Dubai has a decent telecommunications network. The main operators are Etisalat and du.
Calls to the United Arab Emirates and Dubai
The country code for the United Arab Emirates is 971, while the emirate code for Dubai is 04.
Codes for other emirates are:
• 02 – Abu Dhabi
• 03 – Al Ain
• 06 – Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain
• 07 – Ras Al Khaimah
• 09 – Fujairah
Mobile phone numbers begin with 050 (Etisalat), 052 (du), 054 (Etisalat), 055 (du), 056 (Etisalat) and 058 (du).
When calling from overseas drop the 0 from the Dubai/emirate and mobile codes.
To call a fixed line phone number in Dubai from abroad, dial the international access code for your country and then 971 4 xxx xxxx – e.g. from the UK 00-971-4-xxx-xxxx.
To call a mobile telephone number in Dubai from abroad, dial the international access code, then 971, then the operator prefix (50, 55, 56) – e.g. from the UK 00-971-50-xxx-xxxx.
Calls from the United Arab Emirates and Dubai
To call overseas from Dubai, dial 00 followed by country code, city code and the number (e.g. for the UK 00-44-xxxx-xxxxxx).
A complete list of country codes and instructions for dialling from Dubai and the UAE can be found here.
We also offer detailed information for many countries (Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and more).
Mobile Phones
Visitors with mobile phones should have no problems roaming in Dubai.
Visitors intending making a few calls or using the internet may find it cheaper to purchase a local SIM card and a call/sms/internet package from a local phone company.
The two main phone companies in Dubai are Etisalat and du.
Other mobile providers are Virgin Mobile UAE and Swyp. Virgin Mobile UAE is owned by the parent company of du and uses their infrastructure. Swyp is owned by Etisalat and is aimed at the youth market.
Etisalat and du offer phone and data packages specifically for tourists and visitors to Dubai/UAE.
Etisalat Visitor Line
Etisalat’s offering for tourists and visitors is the Etisalat Visitor Line. Various SIM plus call/sms/data packages are available. Benefits include discounts on Careem taxi rides.
The Etisalat Visitor Line can be purchased at Etisalat Outlets. Locations include Dubai International Airport (all terminals) and shopping malls (Dubai Mall, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall etc.).
Those wishing to purchase an Etisalat Visitor Line package will need to present their passport and valid visa.
Du Tourist Plan
Du also offer a mobile phone SIM and data/call package for tourists to Dubai and the UAE.
The du Tourist Plan package can be purchased at du outlets. Locations include Dubai International Airport (all terminals) and shopping centres (Al Ghurair Centre, City Centre Deira, Dragon Mart, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, City Centre Shindagha, Dubai Marina Mall etc.).
A visa and valid passport are required.
Useful Numbers
Visitors to Dubai may find the following telephone numbers useful:
- Dubai Police (emergencies only) – 999
- Dubai Police (call centre) – 901
- Ambulance – 998 or 999
- Fire (Dubai Civil Defence) – 997 or 999
- Taxi Booking – 04 2080808
- Du Customer Care (from UAE) – 155 or 800 155
- Du Customer Care (from overseas) – +971 5 55 678155
- Etisalat Customer Care (from UAE) – 101
- Etisalat Customer Care (from overseas) – +971 800 2300
- Dubai International Airport (from overseas) – +971 4 224 5555
- flydubai (from AUE/Dubai) – 600 544 445
- Emirates (from UAE/Dubai) – 600 555 555
- Burger King (delivery number from Dubai) – 600 522 224
- KFC (delivery number from Dubai) – 600 522 252
- Pizza Hut (delivery number from Dubai) – 600 569 999
What should be dialled (before or after the 971) for freephone 800 numbers
I heard du is providing the cheapest packages for calling abroad. I am currently using Etisalat, it is good but still expensive.
Useful information for visitors.
The post “Calls to UAE and Dubai” is useful to understand calling to UAE or call another country from UAE. The main concern in UAE is expensive calls, need more posts on inexpensive calling options.
What’s the cheapest way to phone the UK from Dubai?
I’m presuming you are coming as a tourist. Go to any Du or Etisalat shop. You can find them at any of the major malls. Buy a SIM card. Tell the assistant your requirements and they’ll advise you of the best package. Make sure your phone is not locked.
If you want a long overseas talk then go to any cyber cafe and tell him/her to your home country number. You may charged 1/4 compared to Etisalat.
International calls from Dubai are more expensive than from other countries, mainly because Etisalat have a monopoly.