Understanding UAE Phone Number Formats
To call a mobile number in Dubai, or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you need to understand the correct phone number format. This involves knowing the UAE country code, the Dubai mobile number code, the mobile prefixes used by different operators, and how to dial from within the UAE and from other countries. This article provides a comprehensive guide to calling UAE mobiles, with a specific focus on Dubai, covering everything you need to know to connect successfully.
UAE Country Code: +971
The country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, is +971. This code is essential for making international calls to the UAE. You must dial this code before the local phone number, regardless of where you’re calling from. The “+” sign indicates that you’re making an international call, and it’s often automatically added when you dial from a mobile phone.
UAE Area Code Table:
| Emirate/City | Area Code | Example (National) | Example (International) |
| Abu Dhabi | 2 | 02 XXX XXXX | +971 2 XXX XXXX |
| Dubai | 4 | 04 XXX XXXX | +971 4 XXX XXXX |
| Sharjah | 6 | 06 XXX XXXX | +971 6 XXX XXXX |
| Ajman | 6 | 06 XXX XXXX | +971 6 XXX XXXX |
| Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) | 6 | 06 XXX XXXX | +971 6 XXX XXXX |
| Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) | 7 | 07 XXX XXXX | +971 7 XXX XXXX |
| Fujairah | 9 | 09 XXX XXXX | +971 9 XXX XXXX |
Mobile Number Prefixes in the UAE
Unlike some countries that have specific area codes for different cities, Dubai and the rest of the UAE use mobile prefixes that are assigned to specific mobile operators.
These prefixes are part of the overall phone number and are not geographic area codes. The two major mobile operators in the UAE are Etisalat and Du.
- Etisalat: Typically uses prefixes like 050, 054, 056.
- Du: Typically uses prefixes like 055, 052, 058.
It’s important to note that due to mobile number portability, a number that originally belonged to one operator might now be used by a customer of the other operator. However, the initial prefix often provides a good indication of the original provider.
UAE Mobile Number Table (Expanded):
| Mobile Operator | Prefixes | Notes | Example (National) | Example (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etisalat | 050, 054, 056 | The largest mobile operator in the UAE. | 050 XXX XXXX | +971 50 XXX XXXX |
| du | 052, 055, 058 | 055 XXX XXXX | +971 55 XXX XXXX | |
| Virgin Mobile | 058 | Operates on the du network. | 058 XXX XXXX | +971 58 XXX XXXX |
UAE Mobile Number Format: Complete Breakdown
A complete UAE mobile number, including those in Dubai, when dialed internationally, follows this format:
+971 5X XXX XXXX
- +971: The UAE country code.
- 5X: The mobile prefix (e.g., 50, 52, 55, 56, 58, 54). The first digit is almost always ‘5’.
- XXX XXXX: The seven-digit subscriber number.
Example: +971 50 123 4567 (This could be a Dubai mobile number or a number from another Emirate).
UAE Number Types Table
| Number Type | Prefix(es) | Description | Example (National) | Example (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landline (Geographic) | 02, 04, 06, 07, 09 | Tied to a specific emirate/city. | 04 XXX XXXX | +971 4 XXX XXXX |
| Mobile | 05 | Numbers for mobile phones. | 05X XXX XXXX | +971 5X XXX XXXX |
| Toll-Free | 800 | Free for the caller to dial. | 800 XXXX | +971 800 XXXX |
| Shared Cost | 600 | Cost is shared between the caller and the called party. | 600 XXX XXX | +971 600 XXX XXX |
How to Call a Dubai Mobile Number
The dialing process varies depending on where you’re calling from:
Calling a Dubai Mobile from Within the UAE
If you’re already in Dubai (or anywhere else in the UAE) and calling a Dubai mobile number, you do not need to use the country code. You simply dial the mobile number directly, starting with the ‘0’ prefix:
05X XXX XXXX
Example: 050 123 4567
Calling a Dubai Mobile from Outside the UAE
If you’re calling a Dubai mobile number from outside the UAE, you must use the full international format:
- Dial your country’s international exit code. This code allows you to make an international call. Common exit codes include:
- 00: Used in many European countries, and many countries worldwide.
- 011: Used in the United States and Canada.
- 0011: Used in Australia.
- Check with your phone provider or do a search for “international exit code [your country]”.
- Dial 971: The UAE country code.
- Dial the mobile number without the leading ‘0’. This is crucial. The leading ‘0’ is only used for domestic calls within the UAE.
Example (calling from the United States): 011 971 50 123 4567 Example (calling from the United Kingdom): 00 971 50 123 4567 Example (calling from Australia): 0011 971 55 987 6543
Calling a Dubai Landline from a Dubai Mobile
To call a Dubai landline number from a Dubai mobile, dial ‘0’ Followed by the Area code and the seven digit landline phone number.
