Dubai Dialing Code: Essential & Proven Guide

To call Dubai, dial the country code 971, then the area code (usually 4 for Dubai city), and finally the local 7- or 8-digit number. This guide simplifies international dialing to Dubai, ensuring you connect without hassle.

Planning a trip to Dubai or need to stay connected with loved ones there? One of the first practical things you’ll need to figure out is how to make international calls. It might seem a little daunting at first, with all those numbers and codes, but I promise it’s much simpler than you think! Many of us have stared at our phones, wondering about the right sequence to dial. This guide is here to break down the Dubai dialing code process step-by-step, making it easy for you to connect with anyone in Dubai, whether it’s for business, travel plans, or just to say hello. We’ll cover everything you need to know, so you can pick up your phone with confidence.

Understanding How International Dialing Works

Before we dive specifically into Dubai, let’s quickly touch on how international phone calls generally work. Think of it like sending a letter to another country. You need the country’s address (the country code), then the specific city or region’s address (the area code), and finally, the recipient’s street address (the local phone number).

• International Exit Code: This is the code you dial from your own country to indicate you’re making an international call. It varies by country. For example, in the US and Canada, it’s ‘011’. In most of Europe and many other countries, it’s ’00’.
• Country Code: This is the unique code for the destination country. For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Dubai, the country code is 971.
• Area Code: Within a country, different regions or cities have their own specific codes. For Dubai, the primary area code is 4.
• Local Phone Number: This is the unique number of the person or business you are trying to reach.

So, the general format for calling Dubai from abroad will look something like this:

[International Exit Code] - 971 - 4 - [Local Dubai Phone Number]

The Dubai Dialing Code: What You Need to Know

Now, let’s get specific about Dubai. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a single country code, and Dubai uses a specific area code that’s crucial for directing your call correctly.

The Country Code: 971

This is the most important part when calling the UAE from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re calling a mobile number or a landline in Dubai, you’ll always start with +971. The ‘+’ symbol is a mobile phone shortcut for dialing your country’s international exit code (like 011 or 00). So, on your mobile, you can often simply dial +971.

Example: If you’re dialing from the US, you would dial 011-971, but on your phone, you’d likely just use +971.

The Area Code: 4 (for Dubai)

Dubai is the largest city and a major hub within the UAE. For landlines within Dubai city, the primary area code is 4. This code helps route your call to the correct geographical area within Dubai.

Important Note: While ‘4’ is the most common area code for Dubai, some specific districts or services might have slightly different numbers prefixed. However, for general landline calls to Dubai, ‘4’ is what you’ll typically use.

Mobile Numbers in Dubai

This is where it gets a little simpler, and often easier! Most mobile numbers in Dubai (and the UAE) start with a ‘5’. When you’re calling a Dubai mobile number from abroad, you generally do not need to dial an area code after the country code. You dial the country code, then directly the mobile number which starts with ‘5’.

The format for a Dubai mobile number from outside the UAE is:

+971 - [5XX XXX XXXX] (where the sequence starting with 5 is the mobile number).

So, if someone gives you a Dubai mobile number like 050 123 4567, when calling from abroad, you would dial +971 50 123 4567.

Putting It All Together: Step-by-Step Guides

Let’s break down exactly how to dial, depending on whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile number in Dubai.

How to Call a Dubai Landline from Abroad

This is for businesses, hotels, or residential landlines within Dubai.

1. Dial Your International Exit Code: If you’re in the US or Canada, dial 011. If you’re in most of Europe, Australia, or Asia, dial 00. If you’re on a mobile phone, you can usually use the ‘+’ symbol.
2. Dial the UAE Country Code: This is 971.
3. Dial the Dubai Area Code: This is 4.
4. Dial the Local Landline Number: This will be a 7-digit number.

Example: To call a Dubai landline number like 234 5678 from the US:

011 - 971 - 4 - 2345678

Example: To call a Dubai landline number like 234 5678 from the UK:

00 - 971 - 4 - 2345678

Example: To call a Dubai landline number like 234 5678 from your mobile phone:

+971 - 4 - 2345678

How to Call a Dubai Mobile Number from Abroad

This is for any mobile phone number registered in Dubai or the UAE.

1. Dial Your International Exit Code: Again, 011 (US/Canada), 00 (most other countries), or ‘+’ on mobile.
2. Dial the UAE Country Code: 971.
3. Dial the Dubai Mobile Number: This number will start with a ‘5’ and will be 10 digits long (e.g., 50 123 4567). You do not dial the leading ‘0’ if it’s provided in the local format.

Example: To call a Dubai mobile number 050 123 4567 from the US:

011 - 971 - 501234567

Example: To call a Dubai mobile number 050 123 4567 from Germany:

00 - 971 - 501234567

Example: To call a Dubai mobile number 050 123 4567 from your mobile phone:

+971 - 501234567

Common Scenarios and Tips

Let’s address some common situations you might encounter when dialing Dubai.

