WhatsApp calls are banned in UAE The topic of lifting the ban on VoIP services has been frequently raised, but there has been no announcement as of yet. Dubai residents are able to use some other apps to make internet calls, however.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using WhatsApp in Dubai
You can use WhatsApp's texting functions while in Dubai. This includes sharing pictures and videos, as well as voice notes. The WhatsApp features of making video calls and voice calls don't work while you're in Dubai.
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.
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.
As per the UAE's laws, using VoIP services such as FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber is illegal in the country.
Why is There a UAE VoIP Ban? The law around the ban is made to discourage the sending and receiving of illicit, illegal or 'haram' web content. Accessing TRA-restricted sites related to gambling, dating, adult websites or others can get you in trouble.
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.
The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has steadfastly upheld the ban on VoIP services such as WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype, Viber, and Zoom despite several public appeals to unblock them.
When using a UAE connection, you can't access Messenger without a VPN. We don't mean you can't just install the app, either. If you already have Facebook Messenger installed on a mobile device, the app won't work inside the UAE. This isn't because Facebook wants to stop users from accessing the app.
You can send text messages with the app but cannot call via WhatsApp. The main reason behind the ban is to maintain the country's duopoly. Dubai has two companies offering telecommunication services, and it is against the law for other unregistered companies to provide telecommunication services.
Is Twitter banned in Dubai? Like Facebook, Twitter is available in Dubai, but users must adhere to strict rules when using the social media app.
First dial 011, the U.S. exit code. Next dial 971, the UAE country code. Then dial the 1-digit area code (see sample calling code list below), followed by the 7-digit phone number.
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.
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.
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.
As a result, many VoIP services – such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber – are blocked in the UAE. This is because these services enable users to make calls or send messages over the internet for free or at a low cost, which can hurt the revenues of telecom companies in the UAE.
UAE: After a decade of ban, Apple's FaceTime video service appears to be functioning again. FaceTime hasn't been available in the United Arab Emirates since Apple launched the technology in 2010, but that policy might have eased — at least for a brief while.
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.
The UAE block nearly all VoIP services. Both WhatsApp and Snapchat's video calling functions are blocked to comply with the TRA's VoIP regulations. Moreover, they also block access to Skype video calling.
In Dubai, you can only use WhatsApp to send and receive messages. The app will not work for making voice or video calls.
No, you do not need to buy a local SIM card to use your phone in Dubai. However, it is recommended. A local SIM card will allow you to stay connected while you're in the city and make the most of your trip.