WhatsApp, like most free VoIP and messaging services, is blocked in Dubai and The UAE. This can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family back home unless you're willing to pay for a government-approved service like C'Me or BOTIM.
In Dubai, and by extension the UAE, the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are banned – including WhatsApp. Users are instead directed to paid apps, such as Botim to make internet calls.
Why did Dubai ban WhatsApp? Dubai is part of the United Arab Emirates, in which there are strict internet restrictions imposed by the government. In the UAE, internet usage is monitored by the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA). The TRA has banned WhatsApp, as well as other similar apps like Skype and Viber.
Is VPN illegal in UAE for WhatsApp? Yes, it is against the law to use a VPN service and work around restrictions implemented by the UAE government.
A person who is using VPN illegally in UAE can receive a heavy fine or even be jailed. These fines can range from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000 depending on the type of crime committed. However, there may be cases in which the person will receive a fine and spend time in prison.
Telegram. An encrypted messaging service that allows you to call and text friends who have also downloaded the Telegram app. Though a global app, the operational centre is based in Dubai, making it a perfect communication tool to use if WhatsApp is down in the UAE.
Internet censorship
The UAE has been listed as "Under Surveillance" by Reporters Without Borders since 2008. Pornographic sites are banned and so is anti-Islamic and anti-government/anti-police material. The United Arab Emirates censors the Internet using Secure Computing's solution.
Can we FaceTime from Dubai? No, you can't do FaceTime from Dubai because the application is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. If you want to use FaceTime in Dubai, you can access it with the help of a reputable VPN like NordVPN.
Why Are Voice Calls, Video Calls and VOIP Services Banned? As mentioned earlier, the UAE government has banned WhatsApp calling and other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls because of privacy and national security reasons.
Luckily, there is a way to use Instagram Video calls in the UAE. With VPN, users within the UAE can bypass the country's regional restrictions and start video chatting with friends using the app.
Unfortunately, Zoom is blocked in the UAE and other countries like Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and others. We are here to help you to unblock Zoom in UAE and other countries. The best solution for Zoom in UAE is a VPN or Virtual Private Network. It will help you to bypass web limits and unblock Zoom.
Over 180 countries allow WhatsApp; only five countries forbid WhatsApp use. In Which Country Is WhatsApp Banned? WhatsApp is banned in China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE. We have a guide on how to unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar and other countries.
Like Facebook, Twitter is available in Dubai, but users must adhere to strict rules when using the social media app. When using Twitter, you must adhere to all the moral guidelines and act accordingly.
#3 – Do not gossip or spread rumours.
As cited earlier, ranting or sharing hate posts could lead to serious punishment. Six months jail time and a fine of AED 250,000 await those who use social networks “for the purpose of defamation of or offending another person or for attacking or invading his privacy.”
Unfortunately, the app's video chat is blocked in a number of countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The good news is you can unblock Snapchat video calling in the UAE by using a virtual private network, making your communications safe, secure, private, and accessible from anywhere in the world.
ARE VIDEO CALLS ALLOWED IN THE UAE? Video calls are permitted in the UAE through VoIP apps that meet the requirements of the country's regulatory framework. This includes apps like HiU Messenger and BOTIM for which you will need UAE internet calling plans from local telecom operators.
One place that blocks off Messenger is the United Arab Emirates. If you live in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, there's just one way to use the app – and as you're about to find out, it's both legal and easy to use provided you know what to do.
Disadvantages: 1. Depending on the customs regulations, you may have to pay additional taxes and duties when bringing the iPhone back into India. 2. Warranty and repair services may not be available in India for a phone purchased from Dubai.
Gulf Arab states, including Dubai, aren't exactly fond of uncensored content. Now, they have issued warning to Netflix, asking it to pull down content that is violating "Islamic and societal standards."
Frequently Asked Questions About Using WhatsApp in Dubai
Yes, you can use Instagram in Dubai. There are plenty of alternatives for WhatsApp that will help you stay connected to your loved ones while you're visiting Dubai.
The UAE prevents users from accessing any website that is critical of Islam. ISPs in the UAE also block access to content that criticizes any religion, not just Islam.
Telephone: A telephone is the most used means of communication. The Dubai telecom service is called the Etisalat or Emirates Telecommunication Corporation.
They also prohibit sending, forwarding, copying or forwarding email messages that contain attachments with viruses, spyware, malware or illegal content. The use of free email such as Hotmail, Gmail and Yahoo has been banned under the new regulations and official email cannot be used for personal purposes.
If you and your friend in the UAE both have iPhones and have iMessage enabled on your devices, you will be able to send text messages and multimedia messages to each other over Wi-Fi or cellular data without any additional charges.