What Video Calling Service Can I Use In Uae?

Why the UAE blocked VoIP services
But four video call apps piece of work in the UAE
All-time VoIP services to employ and how to unblock them
How to install the best VPN
Possible terminate to VPN ban?
Final words

Dubai was the most cosmopolitan city in the world in 2018. According to global consultancy business firm McKinsey & Company, 83 per centum of its population is foreign-born, which makes upwardly about ii.half dozen million people. These expats come from over 200 countries "and speak more than 140 different languages." Equally the leading business organisation hub of the Middle Eastward, Dubai attracted a lot of foreigners to come and piece of work in the Emirate by offering high salaries, no taxes (until 2018), and a somewhat liberal environment (compared to its neighbors).

However, things began to alter afterward the global economic crunch in 2008 and the oil prices slump in 2014. The war on Republic of yemen, the fall-out with Qatar, and the U.s. sanctions on Iran besides took their cost on Dubai'southward economy. These factors led to a decrease in salaries and packages, and the introduction of a 5% tax. As a effect, expats aren't making as much equally they used to. They also cannot regularly vent their frustrations to friends and family members dorsum home because VoIP services are banned in the UAE.

Those of you who live in the United Arab Emirates already knew that, of course. But if this is your first time in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, keep in mind that Skype, WhatsApp Calling, Viber, and every other major video calling app are off-limits. To be articulate, texting via these apps works perfectly fine, but it's the voice and video calling feature that's blocked.

Nonetheless, y'all tin can accept full advantage of these services past connecting to a virtual private network. I'll practice a walkthrough of how this tool tin can help you lot avoid censorship and bypass geo-blocks, merely similar it helped me. And why not check out the best video calling apps for the UAE while you lot're at it also?

Content Overview

Why Are VoIP Services Banned in the UAE?
- Protection of interests
- Security and privacy
Operational video calling services
- BOTIM
- C'Me
- HiU Messenger
- YzerChat
Best video calling services
- Skype
- WhatsApp Calling
- Viber
- Tango
- FaceTime
- Facebook Messenger Calling
How to Unblock VoIP services with a VPN
- How to install a VPN on your device
- Best VPN to access VoIP apps in the UAE
- Are VPNs legal in the UAE
Could the UAE elevator the ban presently?
Best video calling apps for the UAE – terminal words

Why Does the UAE Ban VoIP Services?

Seven Emirates comprise the UAE: Abu Dhabi (majuscule), Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. The first two emirates are home to the vast majority of expats, only everywhere yous become, it's the same result: No access to video calling apps.

The country'south Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) clarified in a 2015 statement that VoIP services are "part of the UAE's regulated activities."

This means that whatever company wishing to provide such services must have permission from the UAE'south licensed telecom operators, Etisalat and du. Both companies stress that offering VoIP services must see the country'south licensing requirements, whatever that means.

UAE protecting its investment?

The TRA and the government are protecting the best interests of both telecom providers. Matthew Reed, Practice Leader, Eye Due east and Africa at Ovum, said that telecommunications operators accept seen a drop in their most profitable line of business concern, vocalism calling and text messaging. He explained that it is because "customers increasingly use Internet-based messaging and calling services instead."

"The UAE operators are especially concerned about the impact on their international calling business."
Matthew Reed, Exercise Leader, Middle East and Africa at Ovum

The state has majority ownership of both Etisalat and du, which makes the decision to control and regulate VoIP services much clearer. These companies accept a full monopoly over the unabridged telecom sector, and the use of "unregulated" video calling apps diminishes their profit.

Security and privacy reasons

The TRA besides states that there are "security and cybercrime concerns" behind the VoIP block. Many video calling apps use end-to-end encryption, which ways only the sender and receiver can view or hear the conversation. Every bit a result, government agencies will face many difficulties in tracking users' data.

"The security factor is of import in the country. If we fail it, online calling will impose risks."
Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, TRA Manager General

Furthermore, regime officials worry that hackers and con artists might apply these tools to obtain sensitive data virtually UAE residents, or steal their coin.

