How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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Dialing the Number Communicating Successfully Community Q&A Tips You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Is this article up to date? FAQs References
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  • Education and Communications
  • Communication Skills
  • Phone Skills
  • Making International Calls

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Last Updated: December 22, 2022References

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  • Dialing the Number
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  • Communicating Successfully
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  • Tips

Dubai is the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With foreigners making up roughly 80% of the city’s population, Dubai is connected to countries all across the globe.[1] Making an international call to Dubai may seem tricky if you’ve never done it, but if you follow a few simple steps, you’ll catch on in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Dialing the Number

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  1. 1

    Punch in the exit code of the country you are calling from. A country’s exit code must be dialed before making any international calls. This is also known as an international access code, and it varies from country to country.

  2. 2

    Press 9-7-1 immediately after your country’s exit code. This is the country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is the country Dubai is located in. Enter "971" directly after inputting your country's exit code.

    • For example, if you’re calling from the United States, your number will look like this: 011-971

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  3. 3

    Enter the number 4 then the 7-digit phone number to reach a landline. Determine the kind of number you are calling before you proceed. If you are calling a landline number, press the number 4 before you dial the number. Then, immediately punch in the 7-digit landline number you wish to call.[2]

    • If the number you are calling is 7 digits long (xxx-xxxx), it is a landline.
    • The final number for a landline will look like: 011-971-4-000-0000 (if you are calling from the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean).

  4. 4

    Dial 50, 55, or 56 then the 7-digit phone number to reach a cell phone. Mobile numbers in Dubai have associated operator prefixes. This prefix will be either 50, 55, or 56. It should be included in the cell phone number given to you.[3]

    • If the number is 9 digits long (xx-xxx-xxxx), it is a mobile number. The 2 additional numbers are the associated operator prefix.[4]
    • If you are calling from Canada, the Caribbean, or the U.S., the final number for a mobile phone will look like: 011-971-55-000-0000.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Communicating Successfully

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  1. 1

    Account for the international time difference. Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (UTC + 4), so if you’re calling internationally, it’s likely you’ll be calling from a different time zone. Check the current time in Dubai before you make your phone call so you don’t call someone at an inappropriate time.

    See Also
    Open Online Emirates Islamic Bank Zero Balance Account in UAE, DubaiUnlock your Online/Mobile Banking | Help and Support | Emirates IslamicHow Dubai expert lost Dh8,400, got bank to refund it after online scamEmirates Islamic Bank Balance Check - SMS, Chat, Internet & Mobile Banking

    • Dubai does not follow Daylight Savings Time.[5]
    • You can easily check the current time in Dubai at https://time.is/Dubai.
    • "UTC" stands for Coordinated Universal Time.

  2. 2

    Use an international calling card to save money on long-distance calls. Calling cards can be purchased at most convenience stores, grocery stores, or online. These cards range in price, but using them could save you money in the long run.

    • Check with your phone company to see how much they charge for long-distance calls and compare that rate to the cost of a calling card.
    • Ask your phone company if they offer international calling plans that could save you money over time.

  3. 3

    Communicate by e-mail or instant messenger for convenience. With differences in time zone, it can be tricky to find a time to talk on the phone that works for both parties. Consider chatting over the Internet through e-mail, Facebook Messenger, or another messaging service so you can respond to each other at your convenience.

    • VoIP services, such as WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime, are currently banned in the UAE.[6]

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Community Q&A

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  • Question

    Is Botim free in Dubai?

    How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (12)

    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (13)

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    Staff Answer

    Unfortunately, no. While you can download the app and place calls for free, you need to purchase an unlimited calling package in order to use it in Dubai.

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  • Question

    How can I call Dubai for free?

    How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (14)

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    Staff Answer

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (15)

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    Staff Answer

    You can make free calls by connecting over a VoIP service, such as Botim or YzerChat. Keep in mind that many VoIP and video calling services, such as Facebook Messenger and Skype, are blocked in the UAE.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question

    Does WhatsApp work in Dubai?

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    Staff Answer

    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

    How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (17)

    wikiHow Staff Editor

    Staff Answer

    WhatsApp will work for texting, but most VoIP and online video calling services are currently blocked in Dubai. You may be able to get around this by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which can hide your IP address and help you bypass these blocks.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • If you are calling from within the United Arab Emirates, you do not need to dial the exit code or the country code. Add 0 before dialing 4 (the area code for Dubai), then proceed with the 7-digit telephone number.

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      About This Article

      How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (33)

      Co-authored by:

      wikiHow Staff

      wikiHow Staff Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 336,246 times.

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      Co-authors: 30

      Updated: December 22, 2022

      Views:336,246

      Categories: Featured Articles | Making International Calls

      Article SummaryX

      To call Dubai, first dial the exit code of the country you are calling from. You can find this code by looking online if you don’t already know it. After you dial the exit code, dial 971, which is the country code for the United Arab Emirates, where Dubai is located. If you’re dialing a landline, dial the number 4 after the UAE country code, then punch in the 7-digit landline number. If you are dialing a cell phone, the prefix will be included in the 9-digit cell number. For tips on using an international calling card, keep reading!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (34)

        Simran Tiwari

        May 20, 2017

        "I want to call my father, who lives in Dubai."

