Quick answer: The 971 country code (+971) routes calls to the United Arab Emirates. Dial your country's exit code (011 from the US, 00 from the UK), then 971, then the prefix without its leading 0, then the 7-digit local number. On a mobile, "+" replaces the exit code automatically.
You've got a UAE number in front of you and you're not sure what to dial first. That hesitation is normal — calling internationally has more moving parts than calling next door. The 971 country code is the part that routes your call to the United Arab Emirates, but it's only one piece of the sequence.
This guide is about the dialing — not number formatting. You'll learn what to dial before +971 depending on where you're calling from, the exact order of digits, what a UAE call typically costs, and how to dodge the missed-call scam tied to this code.
What the 971 Country Code Does
A country code is the routing label that tells the global phone network which nation a call belongs to.
+971 Points Calls to the UAE
When you dial +971, you're telling the network "send this to the United Arab Emirates." Every UAE number — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, all seven emirates — sits behind this single code.
It was assigned to the UAE after the country formed in 1971, and it has stayed constant ever since.
The "+" Is Not a Number
The "+" symbol is shorthand for "whatever exit code my country uses." On a mobile, holding the 0 key produces it, and the phone fills in the right exit code automatically.
On a landline, there's no "+" — you dial the actual exit code yourself. That's where most confusion starts.
Exit Codes: The Digit You Dial Before 971
Before the 971 country code, you need your own country's exit code (also called an IDD or international prefix). It varies.
Common Exit Codes
| Calling from | Exit code | Full start of dial string |
|---|---|---|
| United States / Canada | 011 | 011 971... |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 00 971... |
| Australia | 0011 | 0011 971... |
| India | 00 | 00 971... |
| Most of Europe | 00 | 00 971... |
Why It Matters
Use the wrong exit code and the call fails before it ever reaches the 971 country code. A US caller who dials "00" instead of "011" simply won't connect.
When in doubt, use a "+" from a mobile and let the phone handle it.
How to Dial a UAE Number Step by Step
Here's the full sequence, in order, with nothing skipped.
The Four-Step Dial
- Your exit code
- 971
- The area or mobile prefix without its leading zero
- The 7-digit local number
A US caller reaching a Dubai mobile dials: 011 → 971 → 50 → 123 4567, which reads as 011 971 50 123 4567.
Mobile vs Landline Example
For a Dubai landline, swap the mobile prefix for the emirate code: 011 971 4 123 4567. Abu Dhabi landlines use "2", Sharjah "6".
The single biggest error is keeping the local "0" — dialing "050" instead of "50" after the country code. Drop that zero every time. For a full breakdown of how the digits line up, see our UAE number format guide.
Ready when you are
Protect your business line.
MCM's local numbers ship with verified caller ID and smart call filtering — customers always know it's really you, and spam never reaches your team.
What Calling the UAE Costs
International rates are where casual callers get burned. The 971 country code itself doesn't set the price — your carrier does.
The Expensive Default
Standard mobile and landline carriers often charge premium per-minute rates for direct dials to the UAE. A 20-minute call can quietly run into real money.
Hotels and roaming plans tend to be the worst offenders.
Cheaper Ways to Connect
VoIP and virtual-number services route calls over the internet, cutting the per-minute cost dramatically. Apps work too, but only when both sides have a stable connection.
For businesses, a UAE virtual number flips the cost: customers in the UAE call a local +971 number, and you answer it anywhere — often for far less than they'd pay to dial you abroad.
Avoiding the +971 Missed-Call Scam
The 971 country code has a known scam attached to it, and it's worth understanding before you call back an unknown number.
How the "Wangiri" Scam Works
Scammers place a single ring from a +971 number, then hang up. Curiosity makes you call back — straight into a premium-rate line that bills you by the second.
The name "wangiri" means "one ring and cut" — that's the whole trick.
Protecting Yourself
Don't return calls from +971 numbers you don't recognize. If it's genuinely important, the caller will leave a message or try again.
When you do need a UAE virtual number for legitimate business, MCM provisions them with no contract — so your real UAE presence is easy to verify and trust.
Putting It All Together
Calling the UAE cleanly comes down to three habits worth keeping.
Your Quick Reference
Use the right exit code for your country, dial 971 next, and drop the leading zero from the prefix. That sequence works every time.
Then think about cost before a long call, and never return a mystery one-ring +971 number.
A Smarter Setup for Businesses
If UAE calls are routine, stop paying international rates one call at a time. A virtual UAE number routes +971 traffic to your existing phones — set it up in minutes, no hardware, cancel anytime.
Ready when you are
Ready to sound local everywhere you sell?
MCM activates business numbers in minutes, with call routing, analytics, and CRM-ready integrations. Start your free trial — no card to browse inventory.
FAQs
What country uses the 971 country code?
The 971 country code belongs to the United Arab Emirates. It routes calls to all seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
How do I call the UAE from the United States?
Dial 011 (the US exit code), then 971, then the prefix without its leading zero, then the 7-digit number. For a Dubai mobile that's 011 971 50 123 4567.
Why does my UAE call fail even with +971?
Usually one of two reasons: you used the wrong exit code for your country, or you kept the local "0" before the prefix. Drop the zero and confirm your exit code.
Is it safe to call back a +971 number I don't recognize?
Be careful. A common scam places one ring from a +971 number to bait a callback to a premium line. If you don't know the caller, don't return it.
Is calling the UAE expensive?
On standard carriers it can be, especially from hotels or while roaming. VoIP services and virtual numbers cut the per-minute cost significantly.
Do I dial 971 or +971?
They mean the same destination. The "+" is a stand-in for your exit code on mobiles. On a landline you dial the actual exit code, then 971.
Can I get a number with the 971 country code from outside the UAE?
Yes. Virtual number providers can issue a +971 UAE number that forwards to your existing phone, giving you a local UAE presence without being based there.
