Last reviewed: 2025-01-07 · Reading time: 5 minutes
How do you dial India from United Arab Emirates?
- Country code
+91- Mobile numbers
-
Example:
+91 98765 4321010 digits starting with 6, 7, 8, or 9. Numbers starting with 6 are newer (mostly Jio).
- Landline numbers
-
Example:
+91 11 2345 6789Area code + local number. Delhi is 11, Mumbai is 22, Kolkata is 33, Chennai is 44, Bangalore is 80, Hyderabad is 40.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Including the leading 0—dial +91 11, not +91 011
- Not knowing if it's mobile or landline—rates can differ significantly
- Using expensive hotel phones instead of VoIP or calling cards
When is the best time to call India?
Timezone: IST (UTC+5:30)—India is 1.5 hours ahead of UAE
Evening calls
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM UAE time your time)
Your evening is their evening, just 1.5 hours later. Perfect overlap for family calls after work.
Morning calls
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM IST (6:30 AM - 8:30 AM UAE time your time)
Catch family before they start their day. Good for quick morning check-ins.
What should you know about calling India?
India has excellent mobile coverage. Major carriers are Jio (largest),
Airtel, and Vi. Landlines are increasingly rare—most Indians use mobile
exclusively. Jio numbers (starting with 6) have grown massively since
2016.
Call quality from UAE to India is excellent. The geographic proximity
means low latency and clear connections. Both Etisalat and du offer
competitive India calling packages given the corridor's importance.
Cultural tips
Avoid calling between 2-5 PM IST—older relatives often rest during
afternoon hours. Sunday mornings work well for family calls. Friday
is your day off in UAE but a workday in India—keep that in mind for
business calls. Missed calls are commonly used as "call me back" signals.
Holidays to know
Diwali (October/November) is the biggest holiday—expect families to be
busy with celebrations. Holi (March), Eid (celebrated in both countries),
and regional festivals affect availability. Wedding season (November-
February) means families may be travelling.
Alternatives to phone calls
WhatsApp is extremely popular for India calls—free over WiFi and
commonly used by all age groups. Many UAE residents use WhatsApp as
their primary way to stay in touch with family. Video calls are
especially popular for seeing children and elderly parents.
Frequently asked questions
What's the time difference between UAE and India?
India (UTC+5:30) is 1.5 hours ahead of UAE (UTC+4).
When it's 6:00 PM in Dubai, it's 7:30 PM in Mumbai.
Neither country observes daylight saving, so this gap never changes.
The small difference makes scheduling calls easy.
What are the area codes for major Indian cities?
Metro cities (2-digit codes):
Delhi: 11 · Mumbai: 22 · Kolkata: 33 · Chennai: 44 · Bangalore: 80 · Hyderabad: 40
Major cities (3-digit codes):
Ahmedabad: 79 · Pune: 20 · Jaipur: 141 · Lucknow: 522 · Kochi: 484 · Chandigarh: 172 · Coimbatore: 422 · Thiruvananthapuram: 471 · Mangalore: 824 · Surat: 261 · Indore: 731 · Nagpur: 712 · Visakhapatnam: 891
How do I tell if an Indian number is mobile or landline?
Mobile: exactly 10 digits starting with 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Landline: area code (2-4 digits) + local number, starting with other digits.
If it starts with 6-9 and is 10 digits total, it's mobile.
Most people now use mobile only—landlines are rare.
Which UAE carrier has the best India rates?
Both Etisalat and du offer India calling packages since it's such a
major corridor. Compare their current international bundles—rates
change frequently. VoIP services and calling apps often beat carrier
rates. For frequent callers, a dedicated international calling plan
usually offers the best value.
Can I use WhatsApp calling in the UAE?
WhatsApp messaging works in UAE, but voice/video calling features
have historically been restricted. Many residents use VPN services
or alternative apps. Check current regulations and your carrier's
policies. Standard phone calls remain the most reliable option.
Current rates
$0.07-$0.08/min
Rates vary by mobile vs landline. Billed per minute, rounded up.
View all rates →