How to Call the United Arab Emirates From Australia? A Complete Guide

Need to call a friend, business partner, or client in the UAE from Australia?

Don’t worry– we have got you covered!

Whether you’re calling someone in the vibrant city of Dubai, the capital Abu Dhabi, or the peaceful town of Al Ain, understanding the correct dialing formats and time zones is essential for a smooth connection.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to call the United Arab Emirates from Australia easily, affordably, and with crystal-clear call quality.

Let’s dive in!!🚀

Understanding UAE Phone Number Format

In order to make your call connect easily, it is essential to be aware of the UAE phone number format, including the country code, area code, and mobile prefixes.

Let’s break it down so you’re aware of how to dial, whether landline or mobile number!

Here’s what a standard UAE phone number format looks like:

• Mobile Number: +971 5X XXX XXXX

• Landline Number: +971 X XXX XXXX

Let’s unpack what each section means

When calling a UAE number from outside the country, the format includes the following components:

1. Exit Code (+)

This is the code that lets your carrier know you’re making an international call. You can also use 00 in most places (e.g., 001 from the USA or 00 from Australia).

2. Country Code (971)

The country calling code for the United Arab Emirates is 971. It’s the unique identifier that routes your call to the UAE.

3. Area Code (Landlines Only)

Landline numbers in the UAE are tied to specific emirates. Here are some common UAE area codes:

Abu Dhabi: 2

Dubai: 4

Sharjah: 6

Ajman: 6

Ras Al Khaimah: 7

Fujairah: 9

So, if you’re calling a landline in Abu Dhabi, the number would begin with: +971 2.

4. Mobile Prefix (Mobile Numbers Only)

All mobile numbers in the UAE start with the digit 5, followed by a carrier-specific code:

50: Etisalat

52, 54, 56: Du

58: Virgin Mobile

So a mobile number from Dubai on the Etisalat network would appear as: +971 50 123 4567.

How to Dial UAE from Australia? Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you call the United Arab Emirates from Australia without any hiccups:

• Dial the exit code for Australia: This is 0011, which tells the phone system that you are dialing internationally.

• Enter the UAE country code: The UAE country code is 971. This is the same whether you’re calling a mobile phone or a landline in any UAE city.

• Enter the area code: The area code is a key part of dialing correctly. For instance:

2 for Abu Dhabi

4 for Dubai

6 for Sharjah

7 for Ras Al Khaimah

3 for Al Ain

For mobile phones, popular prefixes include 50, 52, 54, 55, and 56.

• Dial the local number: Once you’ve entered the correct country code and area code, just dial the local number. This is the person or business’s unique number.

✅ Example: 

To call a Dubai landline, dial:

0011 971 4 XXX XXXX

To call a mobile in Abu Dhabi, dial:

0011 971 50 XXX XXXX

List of Top Area Codes in the UAE

When planning to call the United Arab Emirates from Australia, knowing the right UAE area codes is crucial. Each emirate or city has a unique area code used for landline numbers.

These codes follow the 971 country code, which makes it easier to dial specific regions like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Al Ain directly.

Here’s a table listing the most commonly used area codes in the UAE:

Tips for Calling the United Arab Emirates from Australia

Calling the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Australia does not have to be complex or expensive.

Here are some essential tips to help you get the most out of your calls, ensuring they’re efficient, affordable, and high quality:

1. Double-Check the Time Difference

The UAE and Australia have a difference of anywhere from 8 to 11 hours, depending on where in Australia you are and if daylight saving is in effect. It’s best to consider the difference in time before you make a call so you don’t catch someone off-hours.

For example, if you’re calling Dubai from Sydney:

• Dubai is 8 hours behind Sydney during standard time.

• Dubai is 9 hours behind Sydney during daylight saving time.

A quick check of the world clock or a timezone converter can be used to check that your call is at a convenient time for both parties.

2. Use VoIP Technology for Cheaper International Calls

When placing calls to the United Arab Emirates, VoIP technology comes in handy.

