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Last updated on July 20th, 2026 at 10:22 am
AI Summary: This article explains London phone code dialing from UAE, covering the exact format (00 + 44 + 20 + 8-digit number), why London uses the 020 area code, and how UAE businesses use virtual London numbers to build UK market presence. According to Ofcom’s UK Numbering Plan, the 020 area code has unified all London geographic numbers since 2000 (Source: Ofcom). UAE teams calling London must drop the leading zero from the area code when dialing internationally, so 020 becomes 20 after the +44 country code. FreJun provides instant virtual London numbers with CRM integration, smart call routing, and call analytics so UAE teams can manage UK clients without physical London offices.
Ever tried calling someone in London from the UAE and the call just didn’t connect? You’re not alone. London phone code dialing from UAE trips up a lot of callers because the format looks different depending on whether you’re dialing from a mobile, a VoIP app, or a business phone system. Getting the UK dialing code and the +44 20 code in the right order is the difference between a connected call and a failed one. This guide walks you through the exact steps, so your calls go through the first time.
Quick Answer: To dial London from the UAE, use this format: 00 + 44 + 20 + the 8-digit local number. The 00 is the UAE’s international exit code, 44 is the UK country code, and 20 is the London area code. Drop the leading zero from 020 when dialing internationally. A full London number looks like: 00 44 20 7946 0000.
London phone code dialing from UAE follows the format 00-44-20-XXXXXXXX, where 00 is the UAE exit code, 44 is the UK country code, and 20 is the London area code, giving you a direct line to any London number.
What Is the London Code Number?
The London code number is the area code 020 (or 20 when dialing internationally) that identifies London within the UK’s national numbering plan. Combined with the UK country code +44, it routes calls specifically to London’s geographic telephone zone for both landlines and VoIP numbers.
Get a working virtual London number in under 10 minutes. No SIM card, no hardware, no international agreements. Just sign up and your UAE team is ready to call and receive London calls right away.
What Is the London Code Number and Why Does It Matter?
The London code number is the area code 020 that represents London in the UK’s national telephone numbering plan. When you dial London from any international location, you use the +44 20 code, which tells the global telephone network you’re calling a London number specifically.
Here’s what each part of the number means:
- +44 is the UK country code, assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- 20 is the London area code (written as 020 within the UK, but the leading zero drops when dialing internationally).
- The remaining 8 digits are the subscriber’s local number.
So a complete London number looks like +44 20 7946 0000. The London code number has become more than a routing prefix, though. For UAE businesses, having a +44 20 number signals to UK clients that you’re reachable locally, which builds trust before the call even starts.
“We’ve seen UAE teams lose UK deals simply because they called from an unrecognised international number. When the same team switched to a +44 20 virtual number through FreJun, their UK answer rates jumped by over 30% within the first month. London clients pick up local-looking numbers. It’s that straightforward.”
— Subhash Kalluri, Co-Founder and CEO, FreJun
How Do You Dial the London Code Number from the UAE?
Calling London from the UAE is straightforward once you know the correct sequence. The full format is 00 + 44 + 20 + 8-digit local number. Each part serves a specific routing function, so skipping or misplacing any element will cause the call to fail. Below are the four steps in order.
Step 1: Start with the UAE’s International Access Code 00
Every international call from the UAE starts with 00, the UAE’s international exit code. This prefix tells your carrier to route the call outside the UAE network. Without it, your call stays within the local network and never reaches the UK. If you’re dialing from a mobile, you can also use the + symbol instead of 00, since most smartphones treat them as equivalent.
Step 2: Add the UK Dialing Code 44
After the exit code, add 44, the UK country code. This identifies the United Kingdom as the destination country in the global telephone network. The ITU assigns country codes, and 44 has been the UK’s code since the international direct dialing system was established (Source: ITU E.164 Numbering Plan). When combined with the 020 country code for London, your carrier knows exactly where to route the call.
Step 3: Include the London Code Number 20
Now add 20, the London area code. Within the UK, people dial this as 020, but the leading zero is a trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When dialing internationally, you drop that leading zero, so 020 becomes 20. This step connects your call to London’s geographic telephone zone under the +44 20 code format. London has used a single unified area code since April 2000, when Ofcom merged the old 0171 (inner London) and 0181 (outer London) codes (Source: Ofcom UK Numbering Plan).
Step 4: Add the Local 8-Digit Number
End the sequence with the subscriber’s 8-digit local number, for example 00 44 20 7946 0000. All London numbers have exactly 8 local digits after the 020 area code, so if you have a number that looks shorter, double-check you have the full number. Always verify the 020 country code is included correctly to avoid failed connections or misdials.
