If you’re running a business or working remotely and want to establish a presence in the United Arab Emirates, having a UAE phone number — especially a SIP number — can be very helpful. It allows your customers, partners, or clients in the UAE to reach you easily, and helps you appear more local and professional.
But the UAE has strict regulations when it comes to VoIP and SIP numbers. In this guide, we’ll explain what a SIP number is, how it works in the UAE, and what legal options are available to get one in 2025.
I. What Is a SIP Number?
A SIP number is a phone number that works over the internet using VoIP (Voice over IP) technology. It looks like a normal phone number but is not tied to a SIM card or physical phone line. You can use it with apps (like Zoiper or Bria) or connect it to a call system (PBX).
People use SIP numbers to:
- Receive and make calls from anywhere in the world
- Appear local to customers in different countries
- Save money on international calls
- Support business phone systems (IVR, call routing, etc.)
II. Can You Use SIP or VoIP in the UAE?
Yes, but only legally through licensed providers.
The UAE government strictly regulates VoIP. Only two companies — Etisalat and du — are allowed to provide SIP or VoIP services in the UAE. These companies are approved by the TDRA (Telecom and Digital Government Regulatory Authority).
Important:
- Using unlicensed services like Skype-in, Google Voice, or TextNow is not legal in the UAE.
- Using VPNs to bypass VoIP blocks is also illegal and can lead to serious fines.
So if you want to get a SIP number in the UAE, you must go through a legal provider.
III. Who Can Get a UAE SIP Number?
You can get a UAE SIP number if:
- You live in the UAE and have a valid Emirates ID
- You own a registered business in the UAE (with a trade license)
In these cases, you can apply for a SIP number through:
- Etisalat (e.g., “Business One Voice”)
- du Business VoIP services
- Authorized VoIP/PBX partners working with Etisalat or du
You can choose:
- A landline number (e.g., +971 4 for Dubai, +971 2 for Abu Dhabi)
- In some cases, a mobile number (e.g., +971 50, +971 55) — usually for businesses only
IV. Can You Get a UAE SIP Number If You’re Outside the UAE?
In most cases, no.
If you are not living in the UAE and don’t have a registered business there, you cannot legally get a UAE SIP number. Some international VoIP providers may claim to offer “UAE virtual numbers,” but:
- These are not true UAE numbers
- They are often routed internationally
- They don’t support SMS or OTP verification
- They are not approved by Etisalat or du
- They may even break UAE telecom laws if used locally
So if you’re outside the UAE, it’s better to look for legal alternatives (see section VI).
V. How Much Does a UAE SIP Number Cost?
If you are eligible (UAE resident or business), here are the typical costs:
| Type of Number | Monthly Cost (approx.) | Notes |
| UAE Landline SIP | $15 – $30 USD | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc. |
| UAE Mobile SIP | $35 – $60 USD | Enterprise use only |
| SIP Trunk (Business) | $100+ USD | For large call centers, PBX |
Some providers may also charge:
- A one-time setup fee
- Extra for features like call recording, IVR, or CRM integration
VI. What If You Just Need to Call the UAE?
If you only need to call UAE numbers, but don’t need a UAE number yourself, you don’t need a SIP number at all.
Here are some legal and easy options:
- Use international VoIP apps like Skype, Zoom Phone, or Rebtel to call UAE numbers
- Get a non-UAE SIP number (e.g., UK or US) and forward calls
- Use a global eSIM with VoIP support while traveling in the UAE
► Tip: Platforms like uaeesim.com offer data plans that work in the UAE, so you can stay connected and use VoIP legally.
VII. Summary: What You Can and Can’t Do
| Situation | Can You Get a UAE SIP Number? | Legal? |
| UAE resident with Emirates ID | Yes | Legal |
| UAE-registered business | Yes | Legal |
| Living outside UAE (no license/ID) | Not possible | Not legal |
| Using VPN to access blocked VoIP apps | Illegal | Risky |
| Global VoIP provider offering UAE # | Not reliable | Not legal |
VIII. Final Thoughts
Getting a UAE SIP number is possible — but only if you follow the legal process. If you’re a UAE resident or business owner, you can apply through Etisalat or du. But if you’re outside the UAE, be careful with providers who advertise “UAE virtual numbers” — they are usually not legal or reliable.
If you just need to call or stay connected to the UAE, using global VoIP services and eSIMs is a safer and simpler solution.