United Arab Emirates Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide - phone-number-standards -

Frequently Asked Questions

Validate UAE phone numbers using regular expressions tailored to each phone number type (landline, mobile, toll-free, premium, shared cost) after removing spaces and formatting from the input. This ensures the number adheres to the correct structure as specified by the TDRA.
UAE phone numbers always start with the country code +971, followed by a service identifier indicating the type of service (mobile, landline, etc.), and finally the unique subscriber number. Specific formats exist for each service type as detailed in this guide.
Accurate validation ensures data integrity, prevents failed calls and misdirected messages due to formatting errors, and contributes to a better user experience. It's also essential for complying with TDRA regulations.
Real-time querying is best for handling Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to determine the current carrier of a number, especially if your application relies on this information for routing or billing. Cache results with a TTL to improve performance and reduce reliance on external queries.
No, always store and process UAE phone numbers with the +971 country code. This ensures international compatibility and allows for accurate validation and routing, especially in international telecommunication systems.
Area codes represent different Emirates: 02 for Abu Dhabi, 04 for Dubai, 06 for Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain, 07 for Ras Al Khaimah, and 09 for Fujairah. This information can help identify the general location of landlines, though less reliable due to number portability.
Implement real-time queries to the TDRA's MNP database to determine the current carrier of a number. Consider using webhooks to receive updates on number status changes and maintain audit logs for compliance and troubleshooting.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) regulates the UAE's telecom sector, ensuring fair competition, quality of service, efficient number allocation, and enforcing technical standards and compliance. It is crucial to adhere to their guidelines for number formatting, error management, and documentation.
The UAE's main operators are Etisalat (e&) and du. Etisalat offers comprehensive mobile and fixed-line services nationwide, while du focuses strategically on urban areas. Both operators have expanding 5G networks.
Always include the +971 country code before the full phone number to ensure successful international calls. This format adheres to international telecommunication standards and is crucial for compatibility with global systems.
The TDRA enforces standards like 99.99% uptime for critical services, a Mean Opinion Score (MOS) greater than 4.0 for acceptable voice quality, guaranteed minimum speeds for data services, and 24/7 emergency service access. Meeting these standards is crucial for maintaining a high-quality telecommunications service.
Golden Numbers are premium numbers with distinct patterns: Platinum (perfect sequences), Gold (repeated digits), and Silver (sequential patterns). While not essential for validation, understanding this system provides context for the UAE telecom market.
Maintain documentation including regular compliance reports, quality of service metrics, customer satisfaction surveys, and infrastructure maintenance logs. These demonstrate adherence to regulations, quality of service, and overall operational stability.
Provide clear error messages to users when validation fails, log validation failures for analysis, and consider reporting critical issues to the TDRA. This demonstrates a proactive approach to error handling and compliance.
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