How to Call the United Arab Emirates from the US: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Let’s say you’re about to hop on a call with your development partner in Dubai or a logistics provider in Abu Dhabi. You open your dialer and suddenly pause: What’s the correct way to call the UAE from the US? 

If you're a growing business navigating international communication, this guide is for you. Whether you're managing remote teams, working with clients in the Middle East, or expanding your startup globally, we’ll show you how to call the United Arab Emirates (UAE) easily and affordably. 

What’s the United Arab Emirates Country Code? 

The country code for the UAE is +971. This prefix helps route your call to any of the seven emirates, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman. 

If you're dialing a UAE phone number from outside the country, you must enter 971 after the international exit code. Then, you add the local area code and phone number. 

How to Call the United Arab Emirates from the US, Step by Step 

Let’s break down the dialing sequence for both landlines and mobile phones: 

For UAE Landlines: 

1. Dial 011 – This is the US exit code. 
2. Dial 971 – The UAE country code. 
3. Dial the area code – This is usually 1–2 digits (without a leading 0). 
4. Dial the local number – Typically 7 digits. 

Example: Calling a landline in Abu Dhabi (area code 2) would look like this: 011-971-2-XXXXXXX. 

For UAE Mobile Phones: 

1. Dial 011 – US exit code, or press and hold “+” on mobile. 
2. Dial 971 – UAE country code. 
3. Dial the mobile number – Skip the leading 0. For instance, 050 becomes 50. 

Example: 011-971-50-XXXXXXX. 

Bonus Tip

If you’re using a smartphone, long-pressing the 0 key gives you the “+” sign, which acts as a substitute for the international exit code (011). 

Common the UAE Area Codes 

Here are some of the most common area codes in the UAE, along with the locations they correspond to: 

Use these codes to ensure your call is routed to the correct region. 

When Should SMBs Make International Calls? 

Small businesses and startups often make calls to the UAE for: 

• Collaborating with developers or service providers in Dubai or Abu Dhabi 
• Managing global supply chains 
• Exploring business expansion in the Gulf region 
• Supporting local customers or remote teams 

Time zone tip: The UAE is typically 8 to 12 hours ahead of most U.S. time zones. Be sure to schedule calls accordingly. 

How Much Does It Cost to Call the UAE? 

International calling costs can vary widely depending on your provider. Traditional carriers may charge $0.60 to $1.00+ per minute — and those costs can quickly add up. 

To avoid surprise charges, consider using a cloud phone system like DialLink, which offers transparent and affordable per-minute rates. Check current rates to the UAE here. 

Make International Calls the Easy Way with DialLink 

DialLink is an AI-powered cloud phone system built for growing teams. Whether you're calling the UAE for a quick update or running full-scale customer operations, DialLink ensures you sound professional every time. 

Here’s how DialLink helps you stay connected: 

• Mobile, desktop and desk phone support – Make calls from anywhere, using any device. 
• 24/7 AI voice agents – Automatically answer calls from the Philippines, even after hours. 
• Local & international numbers – Build a global presence with ease. 
• Plug-and-play setup – No IT help required. 
• Affordable, transparent rates – No hidden fees.