How to Call United Arab Emirates
Complete guide to dialing United Arab Emirates (country code +971)
Planning to connect with someone in the UAE? Learning how to call United Arab Emirates doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're reaching out for business, contacting family, or arranging travel plans, calling United Arab Emirates requires understanding the correct dialing format and country codes. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about making successful international calls to the UAE. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions for calls from various countries, highlight common mistakes that could prevent your call from going through, and share essential phone etiquette tips to help you make a positive impression. You'll also discover useful emergency numbers, business contacts, and customer service hotlines to keep handy. Let's simplify your international calling experience and get you connected quickly.
On This Page
Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial United Arab Emirates (+971)
International Dialing Format Structure
To call the UAE, use this format: Exit Code + 971 + Area Code (without 0) + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while +971 is the UAE's country code. Always remove the leading zero from UAE numbers when dialing internationally.
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011-971-XX-XXXXXXX
From UK or Europe:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00-971-XX-XXXXXXX
From Other Countries:
- Use your country's exit code + 971 + local number
- Alternatively, use + (replaces any exit code): +971-XX-XXXXXXX
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1 - Calling Dubai Landline from USA:
Local number: 04-1234567
- Dial: 011-971-4-1234567
- Drop the "0" from "04"
Example 2 - Calling UAE Mobile from UK:
Local number: 050-1234567
- Dial: 00-971-50-1234567
- Mobile codes: 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58
Example 3 - Calling Abu Dhabi Landline from Any Country:
Local number: 02-9876543
- Dial: +971-2-9876543
- The "+" symbol works from any mobile phone globally
Important UAE Area Codes
- Dubai: 4
- Abu Dhabi: 2
- Sharjah: 6
- Ajman: 6
- Mobile numbers: 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58
Key Tips
- Always drop the leading zero from UAE numbers when dialing internationally
- Mobile numbers are 9 digits; landlines are typically 7 digits
- Use "+" instead of exit codes for universal compatibility
- Save international numbers with "+" format in your phone
- Check with your provider about international calling rates before dialing
For toll-free and special service numbers, availability varies internationally, so verify accessibility before calling.
The Easy Way with ZippCall
Don't want to memorize exit codes, country codes, and dialing formats? With ZippCall, you don't have to.
Simply select "United Arab Emirates" from the country list, enter the local phone number exactly as you see it, and ZippCall automatically handles all the international dialing codes for you. No confusion, no mistakes—just easy calling.
Join 7,375 users who choose ZippCall for simple international calling.
Common Mistakes
When calling the United Arab Emirates, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
UAE phone numbers start with 0 domestically (like 050 or 04), but you must remove this zero when dialing internationally. Instead of dialing +971-050-xxx-xxxx, dial +971-50-xxx-xxxx.
2. Using incorrect exit codes
Many callers use the wrong exit code for their country. While 011 works from the US/Canada, other countries differ (00 for most of Europe, 0011 for Australia). Alternatively, use the "+" symbol, which works universally from mobile phones.
3. Confusing country code with area code
The +971 is the country code, not an area code. UAE area codes come after: 2 for Abu Dhabi, 4 for Dubai, 6 for Sharjah. Don't accidentally dial +971 twice or omit it entirely.
4. Adding unnecessary spaces or dashes
While spacing helps readability, incorrect formatting can cause dialing errors. Follow the standard format: +971-XX-XXX-XXXX where XX is the area/mobile code.
5. Not accounting for time differences
UAE is GMT+4 year-round. Check local time before calling to avoid inconveniencing recipients during late-night or early-morning hours.
Cultural Etiquette
Phone etiquette in the United Arab Emirates reflects the country's blend of traditional Arab hospitality and modern business practices. Understanding these customs helps build stronger relationships.
Greetings and Formality
Always begin calls with "As-salamu alaykum" (peace be upon you) or a polite "Good morning/afternoon." Use formal titles like "Mr.," "Dr.," or "Sheikh" until invited to be more casual. Emiratis appreciate respectful, courteous communication, especially during initial contacts.
