🇦🇪USA to UAE Calling Guide

How to Call
Dubai & UAE from USA

Calling United Arab Emirates from United States normally means dialing 011 then +971 before the local number. StartACall places the call from your browser instead, with no app to install and no SIM card to swap.

Product facts

  • Outbound: No dedicated number required.
  • Inbound: Requires US/Canada digital number ($2.14 to $5/month).
  • No apps: Works in Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox.
Step-by-Step Guide
Calling UAEReady
🇦🇪

How to Dial UAE from USA

Follow this simple 3-step process to connect your call to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

1

Exit Code (011)

Dial 011 first. This signals you are making an international call from the USA or Canada.
(On mobile/VoIP, just hold '0' to get '+')

2

Country Code (+971)

Dial 971. This directs your call to the UAE telecom network (Etisalat/Du).

3

Area Code & Number

Dial the city code (e.g., 4 for Dubai) and the 7-digit number.
Note: Drop the leading '0' of the area code.

Dialing Examples

Landline (Dubai)
011 971 4 XXX XXXX

011 (USA Exit) + 971 (UAE Code) + 4 (Dubai Code without 0) + Number

Mobile (Etisalat/Du)
011 971 5X XXX XXXX

011 (USA Exit) + 971 (UAE Code) + 5X (Mobile Prefix without 0) + Number

UAE City Codes

Use these area codes when calling landlines in specific Emirates.

City/EmirateRegionArea Code
Abu DhabiCapital02
DubaiDubai04
SharjahNorthern06
AjmanNorthern06
City/EmirateRegionArea Code
Umm Al QuwainNorthern06
Ras Al KhaimahNorthern07
FujairahEastern09
Al AinEastern03

Why Use StartACall for
Dubai & UAE?

Calling the UAE is challenging because many VoIP apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype) are blocked by local ISPs. StartACall solves this by using browser-based calling that connects directly to the phone network, bypassing app restrictions.

  • Works where WhatsApp/FaceTime are blocked
  • No VPN required - works directly in browser
  • Crystal clear voice quality to Etisalat & Du
  • Pay-as-you-go: Cheaper than carrier roaming

Save Money

Avoid the $2-3/min rates charged by US carriers for UAE calls.

Unblocked

Reliable connection that works even when apps are restricted.

Private

Secure, encrypted calls. No data tracking.

Instant

No app download required. Just dial and talk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the country code for UAE?

The country code is +971. When calling from the USA, you dial 011 + 971, followed by the number.

Do I need to dial a zero before the area code?

No. While domestic calls within UAE require a leading zero (e.g., 04 for Dubai), you must drop this zero when calling from the USA (e.g., +971 4...).

How do I call a mobile number in Dubai?

UAE mobile numbers start with 05 (e.g., 050, 055, 056). When calling from the USA, drop the leading zero. Dial: 011 + 971 + 5X XXX XXXX.

Why can't I use WhatsApp to call Dubai?

The UAE government restricts most VoIP applications like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype. StartACall uses browser-based technology that connects to standard phone lines, allowing you to bypass these app blocks.

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Calling United Arab Emirates from United States: what to know

United Arab Emirates answers on the country code +971, with the capital in Abu Dhabi and most business concentrated around Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The working language for business is Arabic (official), English (widely used in business), and local offices generally keep hours of 8:00 to 17:00 Monday Friday since the UAE shifted to a Western work week in 2022. Friday is a half-day in many companies for prayer breaks.

From United States the outbound access code is 011, so a manual dial reads 011 then +971 then the local number. StartACall removes that step: the call goes through your browser, so there is nothing to install and no SIM card to swap when you travel between United States and United Arab Emirates.

Most mobiles in United Arab Emirates sit on operators such as Etisalat (e&), du (EITC). Most UAE business communication is in English; Arabic greetings are appreciated but not required.

United Arab Emirates runs on UTC plus 4, and it does not observe daylight saving, so the time difference stays constant through the year.

How to dial United Arab Emirates from United States

  1. 1
    Dial the exit code 011

    011 is the international access code used when dialing out of United States. On a mobile you can press and hold 0 to enter the plus sign instead.

  2. 2
    Enter the country code +971

    +971 routes the call to United Arab Emirates.

  3. 3
    Add the local number

    Dial the destination number without its leading 0. For Dubai that means including the area code 4.

Best time to call United Arab Emirates

The destination is 9 hours ahead of you.

United States clock (UTC minus 5)
Early or late
United Arab Emirates clock (UTC plus 4)
09:00 to 17:00

The two working days barely overlap. Aim for the very start or end of your day to reach someone in United Arab Emirates during business hours.

Rates to United Arab Emirates (+971)

Pay as you go, billed per minute with no connection surprises. A sample 10 minute call is shown for each line type.

Line typePer minute10 minute call
Mobile$0.9025$9.03
Landline$1.0945$10.95

Rates as of 2026-06-06, in US dollars, and subject to change. The exact rate is always confirmed in the dialer before you connect.

Frequently asked questions

How do I call United Arab Emirates from United States?+

Dial 011 then +971 followed by the local number without its leading 0. From a browser on StartACall you simply enter the number and press call, with no exit code to remember.

What is the country code for United Arab Emirates?+

The country code for United Arab Emirates is +971. Dubai uses the area code 4.

What is the best time to call United Arab Emirates?+

The destination is 9 hours ahead of you. The working days barely overlap, so aim for early morning or late evening on your side to reach a person during business hours.

Do I need to install an app to call United Arab Emirates?+

No. StartACall runs in your browser on Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox, so you can place the call without downloading anything or buying a phone number for outbound calls.

Can I receive calls as well?+

Outbound calls need no number. To receive inbound calls you add a US or Canada digital number, billed monthly, and answer it in the same browser tab.

Last reviewed June 2026Reviewed by the StartACall calling teamDialing rules cross checked against ITU international dialing procedures
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