The international calling code +971 belongs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). To call a mobile or landline number in the UAE from another country, one must add +971 before the local number and remove the ‘0‘ at the beginning of that number.
For example, a UAE mobile number written as 050 123 4567 would become +971 50 123 4567 when dialed internationally. The same rule applies to landline numbers; however, the ‘area code’ depends on the specific emirate or city being called. The UAE government officially recognizes +971 as the country’s international telephone code.
What Is the 971 Country Code?
971 is the international telephone code assigned to the United Arab Emirates. It identifies the UAE when someone calls from another country.
The plus sign (+) represents the international access prefix used by a telephone network. Depending on the country and its dialing system, you may see the UAE code written as +971, 00971, or simply 971.
The UAE follows the international E.164 telephone numbering framework. Its Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) oversees the national numbering plan, which sets out how international and domestic calls are formatted.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| International code | +971 |
| Country code | 971 |
| UAE internet domain | .ae |
| Dubai area code | 04 |
| Abu Dhabi area code | 02 |
| Al Ain area code | 03 |
| Sharjah area code | 06 |
| Ajman area code | 06 |
| Umm Al Quwain area code | 06 |
| Ras Al Khaimah area code | 07 |
| Fujairah area code | 09 |
| UAE mobile prefix | 05 |
These area codes form part of the UAE’s official telephone numbering system.
Where Is +971 From?
+971 is the country calling code for the United Arab Emirates.
When you receive a call or see a telephone number that begins with +971, it generally means that the number is registered within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) telephone numbering system.
All seven emirates (states) use this same international code. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and the other emirates all use +971, while the digits that follow indicate the specific mobile or landline number.
Here are some common examples:
- +971 4 — Dubai landline
- +971 2 — Abu Dhabi landline
- +971 3 — Al Ain
- +971 6 — Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain
- +971 7 — Ras Al Khaimah
- +971 9 — Fujairah and Khor Fakkan
- +971 5 — UAE mobile numbers
These prefixes help identify the numbering range associated with a UAE telephone number.
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How Do You Call the UAE From Another Country?
To call the UAE from abroad, an international access code is required, followed by 971 and the local telephone number (omitting its initial 0).
Use this general format:
International access prefix + 971 + UAE number without the initial 0
If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can usually replace the international access prefix with the plus (+) sign.
The mobile dialing format is:
+971 + UAE number without the first 0
Consider this example of a UAE mobile number:
050 123 4567
When calling from another country, enter:
+971 50 123 4567
Avoid entering the number as:
+971 050 123 4567
The initial ‘0’ is part of the local dialing format. When you include the international country code, you should remove it.
How Do You Call a UAE Mobile Number With +971?
You do not need to follow a complicated dialing process to call a United Arab Emirates (UAE) mobile number from abroad. Simply remove the ‘0’ from the beginning of the number and replace it with ‘+971’.
For example, if someone shares this local number:
050 987 6543
Its international version is:
+971 50 987 6543
Follow these steps:
- Remove the first 0 from the local mobile number.
- Add +971 before the remaining digits.
- Enter the complete number to place your call.
This method also works with other mobile prefixes in the United Arab Emirates that are part of the national numbering plan. If someone sends you a number that already begins with +971 50, you can save it in that same format. There is no need to add an extra ‘0’ before the mobile prefix.
What Are the UAE Area Codes?
In the United Arab Emirates, different ‘area codes’ are used for landline telephone numbers, depending on the emirate or city. These prefixes help identify the geographical area to which a particular landline connection belongs.
The main UAE area codes are listed below.
| Emirate or City | Area Code | International Example |
| Abu Dhabi | 02 | +971 2 |
| Al Ain | 03 | +971 3 |
| Dubai | 04 | +971 4 |
| Sharjah | 06 | +971 6 |
| Ajman | 06 | +971 6 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 06 | +971 6 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 07 | +971 7 |
| Fujairah | 09 | +971 9 |
| Khor Fakkan | 09 | +971 9 |
The numbering system groups several locations under shared codes. The code 06 is used for Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, while Fujairah and Khor Fakkan fall under the 09 category.
What Is the Dubai Code With 971?
Dubai uses 04 as its local fixed-line area code. When someone calls a landline in Dubai from another country, the number begins with +971 4.
For example, a local Dubai telephone number may appear as:
04 123 4567
Its international version is:
+971 4 123 4567
The initial 0 disappears when you add the UAE country code. Dubai’s official landline prefix remains 4 in the international format.

What Is the Abu Dhabi Code With 971?
The fixed-line area code for Abu Dhabi is 02. Anyone calling an Abu Dhabi landline from overseas must use +971 2 before the remaining telephone number.
For example, a local number written as:
02 123 4567
Changes to:
+971 2 123 4567
Al Ain has a distinct area code, 03, even though it is part of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This distinction helps in identifying fixed-line numbers belonging to different parts of the emirate.