Example: 04 XXX XXXX (04 being the Area code for Dubai)
Calling a Dubai Mobile from another Country While you are In Dubai
If you are roaming with your international number in Dubai, and want to call another Dubai number, you should still dial as if you were calling internationally.
- Dial your home country’s exit code.
- Dial 971 (UAE country code.)
- Dial the Mobile Number, starting with the prefix and omitting the first ‘0’
Example (calling from a UK mobile while in Dubai): 00 971 50 123 4567
Dialing to UAE from Other Countries (Optional):
| Country | Exit Code | UAE Country Code | Example (Dubai Number) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 011 | 971 | 011 971 4 XXX XXXX |
| United Kingdom | 00 | 971 | 00 971 4 XXX XXXX |
| India | 00 | 971 | 00 971 4 XXX XXXX |
Common Dialing Errors
- Forgetting the international exit code: If you’re calling from outside the UAE, you must use your country’s exit code before dialing the UAE country code.
- Including the leading ‘0’ when calling internationally: The ‘0’ before the mobile prefix is only used when dialing within the UAE. Omit it for international calls to Dubai.
- Incorrect country code: Double-check that you’re using the correct UAE country code (971), not a similar code.
- Typographical errors: Always double-check the number you’re dialing to avoid misdials.
Cost of Calling Dubai Mobile Numbers
The cost of calling a Dubai mobile number depends on several factors:
- Your location: International calls are generally more expensive than local calls.
- Your phone plan: Your mobile or landline plan will determine the per-minute rate or if international calls are included.
- The recipient’s phone plan: While the recipient of an international call to a Dubai mobile number typically does not pay extra to receive the call, it’s always best to confirm this, especially if they are roaming internationally.
My Country Mobile offers competitive rates for calling Dubai and the UAE. View our pricing page.
Dubai Virtual Phone Numbers
A Dubai virtual phone number allows you to have a local Dubai phone number (starting with +971) without having a physical presence in the UAE.
This is particularly useful for businesses that want to:
- Establish a local presence in Dubai: A local number makes it easier and more affordable for Dubai customers to contact you.
- Project a professional image: A Dubai phone number adds credibility.
- Receive calls from Dubai without incurring international roaming charges: Calls to your virtual number can be forwarded to your existing phone line, anywhere in the world.
- Manage calls efficiently: Virtual number providers often offer features like call routing, voicemail, call recording, and IVR (interactive voice response).
My Country Mobile provides Dubai virtual numbers, and virtual numbers for other Emirates, with a range of features and affordable plans.
Benefits of Using My Country Mobile for UAE Phone Numbers
- Competitive Rates: We offer affordable calling rates to and from the UAE.
- Reliable Service: Our robust network ensures high-quality calls.
- Advanced Features: We provide features like call forwarding, call recording, voicemail to email, and IVR to enhance your communication.
- Easy Setup: Getting a UAE virtual number is quick and straightforward.
- 24/7 Support: Our customer support team is available around the clock.
- Global Coverage: Access virtual numbers from other countries.
UAE Landline Phone Number Format
While this article is primarily focused on mobile numbers, it’s helpful to understand the format of UAE landline numbers as well.
UAE landline numbers consist of a two-digit area code (or one digit, in the case of Dubai), followed by a seven-digit local number.
- Dubai: 04 XXX XXXX
- Abu Dhabi: 02 XXX XXXX
- Sharjah: 06 XXX XXXX
- Ajman: 06 XXX XXXX
- Umm Al Quwain: 06 XXX XXXX
- Ras Al Khaimah: 07 XXX XXXX
- Fujairah: 09 XXX XXXX
When calling a UAE landline from outside the UAE, you would dial:
[International Exit Code] + 971 + [Area Code without the 0] + [Seven-Digit Number]
Example (calling a Dubai landline from the US): 011 971 4 123 4567
Conclusion
Understanding the Dubai and UAE mobile number format is essential for anyone who needs to communicate with people or businesses in the UAE. By following the correct dialing procedures and utilizing services like My Country Mobile’s virtual numbers, you can connect with Dubai easily and affordably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the country code for Dubai?
The country code for Dubai and the UAE is +971. This is required when dialing from outside the country.
What is the mobile number format in Dubai?
The format is +971 5X XXX XXXX for international calls and 05X XXX XXXX for local calls. The “5X” refers to the mobile operator’s prefix.
Can I get a Dubai virtual phone number?
Yes, My Country Mobile offers Dubai virtual phone numbers, which allow you to have a local presence in Dubai without being physically there.
How much does it cost to call a Dubai mobile number?
The cost varies depending on your location and phone plan. My Country Mobile offers affordable international calling rates to Dubai.
Are there different area codes in Dubai?
Dubai uses the area code 04 for landlines. Mobile numbers have specific prefixes, such as 050 and 055, based on the operator.
Who are the main mobile operators in Dubai?
The main mobile operators in Dubai are Etisalat and Du, each using specific prefixes for their mobile numbers.