VoIP services like Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, or Dialaxy VoIP phones offer affordable rates, reliable call connection, and bonus features like call recording—all at less than the astronomical rates of traditional lines.

3. Consider Calling Cards for Budget-Friendly Rates

If you have to call the UAE on a tight budget and you do not need to use a phone app or internet connection, international calling cards could be your best option.

International calling cards typically cost less than a local provider would charge, so you can call the UAE for significantly less money.

Search for cheap calling cards with low rates for international calls, especially those that are used only for calling Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE cities.

4. Always Use the Correct Dialing Format

In order to call the UAE successfully, you need:

• Exit Code for Australia: 0011
• UAE Country Code (971): 971
• Area Code: Dubai = 4, Abu Dhabi = 2
• Then dial the local number.

So, to call a Dubai landline, you would dial: 0011 971 4 XXX XXXX.

5. Verify the Area Code

The UAE area code likewise varies by city, and the correct one should be dialed in order to connect to the appropriate destination. For example:

Dubai: 4

Abu Dhabi: 2

Sharjah: 6

Don’t forget to include the right area code along with the 971 country code in order to make a proper dial.

6. Use Local Virtual Numbers for Long-Term Savings

If you regularly make calls to the UAE for work or business, you may wish to subscribe to a local UAE virtual number with a VoIP provider.

Providers such as Dialaxy allow you to produce a local number in Dubai or Abu Dhabi that forwards calls to your Australian number.

🔹 Benefits of a UAE Virtual Number:

• Helps your UAE contacts call you locally
• Reduces international calling rates
• Adds professionalism to business phone systems
• Supports call forwarding and CRM integration

Alternative Methods to Call the United Arab Emirates From Australia

Looking for alternatives to traditional calling methods? Here are some options you can explore:

1. VoIP Apps

Apps like Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp are perfect for cheap calls with great audio. The majority of these apps allow you to call other users within the app for free, but even calling on mobile or landline phones is frequently less expensive than using a traditional method.

2. Virtual Phone Numbers

Consider employing a virtual phone number for UAE calls through solutions like Dialaxy. You can achieve the local presence of the UAE with this, as calls become cheaper for you and the recipient.

3. SMS Gateways and Text Messaging

For businesses, SMS gateways and text messaging also prove to be a helpful method of reaching your UAE contacts quickly at a low cost. They usually feature integration in CRM applications and cheaper rates compared to traditional calling.

Final Words

If you are still in doubt about how to dial the United Arab Emirates from Australia, now you have all that you need, ranging from dial formats and area codes to cheaper alternatives and call time tips.

No matter if you are placing a business or personal call, knowing the dialing process and utilities available to you can prove to be a cost-saver and a time-saver. VoIP technology, calling cards, and even virtual numbers are your best cost-saving methods of placing affordable, high-quality international calls.

You can now easily place your call, having it placed on time and without worrying about high international call rates or poor quality calls.

FAQS

What is the format of a a UAE phone number?

The format of a UAE phone number is +971 [Area Code or Mobile Prefix] [Local Number].

How do I make an international call from Australia?

To make an international call from Australia, use the exit code (0011), then the 971 country code, followed by the area code and local number.

What is the country code Dubai uses?

Dubai uses the 971 country code with area code 4.

What are the cheapest ways to call the UAE from Australia?

Using VoIP services or international calling apps like Dialaxy, JustCall, Rebtel, Mytello, or Yolla can be significantly cheaper than traditional carriers to call the UAE from Australia.

How do you call someone from the United Arab Emirates?

To call someone in the United Arab Emirates, you need to dial the country code +971, followed by the area code, and then the 7-digit phone number.

For example: +971 4 1234567 (for a Dubai landline).

Is 971 the UAE country code?

Yes, 971 is the official country code for the United Arab Emirates.

How Much Does It Cost to Call Dubai from Australia?

The cost to call Dubai from Australia varies by provider and method. Traditional calls can cost up to $3 per minute, while VoIP services offer rates as low as $0.02 per minute or unlimited plans from $5/month.