Are In that location Whatsoever VoIP Apps That Work in the UAE?

Subsequently everything that I simply mentioned, you should probably take annotation that the UAE isn't confronting VoIP apps. Telecom operators only ban services that don't fall inside TRA'due south guidelines. Therefore, if you're always in the country, you'll detect iv operational video calling apps: BOTIM, C'Me, HiU, and YzerChat.

But dissimilar the pop VoIP services that we're used to, these applications cost coin. And that'south not fifty-fifty their worst problem.

BOTIM

BOTIM is available on both Android and iOS operating systems starting at AED50 per month. It has over 10 million downloads on Google Play and holds a iv.2 rating, which might seem pretty decent. Only I've tried this service while I was in the UAE and male child was I disappointed.

First of all, the app features a lot of ads; some fifty-fifty interrupt your calls. And speaking of calls, their quality is and so poor that they might drop at any time. I think the only reason why this app reached this level of popularity is that Etisalat and du give yous a few other alternatives.

C'Me

C'Me is another frustrating app you could utilise to endeavor and brand international video calls. But honestly, you lot probably won't like it.

The service has a depression rating of 3.ii, with many users giving it a ane-star review. Just like BOTIM, information technology will cost you a monthly fee of AED50 if yous subscribe to the mobile pack. But if yous opt for the dwelling house parcel, the amount will double.

It sounds like a hefty price to pay for such a poor application equally you lot'll experience low-quality calls and overall operation.

HiU Messenger

HiU is another video call service that Etisalat introduced. According to the telecom company, HiU is a "elementary and reliable video calling app." I oasis't tried this service myself but based on the reviews that I've read on Google Play; it doesn't audio too promising.

Despite a four.1 rating, most users complained about lousy call quality, too as call drops. Others said that the app'south overall performance isn't awful, but it needs some meaning improvements.

YzerChat

Du recently rolled out YzerChat to provide UAE residents with another VoIP option. The app supports 16 languages and allows users to make unlimited video and voice calls. It also features a messaging feature.

YerChat received mixed reviews on Google Play Store, merely all users agreed that it is still a work in progress. Some said that it malfunctions quite often, while others said they couldn't even launch it.

Overall, the app has a 4.2 rating on Google Play, which is pretty similar to the in a higher place services.

For more data nigh all these services, visit Etisalat or du.

What Are the All-time Video Call Services?

The VoIP apps that are available in the UAE are not that proficient. And to brand things even worse, they'll price you money. Therefore, information technology's best to stick with popular apps if you're going to brand international video calls.

I by and large employ Skype to communicate with my friends who are abroad. But there are other adequate options similar WhatsApp Call, Viber, Tango, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger Calling.

Skype

Who hasn't heard of Skype? This popular telecom app allows you to make free vocalism and video calls to other Skype users all over the world. It also comes with an instant messaging service where you can text, send pictures, videos, likewise every bit audio messages (immune in the UAE). And 1 of its best features is the briefing call, where you can have " video calls with groups of up to 50 people !"

The application is complimentary to download on mobile,PC,Mac, Tablet, Xbox, andAlexa.

WhatsApp Calling

WhatsApp'south texting service is besides available in the UAE. This allows you to transport videos, photos, and vocalism notes to other WhatsApp users. Even so, voice and video calling features are blocked. The app is available for gratuitous on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows (PC or telephone).

WhatsApp provides stop-to-finish encryption to all your texts, letters, calls, and conversations. This means that fifty-fifty the app itself cannot read or listen to them.

In February 2014, Facebook bought WhatsApp for a mouthwatering $nineteen billion, making it, at the time, the largest acquisition of a venture-backed company in history.

Viber

Just like the apps above, Viber offers a messaging characteristic that allows you to send instant voice messages, stickers, texts, and images. That characteristic is fully operational in the UAE, unlike audio and video calls. The company besides encrypts your conversations so that no one tin can see them. It's available for free on your iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux device.