FreJun makes this process even easier for businesses by offering automatic international call routing. With its cloud-based telephony, your team connects with UK clients instantly, since there’s no need to remember complex codes or deal with expensive carrier rates.
In the demo, you’ll see how FreJun assigns a +44 20 virtual number to your UAE team, routes incoming London calls to the right agent, and logs every call automatically to your CRM, whether that’s HubSpot, Zoho, or Salesforce.
Why Does London Use the 020 Area Code?
London’s 020 area code dates back to April 2000, when Ofcom unified two separate London dialing zones into one. Before that change, inner London used 0171 and outer London used 0181, which created confusion for callers who weren’t sure which prefix to use for different parts of the city.
What Changed When London Merged Its Area Codes?
The 2000 merger affected over one million phone users across Greater London. Since then, central and outer London numbers share the same London code number prefix, 020. This unification benefits callers and businesses in three specific ways:
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- Simpler to remember: One area code covers all of Greater London, so callers don’t need to know which borough they’re calling.
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- Less confusion across boroughs: Whether you’re calling Canary Wharf or Hammersmith, the prefix is the same.
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- Consistent brand identity: Businesses with a +44 20 number present a unified London identity to clients worldwide.
With the +44 20 prefix, anyone dialing into London immediately knows they’re reaching a London-based contact, which makes your brand professionally credible from the first ring.
How Can UAE Businesses Benefit from Using a London Code Number?
Having a London code number is about presence, trust, and accessibility, not just easier calling. For UAE-based companies expanding into the UK market, a virtual +44 20 number is a practical way to establish local credibility without opening a physical London office.
What Does a Virtual London Number Actually Give Your Business?
Here’s what your business gains when you add a London code number to your communication stack:
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- Local presence: Your number appears as a London-based line, even while your team operates from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
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- Lower call costs: Cloud telephony cuts international call rates significantly compared to traditional carrier plans. According to TeleCMI’s published benchmarks, businesses switching to cloud telephony save up to 60% on international call rates (Source: TeleCMI, 2024).
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- Higher answer rates: UK clients are more likely to pick up a local-looking +44 20 number than an unfamiliar international number starting with +971.
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- CRM integration: FreJun logs every call automatically into your CRM (Zoho, HubSpot, Salesforce), so your team never loses a call record.
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- Instant scalability: Add or remove numbers without any physical setup or carrier contracts.
The biggest mistake UAE businesses make when entering the UK market is calling from their UAE mobile number. UK prospects see a +971 number and often don’t pick up. A +44 20 virtual number solves this before the call even starts.
Is a Virtual London Code Number Better for UAE Businesses Than a Traditional Line?
A virtual London code number gives UAE businesses everything a traditional London landline offers, but without the physical infrastructure, local office requirement, or long-term carrier contracts. It’s the practical choice for teams that need UK presence while operating remotely.
Virtual London Number vs Traditional London Landline: Key Differences
| Feature | Virtual London Number (FreJun) | Traditional London Landline |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 10 minutes | Days to weeks |
| Physical office required | No | Yes (typically) |
| CRM integration | Yes (HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce) | No (manual logging) |
| Call routing | Smart routing to any agent globally | Fixed to physical location |
| Call analytics | Real-time dashboard | Limited or none |
| Cost | From $14.49/user/month | Higher (line rental + calls) |
| Number portability | Yes | Varies by carrier |
Here’s how a virtual London number helps your UAE team specifically:
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- Instant setup: Get a working +44 20 number within minutes, since there’s no hardware or SIM card involved.
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- Remote flexibility: Your team answers London calls from anywhere, whether they’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or working remotely.
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- Smart routing: Direct incoming calls to the right department automatically, so no London client waits in a queue.
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- Analytics access: Track missed calls, call durations, and agent performance from a single dashboard.
FreJun’s VoIP platform lets UAE businesses launch a London code number without hardware, SIM cards, or complex international agreements. You can also watch how virtual numbers work in FreJun before committing:
FreJun’s cloud system delivers high call quality, 24/7 reliability, and secure routing, all built for international collaboration between UAE and UK teams.
Key Takeaways: London Phone Code Dialing from UAE
London phone code dialing from UAE follows one consistent format: 00 + 44 + 20 + the 8-digit local number. The 00 exits the UAE network, 44 routes to the UK, and 20 identifies London specifically. Whether you’re a startup in Dubai or an established business in Abu Dhabi, knowing how the UK dialing code and +44 20 code work together helps your team connect faster, cut costs, and appear local to London-based customers.
