International Calling
Reach any landline or mobile in the United Arab Emirates for just 8¢/min. Crystal-clear connections to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and every emirate — no software to download.
United Arab Emirates
Country code +971
$0.08
Landline
$0.09
Mobile
~60%
vs retail*
Average call quality
*Illustrative savings vs 2.5× directory rate — not a carrier quote.
Simple steps
Drag the slider to match your United Arab Emirates call volume. See what you're spending versus what you could be spending with Sayfone.
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220
min / month
~$3.92/min
~$2.96/min
~$1.76/min
~$0.40/min
$0.080/min
Annual saving vs. AT&T
Based on 220 min/month
GETTING STARTED
No accounts, no downloads, no complicated setup. Start calling the United Arab Emirates from your browser in under a minute.
Instant access
Type or paste the UAE phone number you want to call. Use the format +971 followed by the area code or mobile prefix and the local number.
Dialer
+00 000 000 00
See the per-minute rate before the call connects. Calls to UAE landlines and mobiles start at 8¢/min — no surprises.
HD audio from your browser
Hit call and connect instantly. Your call is routed over a high-quality network — no app download or account required to get started.
UNDERSTANDING UAE RATES
International calls to the United Arab Emirates are often pricier than calls to other destinations. Here's why — and how to avoid overpaying.
The UAE's telecom market structure and regulatory framework contribute to higher international termination costs that traditional carriers pass on to callers.
The UAE's telecom market is controlled by two operators — e& (Etisalat) and du — both with significant government ownership. This limited competition keeps international termination rates higher than in more open markets.
The UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) restricts unlicensed VoIP services. Only approved providers can offer voice calling, which limits free alternatives and keeps traditional call costs elevated.
With only two licensed operators handling all inbound international traffic, the termination fees charged to connect calls into UAE networks are comparatively high. These costs are ultimately passed on to international callers.
US and European carriers typically charge $0.60 to $1.00+ per minute for calls to the UAE. These markups far exceed the underlying termination cost, making traditional international calling an expensive proposition.
Sources
Supports duopoly and TDRA regulatory claims
Supports duopoly and licensing structure claims
CALLING METHODS COMPARED
From calling cards to browser-based services, here's a practical comparison of the most common ways to reach someone in the United Arab Emirates.
Traditional Carrier (US/UK)
Major US and European carriers charge steep per-minute rates for calls to UAE numbers, often with added connection fees. Convenient but costly for regular callers.
International Calling Cards
Once popular in diaspora communities, calling cards offer variable rates but frequently include hidden fees, connection charges, and expiring balances.
WhatsApp / FaceTime / Skype
VoIP calling features on WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype are blocked on UAE local networks due to TDRA regulations. Messaging still works, but voice and video calls do not connect for recipients inside the UAE.
Licensed UAE VoIP Apps (BOTIM, C'ME)
Government-approved apps like BOTIM and C'ME work within the UAE, but require a local subscription and are designed for residents calling out — not for international callers reaching UAE numbers.
Browser-Based Calling (Sayfone)
Call any UAE landline or mobile directly from your browser at a flat 8¢/min. No app needed, no subscription, and the call terminates on the UAE phone network — so it rings like a normal call regardless of VoIP restrictions.
Bar lengths reflect relative cost tiers for each option — not survey percentages.
THE VOIP PROBLEM
The UAE is one of the strictest countries in the world for VoIP restrictions. If you're trying to reach someone inside the Emirates, free calling apps are almost certainly not going to work.
Because Sayfone routes your call through the traditional phone network, it terminates on the recipient's phone as a normal incoming call — completely unaffected by VoIP restrictions. No app needed on either end.
The problem
Unlike most countries where WhatsApp calls connect freely, the UAE actively blocks unlicensed VoIP traffic at the network level — affecting both mobile data and Wi-Fi connections.
WhatsApp calling has been blocked on all UAE networks since 2015. Calls simply fail to connect. While messaging still works, voice and video calls are restricted because WhatsApp does not hold a UAE VoIP license.
The VoIP block extends beyond WhatsApp. FaceTime audio/video, Skype calls, Viber, and other unlicensed VoIP services are similarly blocked on UAE networks — including Wi-Fi at hotels and public locations.
Even when connected to hotel or airport Wi-Fi in the UAE, VoIP calls will not connect. The restrictions are applied at the national infrastructure level, not just on mobile data — so your recipient cannot receive VoIP calls on any local connection.
While VPNs are not outright illegal in the UAE, using them to bypass government telecom restrictions can result in fines or legal consequences under UAE cybercrime laws. It's not a reliable or risk-free workaround.
