Etisalat, one of the leading telecommunications providers in the UAE, offers a range of mobile and landline services to millions of users. Each phone number issued by Etisalat begins with specific prefixes, known as starting numbers, that help identify the type of service, network, and sometimes even the user category. In this article, we explore Etisalat’s starting numbers, their significance, and how they are structured in the UAE’s telecommunications system.
Etisalat Mobile Number Prefixes
Etisalat assigns unique prefixes to its mobile numbers to distinguish them from other networks. These prefixes indicate whether a number is for a prepaid or postpaid line, and sometimes even specific services like IoT (Internet of Things) or corporate plans. The common Etisalat mobile number prefixes include:
- 050 – One of the first mobile prefixes in the UAE, primarily used for postpaid and prepaid services.
- 054 – Introduced later to accommodate the growing number of subscribers.
- 056 – Another widely used prefix assigned to both prepaid and postpaid customers.
- 058 – A relatively new prefix that has been added to expand mobile number availability.
These prefixes are assigned to individual customers and businesses, and they function across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Etisalat Landline Number Prefixes
In addition to mobile numbers, Etisalat provides landline services that have distinct prefixes based on geographical location. Some common landline prefixes include:
- 02 – Abu Dhabi
- 03 – Al Ain
- 04 – Dubai
- 06 – Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain
- 07 – Ras Al Khaimah
- 09 – Fujairah
These landline prefixes help distinguish the emirate in which the number is registered, making it easier to identify callers based on their location.
How to Identify an Etisalat Number?
If you receive a call and want to verify whether it is from an Etisalat number, check the prefix. Any number that begins with 050, 054, 056, or 058 is assigned to Etisalat. However, due to mobile number portability (MNP), some customers may have switched from other providers like du to Etisalat while retaining their original prefix. To confirm a number’s network provider, you can use the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority’s (TDRA) official tools.
Why Are Prefixes Important?
- Identifying the Carrier – Prefixes help distinguish whether a number belongs to Etisalat, du, or Virgin Mobile.
- Cost Considerations – Some mobile plans offer special rates for calls within the same network, making it useful to recognize Etisalat numbers.
- Corporate and Business Use – Many companies prefer specific prefixes for branding and ease of recognition.
- Security and Fraud Prevention – Being aware of the correct prefixes can help avoid scams or fraudulent calls from unknown numbers.
Buying a New Etisalat Number
If you are looking to purchase a new Etisalat number, you can choose from available prefixes based on availability and your preferred type of service (prepaid or postpaid). You can visit an Etisalat store, use their online portal, or contact their customer support to select and activate a new number.
Conclusion
Etisalat’s starting numbers play a crucial role in the UAE’s telecommunications system, helping users distinguish mobile and landline services. Whether you are selecting a new number, verifying a caller’s network, or ensuring cost-effective calls, understanding these prefixes can be highly beneficial. As mobile and digital services continue to expand, Etisalat may introduce new prefixes to accommodate future growth and technological advancements.
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