Dubai is available on cable via E-Vision (a division of Etisalat) or via satellite directly from the providers; Showtime, Orbit, Star TV and ART. Showtime and Orbit both provide a wide selection of English (primarily US, but also UK, Canadian and Australian) programming, subtitled in Arabic. Leading English shows and movies are primarily shown first and exclusively on either Showtime or Orbit channels. Star TV also has some first-run programmes.

The main free to air English television channels are Dubai One, MBC 4, MBC Action, MBC 2 and City 7. Most shows are broadcast in English, with Arabic subtitles, with the exception of City 7 that does not subtitle their programming. Dubai One, MBC 4 and MBC Action show mostly well known US, and some UK series but will generally be six months or more behind the pay or subscription channels.

• Abu Dhabi TV, Arabic and in particular local series.
• Dubai TV, a channel by the Dubai Media Incorporated (DMI). Arabic local and regional programming.
• Dubai ONE, a channel by Dubai Media Incorporated. 24-hour free-to-air English language entertainment channel with primarily US series, available in the Middle East and North Africa.
• City 7, an independent Dubai based, free-to-air, 100% English language channel. Providing locally produced English News, Business and lifestyle programmes combined with International lifestyle, drama and comedy programmes. Available via satellite in the Middle East and North Africa.
• MBC, a network of free-to-air English and Arabic stations. Broadcasting 24-hours from Dubai Media City and available via satellite across the Middle East and North Africa.
  - MBC Max is a channel for the latest Hollywood films, still new.
  - MBC 4 is an English channel with primarily US series targeted to women.
  - MBC Action is an English channel with primarily US action series, targeted to men.
  - MBC 2 is an English channel showing Western movies.
  - MBC 3 is a children's channel that is primarily Arabic with some limited English programming.
  - MBC 1 is an Arabic channel showcasing local and regional Arabic series and entertainment programmes.
  - Al Arabiya is an Arabic-language news channel.