Welcome to your comprehensive guide to understanding and using UAE phone numbers. Whether you’re an expat living in the UAE, a business person dealing with UAE clients, or simply someone who needs to make a call to the UAE, this guide is for you.
I’ll cover everything from the standard format of UAE phone numbers to how to dial them from different countries.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any UAE phone number that comes your way.
Understanding the UAE Phone Number Format
When you encounter a UAE phone number, it’s not just a random string of digits. Each segment has a specific purpose and meaning, which can provide valuable information about the number’s origin and type. Let’s break it down:
Country Code
The country code for the UAE is +971. This is the first part of the number you dial when you’re calling the UAE from another country. It’s like an international dialing code that helps route the call to the right country.
Area Code
Following the country code, the next part of the number is the area code. This two or three-digit number indicates the geographic area within the UAE. For instance, the area code for Dubai is 04, while Abu Dhabi is 02. If you’re dialing from within the UAE, you would start the number with a 0 followed by the area code.
Individual Subscriber Number
The final part of the number is the individual subscriber number. This is a unique number assigned to each telephone line within its specific area code. It typically consists of seven digits for landlines and is what you dial after the area code.
By understanding this format, you can not only identify UAE phone numbers but also gain some insight into where the number is based and whether it’s a landline or mobile number.
Here’s a detailed list of area codes in the UAE:
| Emirate | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 02 |
| Al Ain | 03 |
| Dubai | 04 |
| Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm al-Quwain | 06 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 07 |
| Fujairah | 09 |
Please note that these area codes are used for landline numbers. For mobile numbers, the geographic area codes are not needed.
Examples of UAE Phone Numbers
Understanding the format of UAE phone numbers is one thing, but seeing them in action can provide a clearer picture. Let’s look at some examples:
UAE Mobile Numbers Example
Mobile numbers in the UAE typically start with a three-digit code, which is usually 050, 052, 054, or 056, followed by seven digits. This three-digit code is essentially the “area code” for mobile numbers, indicating the mobile network operator. For example, a UAE mobile number might look like this: +971 50 123 4567. In this case, “50” indicates that the number belongs to the Etisalat network.
Here’s a detailed list of mobile operator codes in the UAE:
| Mobile Network Operator | Code |
|---|---|
| Etisalat | 050, 054, 056 |
| Du | 052, 055, 058 |
| Virgin Mobile | 058 |
Read also: How to Deactivate DU Daily Data Bundle
UAE Landline Numbers
Landline numbers, on the other hand, start with the area code of the emirate, followed by seven digits. The area code gives you an idea of the geographic location of the landline. For instance, a landline number in Dubai might look like this: +971 4 123 4567. Here, “4” is the area code for Dubai.
It’s important to note that these are just examples and the actual phone numbers can vary. The seven digits following the area or operator code are unique to each individual phone line. Also, remember that when dialing these numbers locally within the UAE, you would drop the +971 country code and start with a 0 followed by the area or operator code.
Understanding these examples can help you identify whether a number is a landline or mobile number, which emirate a landline number is located in, or which mobile network operator a mobile number belongs to.
20 UAE Phone Numbers Example with Description
Here are 20 examples of UAE phone numbers, both mobile and landline, along with their descriptions:
| Phone Number | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| +971 50 123 4567 | Mobile | Etisalat network mobile number |
| +971 52 234 5678 | Mobile | Du network mobile number |
| +971 54 345 6789 | Mobile | Etisalat network mobile number |
| +971 56 456 7890 | Mobile | Du network mobile number |
| +971 58 567 8901 | Mobile | Virgin Mobile network mobile number |
| +971 2 123 4567 | Landline | Landline number in Abu Dhabi |
| +971 3 234 5678 | Landline | Landline number in Al Ain |
| +971 4 345 6789 | Landline | Landline number in Dubai |
| +971 6 456 7890 | Landline | Landline number in Sharjah |
| +971 7 567 8901 | Landline | Landline number in Ras Al Khaimah |
| +971 9 678 9012 | Landline | Landline number in Fujairah |
| +971 50 789 0123 | Mobile | Etisalat network mobile number |
| +971 52 890 1234 | Mobile | Du network mobile number |
| +971 54 901 2345 | Mobile | Etisalat network mobile number |
| +971 56 012 3456 | Mobile | Du network mobile number |
| +971 58 123 4567 | Mobile | Virgin Mobile network mobile number |
| +971 2 234 5678 | Landline | Landline number in Abu Dhabi |
| +971 3 345 6789 | Landline | Landline number in Al Ain |
| +971 4 456 7890 | Landline | Landline number in Dubai |
| +971 6 567 8901 | Landline | Landline number in Sharjah |
Please note that these are just examples and the actual phone numbers can vary. The first three digits after the country code indicate the area code (for landlines) or the mobile network operator (for mobiles), and the remaining seven digits are unique to each individual phone line.
How to Dial UAE Phone Numbers
Dialing UAE phone numbers, whether they’re landline or mobile, can vary depending on where you’re calling from. Here’s a simple guide:
From Within the UAE
If you’re already in the UAE, dialing is straightforward.
For landline numbers, dial the 0 followed by the area code and the seven-digit subscriber number.
For mobile numbers, simply dial the 0 followed by the operator code and the seven-digit subscriber number. For example, a landline number in Dubai would be dialed as 04 123 4567, and a mobile number on the Etisalat network would be dialed as 050 123 4567.
From Other Countries
If you’re dialing from outside the UAE, you’ll need to include the country code, which is +971. After that, you dial the area code (for landlines) or operator code (for mobiles) and the subscriber number, but without the leading 0.
So, our Dubai landline number would be dialed as +971 4 123 4567, and our Etisalat mobile number would be dialed as +971 50 123 4567.
Remember, these are general guidelines and the exact method can vary depending on your country’s exit code (the code you dial to initiate an international call), and whether any specific dialing rules apply in your country or region.
Read also: How to Get Job in Dubai from India
Conclusion
Understanding UAE phone numbers can seem daunting at first, but once you break down the format, it becomes much simpler. Whether you’re dialing a landline or a mobile number, from within the UAE or from another country, the key is knowing the country code, the area or operator code, and the individual subscriber number.
With this knowledge, you can confidently dial or use any UAE phone number.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little time to get used to it. Happy dialing!