Scenario	What to Dial (from abroad)	Notes
Calling a Dubai Hotel (Landline)	+971 4 [Hotel's 7-digit number]	Always confirm the hotel’s direct landline number.
Calling a Dubai Business (Landline)	+971 4 [Business's 7-digit number]	Check their official website for the correct contact number.
Calling a Friend’s Mobile in Dubai	+971 5XX XXX XXXX	Ensure you have their full 10-digit mobile number starting with 5.
Calling from within the UAE (e.g., Abu Dhabi to Dubai)	04 [7-digit Dubai landline number] OR 05X XXX XXXX (for mobile)	When calling within the UAE, you use the ‘0’ prefix before the area code or mobile number, and you don’t need the country code.
Calling Dubai from a VoIP service (e.g., Skype, WhatsApp)	+971 4 [Landline number] OR +971 5XX XXX XXXX (for mobile)	Follow the standard international dialing format. Rates may vary.

When Dialing a Dubai Number Locally (Within the UAE)

If you are already in the UAE, perhaps visiting from another emirate like Abu Dhabi, the dialing rules are different:

• To call a Dubai landline from within the UAE: You dial 0, followed by the Dubai area code (4), and then the 7-digit local number. 04 [7-digit number].
• To call a Dubai mobile from within the UAE: You dial 0, followed by the mobile number (which starts with 5). 05X XXX XXXX.

You do not use the country code (971) when making calls within the UAE.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even with clear instructions, a few common mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Forgetting the Country Code: This is the most common error. Always remember to start with +971 (or your country’s exit code followed by 971).
• Including the Leading Zero on Mobile Numbers: When dialing a Dubai mobile number from outside the UAE, remember to omit the leading ‘0’ from the ’05X’ part. So, it’s +971 5X… not +971 05X…
• Using the Wrong Area Code: While ‘4’ is the main Dubai area code, ensure you have the correct number. If you’re dialing a number that doesn’t connect, double-check the number provided.
• Dialing Issues from Specific Countries: Some countries have unique international exit codes. If you’re unsure, a quick search for “[Your Country] international dialing code” will help.
• Forgetting Call Costs: International calls can be expensive. Check with your mobile provider or consider using Wi-Fi calling apps or services like WhatsApp calls over Wi-Fi for cost-effective communication.

Cost-Effective Calling to Dubai

International calls can add up. Here are a few ways to keep costs down:

• Check Your Mobile Plan: Many providers offer international calling packages or discounted rates to specific countries.
• Use Wi-Fi Calling: If your phone and carrier support Wi-Fi calling, you can often make calls over Wi-Fi at local rates (or even free if calling another mobile number on your plan).
• App-Based Calling: Services like WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet, or FaceTime allow you to make voice and video calls over the internet. As long as you and the person you’re calling have a stable internet connection, these are usually free. This is often the easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch.
• International SIM Cards or eSIMs: If you’re staying in Dubai for an extended period, getting a local UAE SIM card or an eSIM can be very cost-effective for local calls and data.

For more information on UAE telecommunications, you can check out the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) of the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Dialing Codes

Here are some common questions people have:

Q1: What is the international dialing code for Dubai?
A1: The country code for the United Arab Emirates, which includes Dubai, is 971. You’ll use this when calling from outside the UAE.

Q2: Do I need an area code for Dubai mobile numbers when calling from abroad?
A2: No, you generally don’t need an area code. You dial the country code (+971) followed directly by the 10-digit mobile number, which starts with ‘5’.

Q3: How do I call a Dubai landline from outside the UAE?
A3: You dial your international exit code (or ‘+’), then the country code (971), then the Dubai area code (4), and finally the 7-digit local landline number. Format: +971 4 [7-digit number].

Q4: What if I’m calling from another emirate in the UAE to Dubai?
A4: When calling within the UAE, you don’t use the country code. For a Dubai landline, dial 04 followed by the 7-digit number. For a Dubai mobile, dial 05X followed by the remaining digits.

Q5: What’s the difference between calling a landline and a mobile in Dubai?
A5: For landlines, you’ll typically dial the country code, area code ‘4’, and then the 7-digit number. For mobiles, you dial the country code and then directly the 10-digit mobile number that starts with ‘5’.

Q6: Can I use the ‘+’ symbol instead of my country’s exit code?
A6: Yes, on most mobile phones, the ‘+’ symbol is a universal shortcut for your country’s international exit code. It’s the easiest way to dial internationally from your mobile.

Conclusion

See? Making a call to Dubai is perfectly manageable once you know the simple rules. Remember the country code +971, use the area code 4 for landlines, and dial directly into the 5XX XXX XXXX mobile numbers. Whether you’re dialing a business, a hotel, or a friend, this essential guide should give you the confidence to connect. Don’t hesitate to double-check the number you’re calling and explore cost-effective options like Wi-Fi calling apps. Happy calling, and enjoy your connection to the vibrant city of Dubai!