Japanese company Rakuten, the global innovation and entertainment partner of FC Barcelona, operates Viber.

Tango

Tango launched in 2009 and went on to go one of the most popular video platforms, with over 280 million users. Information technology allows y'all to make vocalism and video calls from anywhere in the world. The app expanded to social networking and live interactive video content to connect people better. Today, you can even notice music and games on Tango.

in 2011, PCMag said that Tango is "the simplest mobile chat application out there, with a good range of back up."

FaceTime

FaceTime is an Apple product that can assist you make video and audio calls. On its website, Apple says that "FaceTime isn't available or might not appear on devices purchased or used in the United Arab Emirates..." That proves that the app is inaccessible in the UAE.

Y'all can utilise FaceTime on any iPhone, iPod, or iPad with iOS 4 and afterward. As for Mac devices, you must have the MacOS X 10.6.six and later.

Facebook Messenger Calling

Facebook Messenger was initially named Facebook Conversation in 2008. Three years later, it became a standalone app that allows users to text and make video and sound calls with end-to-terminate encryption. The app also supports games. You lot can downland the app for free on Android, Windows, and iOS devices.

The best video calling apps are blocked inside the UAE. But with the right VPN service, you tin can fully benefit from all the features on offer and communicate with all your contacts who are overseas.

Unblock the Best Video Calling Apps with a VPN

As you can run across, the VoIP services that the TRA allows in the UAE are nowhere near the popular apps that are available everywhere else. Skype, WhatsApp Call, Viber, SnapChat, and Facebook Messenger Call would blow them out of the water.

Merely unfortunately, nosotros can't benefit from the VoIP features that these apps provide. Or can nosotros? In the words of former US president Brack Obama: "Yeah we can."

A virtual private network allows you to jump from region to region on the cyberspace and fob ISPs into thinking you're someplace else. This tool diverts your internet connectedness through one of its servers and encrypts your traffic along the way. Simply that'south non all she wrote. Your VPN volition also supersede your IP address with another one from the area that you selected.

So the solution is elementary. Find a land that allows VoIP services like the U.s.a., Canada, the United kingdom, Germany, Denmark, etc… So, connect to a VPN server from that country and let the VPN exercise its magic. Your rerouted traffic and new IP accost will go far appear every bit if y'all were inside one of those nations. Equally a result, you'll take access to every geo-specific website from that region.

And since the encryption prevents anyone from monitoring your online action, the UAE authorities and telecom providers won't be able to come across that you're using VoIP services.

Stairway to VPN – the Installation

So a VPN enables you to avert government censorship, bypass online restrictions, and maintain your online privacy and security. That's three birds in i like shooting fish in a barrel-to-get rock.

Since you don't want the UAE government to know that you are using unauthorized video calling apps, y'all mustn't go cheap on your VPN. Therefore, I recommend you use a make that holds a high rank in the industry like ExpressVPN.
After you lot complete your registration, head over to your app store to download and install the awarding. VPNs are compatible with every major operating organisation, including Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
Now, open the app, sign in, and connect to any server location that allows VoIP services like the US, Canada, or the UK.
Once your connection is established, you'll announced to be browsing from your server's location. Besides, the UAE government won't be able to monitor your online activity because your VPN will encrypt it.
Gain access to all the all-time VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp Telephone call, FaceTime, Viber, Facebook Messenger Call, and more.

Best VPN for VoIP Services in the UAE

So as I mentioned earlier, you don't want UAE authorities catching you using illegal video calling services. That is why y'all must install a VPN provider that has the best security features, also every bit the ability to bypass geo-blocks.

Now, there a lot of brands that can give you access to your favorite VoIP apps, while also protecting your online privacy. But the best 1 in my book is ExpressVPN. I accept used this brand during my iii-twelvemonth stay in Dubai, and it unblocked all the restricted apps that I wanted.

