What is Ethiopia's country code?

Ethiopia's international country code is +251. Always include this code when dialing from abroad.

Do I need to dial 0 before the number when calling from abroad?

No. Remove the leading 0 from domestic numbers when using the country code. For example, 0911 123 456 becomes +251 911 123 456.

What is the time difference between the UAE and Ethiopia?

Ethiopia is 1 hour behind the UAE year-round. There is no daylight saving time in either country.

How much does it cost to call Ethiopia from the UAE with Sayfone?

Sayfone charges $0.78 per minute for calls to Ethiopia. Rates are transparent with transparent pricing or setup costs.

Can I call both mobile and landline numbers in Ethiopia?

Yes. Both mobile numbers (starting with 9) and landlines (with city codes like 11 for Addis Ababa) can be called using the same country code format: +251 followed by the local number.

Are there time restrictions on calling Ethiopia?

No official restrictions exist. However, respect local business hours (8:00–17:00 Ethiopia time) for professional calls and personal availability for other contact.

Quick Answer

How to Call Ethiopia from the UAE

Dial +251 (Ethiopia's country code) followed by the phone number to call Ethiopia from the UAE. Rates are transparent at $0.78 per minute with Sayfone.

Start Calling

Cost tools

🇦🇪From United Arab Emirates

To Ethiopia🇪🇹

$0.78

Per minute

+251

Country code

Call quality

Landline rate

$0.78/min

Mobile rate

$0.78/min

Same per-minute Sayfone rate for landline and mobile.

Average call quality

Steps at a glance

Dial the international access code (00 or +)
Enter Ethiopia's country code: 251
Dial the local phone number
Connect and call

Sources

1
ITU-T Recommendation E.164: The International Public Telecommunication Numbering Plan
International dialing format reference

DIALING INSTRUCTIONS

Step-by-Step: Dialing Ethiopia from the UAE

Follow these simple steps to connect your call from the United Arab Emirates to Ethiopia.

1
Dial the international access code
From the UAE, dial 00 or + to initiate an international call. Both prefixes work; + is the universal standard.
```
00 or +
```
2
Enter Ethiopia's country code
Dial 251, Ethiopia's international dialing code.
```
251
```
3
Dial the local phone number
Enter the recipient's phone number without leading zeros if applicable to the local format.
```
911234567 (example mobile number)
```
Press call and connect
Your call routes through and connects to the number in Ethiopia.

Dialing format reference

+251

Use these patterns when entering a full international number to +251.

Mobile

+251 9XX XXX XXXX

Landline

+251 11 XXX XXXX (Addis Ababa example)

+251 911 234 567
+251 116 234 567

Major city area codes

Addis Ababa11

Dire Dawa251

Bahir Dar58

Sources

1
International Telecommunication Union: Numbering Plans
International dialing code verification

IMPORTANT RULES

Ethiopia Dialing Rules & Format

Ethiopia uses a 9-digit mobile and 7-9 digit landline numbering system. Understanding these rules ensures your calls connect smoothly.

Mobile numbers always start with 9

Ethiopian mobile numbers begin with 9 and are 9 digits long. When dialing internationally, include +251 followed by the 9-digit number (without the leading 0 if using domestic format).

Landline numbers vary by city

Landline numbers in Ethiopia are 7–9 digits and include a city or region code. Addis Ababa numbers start with 11, for example. Dial the full local number after the country code.

Drop the leading zero for international dialing

If you have a domestic number starting with 0 (e.g., 0911 123 456), remove the leading 0 when using the country code format: +251 911 123 456.

No special prefixes required

Ethiopia does not use special prefixes for domestic long-distance. Once you dial the country code and area/mobile code, your call routes directly.

TIMING & TIPS

Best Times to Call Ethiopia from the UAE

Ethiopia is 2 hours behind the UAE year-round. Plan your call during business hours or personal availability in both locations.

🇪🇹

Ethiopia and the UAE observe different business hours and holidays. Keep time zones and local customs in mind for successful calls.

Time & windows

Current Time in UAE

GMT+4 (year-round)

No daylight saving time

Current Time in Ethiopia

GMT+3 (year-round)

Ethiopia is 1 hour behind UAE

🇦🇪Best for business calls

08:00–17:00 Ethiopia time (09:00–18:00 UAE time)Aligns with standard business hours in both locations

🇦🇪Avoid early mornings

Before 08:00 Ethiopia timeMany businesses and individuals may not be available

🇦🇪Good for personal calls

17:00–21:00 Ethiopia time (18:00–22:00 UAE time)Evening hours when people are more likely available

Calling tips

Always confirm the time difference before calling; Ethiopia is 1 hour behind the UAE.
Prepare your message or talking points in advance to keep calls brief and efficient.
Test your browser connection and microphone before placing the call.
Be mindful of weekends and local holidays in both countries when scheduling calls.

Business etiquette

Use formal greetings and titles when calling professional contacts in Ethiopia.
Build relationship context before jumping into business requests, especially for first calls.
Respect local holidays and religious observances that may affect availability.
Confirm receipt of important information in writing after the call to avoid misunderstandings across time zones.

Sources

1
World Time Zone Database
Time zone offset verification

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common Issues & Connection Tips

Most calls from the UAE to Ethiopia connect smoothly, but understanding potential issues helps you troubleshoot quickly.

Call doesn't connect

Verify you've entered the full number with country code (+251). Check that the recipient's number is correct and formatted properly. Test your internet connection if using a browser-based service.

Poor audio quality

Audio quality depends on both network connections. Ensure your internet connection is stable (WiFi or 4G). Move closer to your router if on WiFi, or try switching networks if possible.

Number format confusion

If you have a domestic Ethiopian number (e.g., 0911 123 456), remove the leading 0 and use +251 911 123 456 for international dialing. This is the most common source of connection issues.

Calls dropping or cutting out

Brief disconnects can occur due to network changes. If this happens frequently, check your internet stability or try calling at a different time when network congestion may be lower.

Savings

See what you could save

Adjust the tools below to compare Sayfone with typical retail pricing for calls to Ethiopia. Start with one call, then layer on monthly volume to see the bigger picture.

How to use these tools

Sayfone uses your live rate for calls to Ethiopia — the same basis as the rest of this page.
First, estimate savings on a single call length. Then, model a full month of minutes versus typical retail benchmarks.
Retail competitor rows are illustrative — not a quote from any carrier.