What FreJun Adds Beyond the Dialing Format
FreJun takes this further by giving UAE teams instant access to virtual +44 20 numbers with CRM integration and smart call routing, all in one platform. Most teams that book a demo are live with a London number within a week. You can sign up here to start using FreJun’s cloud calling system or book a free demo to see how it helps your team manage UK communication. With FreJun, bridging the gap between UAE and UK clients becomes faster and far more cost-effective.
Further Reading: Enterprise Meaning: What It Means for UAE Businesses
Frequently Asked Questions About London Phone Code Dialing from UAE
Can I call the UK from my UAE mobile plan?
Yes, most UAE carriers support international calls to the UK, though standard international rates apply. Etisalat and du both offer international calling bundles, but rates per minute can be high for frequent callers. If your team calls London regularly, a VoIP solution like FreJun cuts those costs significantly, since cloud calls to the UK typically cost a fraction of carrier rates.
Do I need any special setup to make international calls from the UAE?
No special hardware is needed. For mobile calls, just ensure your plan includes international access, which most UAE plans do by default. For VoIP or cloud calling, you need a stable internet connection and an account with a provider like FreJun. Setup takes under 10 minutes, and you can start calling London numbers using the 00-44-20 format right away.
Are cloud calling systems reliable for long-distance calls to London?
Yes, modern cloud calling platforms deliver excellent call quality for UAE-to-London calls, provided you have a stable broadband connection. FreJun uses enterprise-grade infrastructure with 99.9% uptime, so dropped calls and audio lag are rare. The call quality on a well-configured VoIP system is often better than a traditional international mobile call, since it routes over optimised data networks rather than legacy carrier infrastructure.
Can I forward incoming London calls to multiple team members?
Yes. FreJun’s call routing lets you forward incoming +44 20 calls to specific agents, teams, or departments automatically. You can set up simultaneous ringing so multiple agents receive the call at once, or sequential routing so calls go down a priority list until someone answers. This means no London client ever hits a dead end when they call your number.
Is there any delay when calling London from the UAE using VoIP?
Usually not. A strong broadband connection keeps latency under 150 milliseconds, which is the threshold for natural-sounding conversation. FreJun routes calls over optimised international data paths, so the delay is typically imperceptible. If you notice lag, the issue is almost always local internet quality rather than the VoIP platform itself. Switching to a wired connection or a faster Wi-Fi band usually resolves it.
Can I keep my existing business number when switching to cloud calling?
Yes, number portability is available with most cloud calling providers, including FreJun. If you already have a UAE business number, you can port it to FreJun’s platform while also adding a virtual +44 20 London number. The porting process typically takes 5 to 10 business days depending on your current carrier. Your existing clients keep calling the same number, while your UK clients get a local London number to reach you.
Do international calls from a virtual London number show the correct caller ID?
Yes. When your UAE team calls a London number through FreJun using a virtual +44 20 number, the recipient sees the +44 20 caller ID, not your UAE number. This is one of the key reasons UAE businesses use virtual London numbers: UK clients see a familiar local number and are far more likely to answer. Caller ID display depends on your provider’s configuration, but FreJun sets this up correctly by default.
How can I reduce international call costs when calling London from the UAE?
The most effective way is switching from a traditional carrier plan to a cloud-based VoIP system. Cloud telephony routes calls over the internet rather than legacy carrier networks, which cuts per-minute rates substantially. According to published benchmarks, businesses using cloud telephony save up to 60% on international call rates compared to standard carrier pricing (Source: TeleCMI, 2024). FreJun’s plans start at $14.49 per user per month and include international calling to the UK.
Can virtual London numbers handle both voice calls and messaging?
Yes. Many cloud calling platforms, including FreJun, support voice calls, SMS, and WhatsApp Business messaging from the same number. This means your UAE team can call a London client, send a follow-up SMS, and manage WhatsApp conversations all from one platform. Having voice and messaging unified under a single +44 20 number gives your UK clients a consistent contact point regardless of how they prefer to communicate.
Are call recordings stored securely when using a cloud calling system?
Yes. FreJun encrypts all call recordings and stores them in the cloud with role-based access controls, so only authorised team members can access specific recordings. Recordings are available alongside call transcripts and AI-generated summaries in the FreJun dashboard. You can also use call recordings to coach agents and improve performance over time, which is particularly useful for UAE teams managing UK client relationships remotely.
You now know exactly how London phone code dialing from UAE works, and what a virtual +44 20 number can do for your UK client relationships. The gap between knowing the format and actually having a London number your team can use is usually just one conversation. Most UAE teams that book a FreJun demo are live with a virtual London number within a week.