056 is Du or Etisalat? Find Out the Network Provider in UAE

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Have you ever received a call from a 056 number and wondered whether it belongs to Etisalat or Du? In the UAE, mobile number prefixes are assigned to telecom providers, making it easier to identify the network a number belongs to.

However, with mobile number portability (MNP), users can switch between Etisalat and Du while keeping the same number, leading to confusion about the provider.

So, is 056 an Etisalat or Du number? How can you check which network a number is registered with? Understanding mobile prefixes is essential for managing call charges, choosing the right telecom provider, and taking advantage of network-specific offers.

This guide will help you determine the network for 056 numbers and make informed decisions about your mobile services.

What Are the Mobile Network Providers in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a well-established telecommunications sector with two major mobile network providers: Etisalat and Du.

These companies operate under the regulation of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), ensuring competitive services and high-quality network coverage.

1. Etisalat

Founded in 1976, Etisalat is the UAE’s oldest and largest telecom provider.
It offers extensive coverage, including 5G services, across the UAE.
Known for premium packages, business solutions, and international connectivity.

2. Du

Launched in 2006, Du is a relatively newer but competitive provider.
It offers affordable mobile and internet packages, attracting budget-conscious users.
Provides nationwide coverage, including 4G and 5G services.

Both operators offer prepaid and postpaid plans, but their mobile number prefixes differ, which helps in identifying whether a number belongs to Etisalat or Du.

Which Network Uses the 056 Prefix in the UAE?

In the UAE, mobile numbers follow a structured prefix system assigned by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The 056 prefix is officially assigned to Etisalat, making it one of the primary number ranges used by Etisalat customers.

Previously, there was some confusion about whether 056 belonged to Du, but as per the latest information from UAE telecom regulations, Etisalat owns the 056 range. This means that if you receive a call from a 056 number, it is most likely registered under Etisalat.

However, due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), some users may have switched networks while keeping their original numbers.

To verify whether a specific 056 number is still with Etisalat or has been ported to Du, you can:

Use Etisalat’s official number verification tool.
Contact Etisalat or Du customer support.
Check through TDRA’s official number portability service.

Knowing a number’s provider helps in avoiding additional charges and choosing the best call plans.

How Can You Identify a UAE Mobile Number’s Network?

Each UAE telecom provider has dedicated mobile number prefixes that help users identify whether a number belongs to Etisalat or Du. While 056 belongs to Etisalat, other prefixes also play a crucial role in differentiating networks.

What Are the UAE Mobile Number Prefixes?

Etisalat: 050, 054, 056
Du: 052, 055, 058
Virgin Mobile (Operates under Du): 057

Although these prefixes generally indicate the original provider, mobile number portability (MNP) allows users to switch networks while keeping the same number. Because of this, a 056 number may now be using Du’s network if the owner has ported it.

How to Check a Number’s Network?

Use the official Etisalat or Du website to check the number status.
Call customer support to confirm the network provider.
Check with TDRA, which regulates number portability in the UAE.

Verifying the provider is essential for managing call costs, network-based offers, and mobile data plans.

Can You Port a 056 Number Between Du and Etisalat?

Yes, mobile number portability (MNP) allows you to switch between Etisalat and Du while keeping your 056 number. Since 056 originally belongs to Etisalat, you can still transfer it to Du if needed. This system is regulated by TDRA to ensure fair competition and user flexibility.

How to Port a 056 Number?

Visit an Etisalat or Du store and request number portability.
Provide Emirates ID or passport for verification.
Ensure all outstanding bills are cleared before transferring.
Wait for the transfer process, which typically takes 24 to 48 hours.

What Should You Consider Before Porting?

Some features, such as network-exclusive discounts, may not transfer.
Prepaid users may lose existing balance and benefits upon switching.
Contract-based customers might have to pay an early termination fee.

If you’re unhappy with your current provider’s network coverage, pricing, or customer service, porting your 056 number could be a smart move. However, always check the latest offers before making a decision.