What Is the Sharjah Code With 971?
The fixed-line telephone code for Sharjah is 06. This same code is also used for Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.
A Sharjah landline written in its domestic format looks like this:
06 123 4567
When dialling from outside the UAE, use:
+971 6 123 4567
Remember to remove the opening 0 before adding the international country code.
What Is the UAE Mobile Code?
In the United Arab Emirates, mobile numbers typically begin with ’05’ in the local format. Several different prefixes are used for mobile services throughout the country.
Common examples include:
- 050
- 052
- 054
- 055
- 056
- 058
When calling a United Arab Emirates (UAE) mobile number from another country, remove the initial ‘0’ and add +971 before the remaining digits.
For example:
055 123 4567
Becomes:
+971 55 123 4567
The prefix (initial part) does not always indicate which mobile operator is currently providing the service. The ‘number portability’ facility allows users to retain their existing phone number even when switching operators.
How Do You Convert a UAE Number to +971?
Changing a UAE telephone number into international format takes only one step: remove the first 0 and add +971 at the beginning.
The following examples show how the format changes for mobile and fixed-line numbers.
UAE mobile:
050 123 4567 → +971 50 123 4567
Dubai landline:
04 123 4567 → +971 4 123 4567
Sharjah landline:
06 123 4567 → +971 6 123 4567
Abu Dhabi landline:
02 123 4567 → +971 2 123 4567
The remaining digits stay the same. You only need to change the opening part of the number to make it suitable for international calls.
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What Does 00971 Mean?
00971 is an alternative international dialing format for the United Arab Emirates.
In this format, ‘00‘ serves as an international access prefix used in many countries, while ‘971‘ identifies the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Both formats point to the same country:
00971 = +971
The version you use depends on the international dialing system available in the country from which you are calling.
For example, someone calling from a country that uses 00 as its international access prefix can enter:
00971 50 123 4567
Mobile users can generally enter the number as:
+971 50 123 4567
The plus sign allows the mobile network to use the appropriate international access prefix automatically.
Can You Use +971 on WhatsApp?
Yes. WhatsApp uses the international telephone format for mobile numbers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
If you want to save a UAE number for WhatsApp, remove the local ‘0’ from the beginning of the number and replace it with +971.
For example:
Local: 050 123 4567
WhatsApp format: +971 50 123 4567
Saving a contact in international format helps WhatsApp and your phone identify the correct country code.
However, a number with the +971 prefix does not automatically mean that its owner uses WhatsApp. The individual must have an active WhatsApp account linked to that mobile number.
Why Does a UAE Number Start With +971?
In the international telephone numbering system, the prefix +971 identifies the United Arab Emirates. The three digits following the plus (+) sign represent the ‘country code.’ The remaining digits indicate the specific range for mobile or fixed-line numbers.
Thanks to international country codes, telephone networks can route calls between different countries to the correct destination without confusing the numbering system of one country with that of another.
The TDRA manages the United Arab Emirates’ national numbering framework in accordance with international telecommunication standards.
Can I Call a +971 Number From the US?
Yes, people in the United States can call UAE mobile and landline numbers by using the US international access prefix, followed by 971 and the local number (omitting the initial 0).
For conventional international dialing, the format is:
011 + 971 + UAE number without the first 0
For example, a UAE mobile number written locally as 050 123 4567 becomes:
011 971 50 123 4567
You can also save and dial the same contact using its international mobile format:
+971 50 123 4567
The cost of the call depends on your US telephone provider and the international calling package attached to your plan.
How Do You Call the UAE From the UK?
In the UK, ’00’ is used as the international access prefix for standard international calls. To call a telephone number in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the UK, first dial ’00’, followed by ‘971’, and then enter the local number (omitting the ‘0’ at the beginning).
The general format is:
00 971 + UAE number without the first 0
For example, a UAE mobile number becomes:
00 971 50 123 4567
You can also use the international format directly from a mobile phone:
+971 50 123 4567
Your UK network provider determines the applicable international calling charges.
How Do You Call the UAE From Europe?
Many European countries use ’00’ as their international dialing prefix. If you are calling a number in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from one of these countries, dial ’00’, followed by ‘971’, and then the local telephone number (omitting the ‘0’ at the beginning of the local number).
The standard format is:
00 + 971 + UAE number without the first 0
International access prefixes can differ between countries and telephone providers. For mobile calls, using +971 is often more convenient because the network handles the appropriate international access prefix.
Is 971 an Area Code?
No.
971 is the international country calling code for the United Arab Emirates, not a local area code.
Area codes identify particular geographical telephone numbering areas within a country. In the UAE, Dubai uses 04, Abu Dhabi uses 02, and Sharjah uses 06 for fixed-line services.
You can see the difference in this example:
+971 4…
Here, 971 identifies the United Arab Emirates, while 4 represents Dubai’s fixed-line area code in international format.

Is +971 the Same as UAE?
