In the UAE, mainstream voice and video calling apps may be banned, but if you are ready to pay, you have other options, or you may violate the law. As many residents and visitors have discovered, it is not possible to make calls through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Viber, and Skype using regular Internet connections, which can well support the revenues of local telecommunications operators Etisalat and du. Since 2017, the two companies have provided subscription services to unlock Internet Protocol (VoIP) -based voice applications, but only authorized those applications that work in the UAE. You may still be lucky on apps like Slack or Signal. However, this can be frustrating because the technology used to stop VoIP services that exceed the ban is regularly updated. The only reliable way to make a VoIP call in the UAE is to pay or use a virtual private network (VPN) to use one of the banned legitimate applications.
Alternative for Skype WhatsApp & Facetime in UAE
- Botim
- HiU Messenger
- Yzer
- C’Me
- VPN
Apps are not restricted by internet calling plans Etisalat, du and its subsidiary Virgin Mobile offer almost the same Internet calling plan (ICP) that you can subscribe to. But this does not unblock popular applications such as WhatsApp or FaceTime. Instead, it gives you the freedom to use the following licensed applications:
1- Botim
BOTIM is the most popular application supported by ICP. This is not surprising, as its interface is seamless, looks, and feels like WhatsApp, with the last stamp you saw and the double blue checkmark. The application can automatically import your contacts after setup, and you can contact you through your mobile number without entering any screen name. The distinct disadvantage is that although friends and family in other countries can download and use the app for free, you can only use it to connect with other BOTIM users as long as it does not restrict the VoIP service they live in.
2- HiU Messenger
HiU has a similar interface to WhatsApp, although its graphics are rustier. Its primary disadvantage is its unpopularity using BOTIM will make more friends.
3- Yzer
Du’s ICP currently only supports the messaging application Yzer. Its main selling point is in-app translation. This allows you to have multilingual conversations with friends or groups and read and respond in your native language.
4- C’Me
C’Me intends to provide high-quality, high-definition video calls, but it does not seem to have reached its standards. The app is notorious for dropped calls and poor call quality, so much that most people have abandoned it (there are two stars on the Apple App Store).
How much is the cost?
In Etisalat and du, ICP for mobile users’ costs AED 50 per month, including tax. All you get is the right to use a supported VoIP application-the actual data consumed during the call will still come from your existing data packets. The daily package is only available for prepaid users, costs AED 5 for 24 hours, and comes with 1 GB of data for voice and video calls. The only way to use these apps over home Wi-Fi is to subscribe to a package for a monthly fee of Dh100 plus tax. One of the advantages is that it supports any number of mobile devices connected to the network.
Use VPN
If you are essential to make calls through mainstream applications, you must purchase an excellent VPN service without affecting your browsing speed. This brings additional costs, and in the UAE, the legality of accessing a VPN to use VoIP services is a vague area.
Low-cost alternatives If you want to avoid using ICP and VPN without making any subscription to make international voice calls, then the best option is to use a VoIP calling card. Etisalat’s name is “Five,” and Du’s name is “Hello.” Both can be purchased at the company’s retail stores, supermarkets, and some small grocery stores. You can use these cards the old-fashioned way-dial out and enter the destination phone number first, or through their own apps, let you skip the first step. VoIP cards have denominations ranging from AED15 to AED50 and have limited effectiveness. If you use the AED50 Five Card, the cost of a call from the UAE to India is 15 fills per minute.
All above apps are good for social and casual interactions. But for business video calls, I would recommend using apps like webex, gomeetnow, gotomeeting, R-HUB web video conferencing servers etc. They work well.