Why Does the 056 Prefix Matter?

In the UAE, the prefix of a mobile number can impact call rates, network-based promotions, and service accessibility.

Since 056 is officially assigned to Etisalat, knowing this can help you make cost-effective communication choices and avoid extra charges when calling across networks.

Key Reasons Why the 056 Prefix Is Important:

Call & SMS Charges: Many telecom providers in the UAE offer cheaper rates for calls within the same network. Calling an Etisalat number from another Etisalat number is often cheaper than calling a Du number.
Network-Based Promotions: Etisalat provides exclusive discounts and bundle offers for calls, data, and SMS for same-network users. If you frequently communicate with Etisalat numbers, it’s beneficial to stay on the same network.
Customer Support & Services: Certain Etisalat-only features (like corporate plans, family data sharing, or business connectivity) may only be available for numbers registered under Etisalat.

If you’re unsure about a number’s provider, verifying it can help you maximize savings and take advantage of better network offers.

How Does Mobile Number Portability Affect UAE Telecom Users?

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the UAE allows users to switch between Etisalat and Du while keeping their original number. This system was introduced to promote competition and improve service quality.

What Are the Benefits of MNP?

Flexibility to Switch Providers: If a user is unhappy with network coverage, pricing, or customer service, they can switch providers without changing their phone number.
Access to Better Deals: Telecom companies offer special promotions and discounts to attract users from other networks.
Improved Customer Experience: MNP ensures better service quality as providers compete to retain customers.

What Are the Key Considerations Before Porting a Number?

The porting process takes 24 to 48 hours.
Any existing contract obligations must be settled before switching.
Certain network-specific features or offers may not be available after switching.

While MNP provides freedom of choice, it’s important to check the latest network offers and compare service quality before making the switch.

What Are the Best Mobile Plans for 056 Number Users?

Since 056 numbers belong to Etisalat, users can access a variety of prepaid and postpaid plans offered by the network. Etisalat provides customized packages for data, calls, and international roaming, making it essential to choose the right plan based on your needs.

What Are the Popular Etisalat Plans for 056 Numbers?

1. Prepaid Plans

Wasel Flexi Plan: Combines local & international minutes, SMS, and data.
Visitor Line: Ideal for tourists, offering short-term validity and roaming benefits.
Data-Only Plans: Monthly and daily data bundles for internet access.

2. Postpaid Plans

Freedom Plans: Unlimited local calls, SMS, and generous data allowances.
New Emirati Freedom Plans: Special offers for UAE nationals with additional benefits.
Business Postpaid Plans: Custom packages for corporate users, including international call options.

How to Choose the Best Plan?

If you make frequent calls, consider unlimited calling packages.
If you travel often, look for roaming-friendly bundles.
If you use more data, opt for a data-heavy plan like the Freedom Plan.

Etisalat frequently updates its pricing and offers, so checking the official Etisalat website or visiting a store is the best way to find the most suitable plan.

Conclusion

The 056 prefix is officially assigned to Etisalat, meaning that most numbers starting with 056 are registered with Etisalat unless they have been ported to Du.

Understanding UAE’s mobile number prefixes can help you avoid unnecessary charges and select the best network-based plans.

If you’re unsure about a number’s provider, you can use Etisalat’s official lookup tools, contact customer support, or check with the TDRA. Additionally, mobile number portability (MNP) allows users to switch networks while keeping the same number, making verification even more important.

By staying informed about UAE’s telecom services, you can manage your mobile expenses efficiently and enjoy better connectivity. Always check your number’s provider before subscribing to network-exclusive offers or making important calls.

FAQs

Is 056 an Etisalat or Du number?

056 is officially assigned to Etisalat. However, due to mobile number portability (MNP), some users may have ported their 056 numbers to Du.

How can I check if a 056 number is on Etisalat or Du?

You can verify a number’s network by using Etisalat’s official number check service, contacting customer support, or checking via TDRA’s lookup tools.