Yes.
+971 is the international telephone country code assigned to the United Arab Emirates.
You may come across three different ways of writing it:
- +971
- 00971
- 971
All three of these represent the country code for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), although the exact dialing procedure may vary depending on the telephone network and the country.
For international contacts saved on mobile phones, the format +971 is generally the most appropriate. The government of the United Arab Emirates also recognizes +971 as the country’s official international dialing code.
Does Every UAE Phone Number Start With +971?
Every UAE telephone number uses 971 when written in international format. However, people inside the country generally use the domestic number format for everyday calls.
For example:
Inside UAE: 050 123 4567
Outside UAE: +971 50 123 4567
The difference is the international country code. When converting the number, remove the initial 0 rather than keeping it alongside +971.
This rule applies to both mobile numbers and fixed-line numbers.
Is 971 Also an Area Code in the USA?
Yes. The number 971 also exists as a telephone area code in the United States, but it has a completely different purpose from the UAE country code.
In the US, 971 serves northwestern Oregon. It operates within the American telephone numbering system and is not connected to the UAE’s international dialing code.
The distinction becomes clear when you look at the number format:
+971 = United Arab Emirates country code
971 as a US area code = Northwestern Oregon
The plus sign and the surrounding digits help distinguish an international UAE number from a domestic US telephone number.
Why Is 971 Associated With the UAE?
The international telephone numbering system assigns distinct ‘country codes’ to different nations and regions. The code assigned to the United Arab Emirates is 971.
The TDRA manages the United Arab Emirates’ national telephone numbering resources under the international E.164 framework.
Although 971 resembles the last three digits of the year 1971, the two numbers have different meanings. The United Arab Emirates was established in 1971, whereas 971 serves as its telecommunication country code.
Common Problems When Dialing +971
Most mistakes when calling a UAE number from overseas involve using the domestic and international formats together.
A few simple checks can help you avoid these problems.
Keeping the First 0
One common mistake is adding +971 without removing the opening zero from the local number.
For example, this is incorrect:
+971 050 123 4567
Use this format instead:
+971 50 123 4567
The first 0 is not required once the international country code has been added.
Adding 971 Twice
The country code should appear only once in an international telephone number.
Avoid entering a number like this:
+971 971 50 123 4567
The correct format is:
+971 50 123 4567
Using the Wrong Area Code
Each UAE emirate or city has its own fixed-line numbering arrangement. Using the wrong area code can prevent your call from reaching the intended landline.
For example, Dubai uses 04, Abu Dhabi uses 02, and Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain use 06.
Check the area code before dialling a fixed-line number.
Confusing Mobile and Landline Numbers
UAE mobile numbers generally start with 05 in domestic format. Fixed-line numbers use geographical area codes such as 02, 03, 04, 06, 07 and 09.
Knowing the difference makes it easier to enter the correct international format and avoid dialing errors.
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Conclusion
971 is the international calling code for the United Arab Emirates. When calling a mobile or landline number in the UAE from another country, add +971 before the local number and remove the ‘0’ from the beginning of that number.
Here are the main UAE telephone codes for quick reference:
UAE country code: +971
Dubai: +971 4
Abu Dhabi: +971 2
Al Ain: +971 3
Sharjah: +971 6
Ajman: +971 6
Umm Al Quwain: +971 6
Ras Al Khaimah: +971 7
Fujairah/Khor Fakkan: +971 9
UAE mobile: +971 5
These prefixes follow the UAE’s national telephone numbering framework and international dialing standards.
FAQs
Which country uses +971?
The United Arab Emirates uses +971 as its international telephone country code.
What is the 971 country code?
971 is the international telephone country code assigned to the United Arab Emirates.
Is +971 Dubai?
No. +971 represents the entire UAE. Dubai’s fixed-line area code is 04.
What is Dubai’s code with +971?
Dubai uses +971 4 for fixed-line telephone numbers when dialled internationally.
What is Abu Dhabi’s code?
Abu Dhabi uses 02 for local landline calls and +971 2 for international calls.
What is Sharjah’s phone code?
Sharjah uses 06 domestically and +971 6 in international telephone format.
What is the UAE mobile code?
UAE mobile numbers use the 05 prefix locally and +971 5 when written in international format.
How do I call a UAE number from abroad?
Dial +971 followed by the UAE telephone number without its first 0.
What does 00971 mean?
00971 is another international dialing format for the UAE country code +971.
Is +971 the UAE WhatsApp code?
Yes. UAE mobile numbers use +971 when saved in the international format for WhatsApp.
Do I remove 0 after +971?
Yes. Remove the first 0 from the local UAE telephone number before adding +971.
Is 971 an area code?
No. 971 is the international country calling code for the United Arab Emirates.
Is 971 also a US area code?
Yes. 971 is also used as a telephone area code in northwestern Oregon, USA. It is separate from the UAE country code +971.