This allowed me to have countless of Skype conversations with my friends and family back home, and no one in the UAE suspected a thing. It is a very safe and efficient method.

First of all, ExpressVPN protects your online privacy using the almost robust features. We're talking about the uncrackable AES 256-chip encryption, a military machine-grade protocol that guarantees complete anonymity. The company also implements a cipher-logging policy, which means it doesn't store or share anything nigh your internet data.

ExpressVPN storesno activity logs andno connection logs from our users.
ExpressVPN website

It besides offers a kill switch that cuts your connection in instance the VPN stops working for some reason.

As for efficiency, this provider can give you admission to any geo-restricted application or website out in that location. It has a vast server network, one of the largest in the business, with more than 3,000 servers stretched over 94 countries.

Simply the ruddy on pinnacle is that you can get your coin back within one month of your registration if you lot end upwards not liking the service.

Pros

Huge server network.
AES 256-chip encryption.
No-logs policy.
thirty-day refund policy.
High rates of speed.
Kill switch.
It Allows torrenting and P2P.
Access to whatsoever Netflix library.
Upwards to v concurrent device connections per one account.
Uniform with every major OS.
Top customer support service available via a live conversation characteristic.

Cons

Expensive monthly subscription fees ($12.95)

Are VPNs Legal in the UAE?

According to the UAE Cybercrime Law, which came into effect in 2012, anyone who uses a VPN to commit a crime can face up "temporary imprisonment and a fine" between AED500,000 and AED2,000,000. This, of course, depends on the severity of the crime.

The Telecommunications Regulatory say-so also warned that the police could take action against anyone using a VPN for illegal purposes.

A punishment of temporary imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 500,000 and not more than AED 2,000,000, or either of these ii penalties, shall exist imposed on whoever uses a fraudulent computer network protocol address by using a false address or a third-party accost or by whatsoever other means for the purpose of committing a crime or preventing its discovery.
UAE Cybercrime Law

So UAE residents can apply a VPN to circumvent geographic restrictions or for other legitimate issues. Still, the use of such tools to commit crimes is illegal and punishable by law.

A Possible Silver Lining for VoIP in the UAE?

The UAE has banned every pop video calling app and left residents with very few and poor alternatives. But is there a light at the terminate of the tunnel?

Plainly, not every regime official supports the VoIP ban. In 2016, Federal National Council fellow member Saeed Al Remeithi labeled the ban an "embarrassment" for the UAE, proverb that the Un alleged the Internet a human correct.

Some other top official who wants to see an stop to the VoIP ban is Smart Dubai Chief Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr. The Manager General revealed that her office is currently property talks with "strategic partners and the telecommunication industry" to possibly lift restrictions on some VoIP services. Those apps include Skype, Viber, Tango, and FaceTime.

She added that "adept news" should consequence from these talks very soon.

When it comes to telecommunications, we are working very closely with our strategic partners and the telecommunication industry to understand with them how we tin can lift these kinds of restrictions to boost our economy more.
Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Manager Full general of Smart Dubai Part

TRA Managing director General Hamad Obeid Al Mansoori as well said that the Authority is negotiating with Microsoft and Apple tree about Skype and Facetime.

In that location seem to exist some concrete steps towards lifting the VoIP ban in the UAE. But until so, yous should use a virtual individual network to access like apps and stay in bear on with your loved ones back home.

Best Video Calling Apps for the UAE – Decision

The VoIP services that telecom providers allow in the UAE are unreliable and inefficient. Users complain from poor call quality, call drops and even installation difficulties. Besides, these apps aren't exactly popular worldwide, then if you lot subscribe to them, your friends abroad probably won't.

Therefore, information technology'due south better to get a VPN and unblock the most popular video calling apps in the UAE. You'll be able to contact your loved ones without spending money on low-quality services.

Which video calling app exercise yous apply when you're in the UAE? Tell us all about information technology in the annotate department below.