How to Call
UAE from UK
Calling United Arab Emirates from United Kingdom normally means dialing 00 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: Calling UAE
Follow these steps to reach any landline or mobile in the Emirates from the UK.
UK Exit Code
Dial 00.
This signals an international call from the UK.
(Or hold '0' to get '+' on mobile)
UAE Code
Dial +971.
This connects you to the UAE telecom network.
Area Code & Number
Dial the area code or mobile prefix.Important: Drop the leading zero!
The "Drop the Zero" Rule
UAE area codes (e.g., 04 for Dubai) and mobile prefixes (e.g., 050) start with '0'. When calling from the UK, you must remove this zero.
UAE City Codes
Use these area codes for landline calls to specific Emirates.
| City / Emirate | Region | Area Code |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Capital | 02 |
| Dubai | Dubai | 04 |
| Sharjah | Northern Emirates | 06 |
| Ajman | Northern Emirates | 06 |
| City / Emirate | Region | Area Code |
|---|---|---|
| Ras Al Khaimah | Northern Emirates | 07 |
| Fujairah | East Coast | 09 |
| Umm Al Quwain | Northern Emirates | 06 |
| Al Ain | Eastern Region | 03 |
UAE Mobile Prefixes
Identify the carrier (Etisalat or Du) by the prefix. Dial +971 followed by these numbers (dropping the first 0).
Cheap Calls to UAE
From the UK
Calling the UAE from the UK is notoriously expensive with standard carriers like EE, O2, or Vodafone. StartACall allows you to bypass these costs and call Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates for a fraction of the price.
- Save up to 90% vs UK carrier international rates
- Call Etisalat and Du mobile numbers cheaply
- No contract or monthly SIM required
- Crystal clear voice quality
Save Money
Avoid the £1.50+/min charges from standard UK networks.
Business Ready
Reliable connections for your business calls to Dubai.
Secure
Bank-level encryption for all your conversations.
Instant
No SIM card needed. Just sign up and call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the country code for UAE?
The country code is +971. You dial this after the UK exit code (00).
How do I call a Dubai mobile from the UK?
Dial 00, then 971, then the mobile number without the first zero. For example, if the number is 050-1234567, dial 00 971 50 123 4567.
What is the area code for Abu Dhabi?
The area code for Abu Dhabi is 02. When calling from the UK, dial +971 2 followed by the number.
Can I use WhatsApp calling in UAE?
WhatsApp and FaceTime calls are often blocked inside the UAE. StartACall uses standard phone lines to connect your call, so it works reliably to reach any number in the UAE.
Ready to call the UAE?
Start making calls in seconds. No credit card required to sign up.
Related guides from the UK
Explore more routes and browser based calling guides. These links help you find the right dialing rules faster.