Sources
Primary reference for VoIP blocking claims
Confirms VoIP licensing requirements
CALLING TIPS & ETIQUETTE
Get the timing right, avoid cultural missteps, and make every call to the Emirates count — whether personal or professional.
UAE Time Zone
GMT+4 (Gulf Standard Time)
No daylight saving time observed
When it's 9 AM in New York
5 PM in the UAE
EST (winter)
When it's 9 AM in London
1 PM in the UAE
GMT (winter)
When it's 9 AM in Sydney
5 AM in the UAE
AEDT (summer)
The UAE Weekend Is Friday–Saturday
Unlike most Western countries, the UAE workweek runs Sunday through Thursday. Friday is the holy day and Saturday is the second rest day. Schedule business calls accordingly.
Allow for the Time Difference
The UAE is 8–12 hours ahead of most US time zones. A morning call from the US East Coast reaches the UAE in the late afternoon or evening — often a good window for personal calls.
Mobile Numbers Dominate
The UAE has extremely high mobile penetration. Most personal and even many business contacts will prefer to receive calls on their mobile. Mobile and landline rates to the UAE are the same with Sayfone at 8¢/min.
Caller ID Matters in the UAE
The UAE's 'Kashif' system displays caller identity even for unsaved numbers. Your call will show a recognized international number — which can improve pickup rates compared to anonymous VoIP calls.
Greetings Set the Tone
Begin with 'As-salamu alaykum' (peace be upon you) for Arabic speakers, or a warm 'Hello' for English-speaking contacts. A brief exchange of pleasantries before getting to business is expected and appreciated.
Titles and Formality
Use formal titles (Mr., Dr., Sheikh, etc.) until invited to use first names. Emiratis and many Gulf professionals value respectful formality, especially in initial interactions.
Be Patient with Decision-Making
Business decisions in the UAE often involve consultation and may take longer than in Western contexts. Avoid pressuring for immediate answers — follow up politely rather than pushing during the call.
Ramadan Awareness
During Ramadan, business hours are typically reduced and the pace of work slows. Be respectful of fasting hours and avoid scheduling calls during Iftar (sunset breaking of fast).
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Whether you're reaching family in Abu Dhabi, a business contact in Dubai, or friends in Sharjah — here's what you need to know about calling the UAE's major cities.
Dubai
Home to millions of expatriates and the UAE's commercial hub, Dubai is the most frequently called city in the Emirates. Area code 4 covers all Dubai landlines.
Best time to call: 9 AM – 1 PM for business (Sun–Thu), 7 PM – 10 PM for personal
Photo brief: Dubai Burj Khalifa skyline Unsplash
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the seat of the UAE federal government and a major center for oil, finance, and culture. Area code 2 covers Abu Dhabi landlines.
Best time to call: 9 AM – 1 PM for business (Sun–Thu), evenings for personal
Photo brief: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Unsplash
Sharjah
Sharjah is the UAE's cultural capital and home to a large South Asian expat community. It shares area code 6 with Ajman and Umm Al Quwain.
Best time to call: Evenings (7 PM – 10 PM) for personal calls to family
Photo brief: Sharjah UAE cityscape Pexels
Al Ain
Al Ain is a historic oasis city in the Abu Dhabi emirate, popular with families. Area code 3 covers Al Ain landlines.
Best time to call: Evenings and weekends (Fri–Sat) for personal calls
Photo brief: Al Ain oasis UAE Unsplash
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a growing industrial and tourism hub in the northern UAE. Area code 7 covers RAK landlines.
Best time to call: Evenings for personal calls, mornings (Sun–Thu) for business
Photo brief: Ras Al Khaimah mountains UAE Pexels
DIALING GUIDE
A quick-reference guide for dialing UAE landlines and mobiles correctly, including area codes for every emirate and mobile operator prefixes.
The UAE country code is +971. When dialing internationally, drop the leading '0' from the local number. Landline numbers have 7 digits after the area code; mobile numbers use a 2-digit prefix followed by 7 digits.
+971 [5X] [XXX XXXX]
+971 [area code] [XXX XXXX]
| City / region | Code |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | 2 |
| Al Ain | 3 |
| Dubai | 4 |
| Sharjah / Ajman / Umm Al Quwain | 6 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 7 |
| Fujairah | 9 |
Sources
Primary reference for numbering plan structure
Authoritative source for +971 assignment
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers to the most common questions about international calling to the United Arab Emirates — from VoIP restrictions to dialing formats and costs.
Still have questions? Our support team is here to help.
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