Business vs. Personal Calls
Business calls should be professional and purpose-driven, though some small talk is expected before discussing business matters. Personal calls often involve longer conversations with inquiries about family and well-being, which demonstrates genuine care.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times (five times daily) or late evenings after 9 PM. Friday is the holy day, so business calls are inappropriate. The best times are Sunday through Thursday, between 10 AM and 1 PM, or 4 PM to 7 PM.
Voice Messages
Keep voice messages clear and concise. State your name, purpose, and contact information. Many Emiratis prefer direct conversations over voicemails, so expect callbacks rather than returned messages.
Cultural Considerations
Be patient with longer greetings and don't rush conversations. Men should avoid calling women directly in traditional families unless it's business-related. During Ramadan, be mindful of fasting hours and keep calls brief. Always show respect for hierarchy and seniority in communication.
Ready to call United Arab Emirates?
ZippCall lets you make cheap international calls to United Arab Emirates from any device. No contracts, no hidden fees—just simple pay-as-you-go rates.
Join 7,375 users making affordable international calls with ZippCall.
Emergency Numbers
Police Emergency: 999
Ambulance: 998
Fire Department: 997
Traffic Police: 999
Coast Guard: 996
Electricity Failure (DEWA): 991
Water Failure (DEWA): 922
All emergency numbers in the UAE are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones, including international mobile numbers. English-speaking operators are available at all emergency hotlines, making services accessible to the country's diverse expatriate community. These services operate 24/7 throughout the year.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you can also dial the unified emergency number 112 from mobile phones, which connects to police services and can redirect to other emergency departments as needed. When calling, clearly state your location, nature of emergency, and contact number for optimal response time.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 181: Local directory assistance for finding phone numbers and addresses within the UAE
- 199: International directory assistance for overseas inquiries
International Operator
- 100: International operator assistance for placing calls abroad
Tourist Services
- 800 DUBAI (800 38224): Dubai Tourism helpline for visitor information and assistance
- 600 555 559: Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +971-2-444-4444 or visit their website for specific embassy numbers.
Other Helpful Services
- 8004673: UAE government services inquiry center
- 600 540000: Etisalat customer service
- 101: Du telecom customer service
- 8004888: Ministry of Health helpline for medical inquiries
Tips for Calling United Arab Emirates
When calling the United Arab Emirates, timing is crucial for successful connections. The UAE operates on Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4) with no daylight saving changes, making it four hours ahead of London and typically eight hours ahead of New York.
For business calls, aim for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Sunday through Thursday—the UAE workweek. Avoid calling on Fridays and Saturdays, which are weekend days. Mid-morning (10:00 AM-12:00 PM UAE time) generally works best, as it overlaps with European business hours and catches early risers in the Americas.
Always schedule important business calls in advance, particularly during Ramadan when working hours shift significantly (typically 9:00 AM-2:00 PM). Avoid calling during major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
For clear communication, speak slowly and articulate clearly, as English proficiency varies. Mobile reception is excellent, but confirm whether you're calling a Dubai (+971-4) or Abu Dhabi (+971-2) number to ensure proper dialing. Consider using WhatsApp or video calls as alternatives—they're widely used in the UAE for both personal and business communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for United Arab Emirates is +971. You must dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to the UAE from anywhere in the world.
To dial United Arab Emirates from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 from the US), then dial 971 (country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and finally the local phone number.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the UAE area code when calling internationally. For example, if the local number starts with 04 (Dubai), dial +971 4 followed by the remaining digits.
The cheapest way to call United Arab Emirates is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling United Arab Emirates.
In the United Arab Emirates, dial 999 for police emergencies, 998 for ambulance services, and 997 for fire department. These emergency numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone within the UAE.
Yes, you can call United Arab Emirates directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the UAE phone number, and make your call without any downloads or installations required.
Start Calling United Arab Emirates Today
Now that you know how to dial, make cheap calls to United Arab Emirates with ZippCall's crystal-clear connections and unbeatable rates.
Join7,375users who have made12,354minutes of calls in the last 7 days.
View rates for calling United Arab Emirates