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      How to Call Dubai: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How do I dial a Dubai number from Canada? ›

      For calls to United Arab Emirates:

      Dial: 011 + 971 + City Code + Local Number.

      Explore More ›
      How to dial a Dubai number? ›

      For instance, if you want to reach your client in Dubai, UAE, the dialing format must look similar to this: +971-XX-1234567. Dubai Mobile Number Format Breakdown: Exit code- '+', UAE phone code- 971, Mobile phone code- XX, Subscriber number (Dubai mobile number UAE)- 1234567.

      View Details ›
      Which calling app works in Dubai? ›

      INTERNET CALLING APPS IN THE UAE
      AppVoice CallingVideo Calling
      App HIU MessengerVoice Calling YesVideo Calling Yes
      App VoicoVoice Calling YesVideo Calling Yes
      App ZOOMVoice Calling Yes (40 minutes free)Video Calling Yes (40 minutes free)
      App YzerVoice Calling YesVideo Calling Yes
      6 more rows

      View Details ›
      How do people call in Dubai? ›

      This is the country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is the country Dubai is located in. Enter "971" directly after inputting your country's exit code. Enter the number 4 then the 7-digit phone number to reach a landline. Determine the kind of number you are calling before you proceed.

      Continue Reading ›
      How do I call direct to Dubai? ›

      First dial 011, the U.S. exit code. Next dial 971, the UAE country code. Then dial the 1-digit area code (see sample calling code list below), followed by the 7-digit phone number. Here's what a U.S. to UAE sample call would look like: 011 + 971 + X + XXX XXXX.

      View Details ›
      What is the cheapest way to call Dubai? ›

      Rebtel connects international calls via local landlines so you always get the best rates for calls to United Arab Emirates - no data or Wi-Fi needed.

      Learn More ›
      What is the prefix to call Dubai? ›

      Dial the country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is "971". 3. Dial the area code for Dubai, which is "4".

      See Details ›
      What does the Dubai number start with? ›

      This prefix is +971, which is the country code for the United Arab Emirates.

      Tell Me More ›
      What is a +971 phone number? ›

      Area codes 503 and 971 are telephone area codes in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) for the northwestern region of the U.S. state of Oregon. The numbering plan area (NPA) comprises the cities of Portland, Salem, and Astoria.

      Discover More ›
      Why is WhatsApp call not allowed in Dubai? ›

      Like many other countries and regions, Dubai has regulations governing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, including voice and video calls. According to the UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TDRA), WhatsApp voice and video calls are banned in the country for regulatory and security reasons.

      Discover More Details ›

      Is Messenger call allowed in Dubai? ›

      All voice and video calls via different platforms such as Messenger, Whatsapp, Skype etc are banned in Dubai. You will have to subscribe to either Botim or CME ( they are apps like whatsapp etc) from your telecom operator Du/ Etisalat. These are the only two legit voice/video calling apps which work in Dubai.

      Tell Me More ›
      How can I make free calls to Dubai? ›

      There are several free WiFi calling apps that work in Dubai, such as WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime. These apps allow you to make calls and send messages over WiFi, which can save you a lot of money on international roaming charges.

      Discover More Details ›
      How do I call Dubai from Canada? ›

      To call United Arab Emirates from Canada, dial: 011 - 971 - Area Code - Land Phone Number 011 - 971 - 9 Digit Mobile Number. Follow the dialing format shown above while calling United Arab Emirates From Canada.

      Tell Me More ›
      How can I call Dubai without WhatsApp? ›

      There are plenty of alternatives for WhatsApp that will help you stay connected to your loved ones while you're visiting Dubai. You can use the calling and conference features present in ToTok, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, etc.

      View More ›
      What is Hello in Dubai? ›

      Hello and goodbye: While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace). These are considered standard greetings for everyday situations and would be an appropriate way to say hello to restaurant staff or hotel concierges.

      Read More ›
      How to dial international numbers from Canada? ›

      International Dialing Instructions

      Dial "+" [plus sign] plus country code, area code and 7-digit wireless number. Access Voicemail: Press and hold 1 (as you normally would) to access voicemail. You may be asked to enter your 10-digit wireless number before your password.

      Tell Me More ›
      How do I call the UAE from Toronto? ›

      971 is the country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is where Dubai is located. Type 971 immediately after the Canadian exit code to direct your call to the UAE. The phone number should now be 011-971-xx-xxx-xxxx.

      Show Me More ›
      How can I make call to Dubai online? ›

      To be able to make free calls to Dubai some requirements need to be met. First, you need a smartphone with a good internet connection. Second, you need an App like Skype or Viber that you can log into. Third, you need both internet at the same time.

      Learn More ›
      What are the telephone country codes for Dubai? ›

      United Arab Emirates (country code +971)

      Show Me More ›

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