WhatsApp Calling in Dubai – Is WhatsApp Banned in Dubai 2025?

WhatsApp Ban in Dubai and UAE Current Status (2025)

If you just landed in Dubai and tried to make a WhatsApp call you will find that certain features don’t work as expected. While WhatsApp is used in 180+ countries with over 2 billion users, its functionality in the UAE has some limitations.

WhatsApp in the UAE works with limited functionality. Here’s what works and what doesn’t:

Available WhatsApp Features in UAE:

• Text messaging (one-to-one and group chats)
• Media sharing (photos, videos, documents)
• Status updates Voice messages (recorded audio clips)
• Video messages (recorded clips)

Restricted WhatsApp Features in UAE:

• Voice calls (one-to-one)
• Video calls (one-to-one)
• Group voice calls – Group video calls

The distinction is clear: any real-time voice or video calling feature
that uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology is restricted,
while messaging and sharing pre-recorded content remains accessible.

Why Are WhatsApp Banned in Dubai?

The UAE government and telecommunications authorities cite several reasons for restricting WhatsApp calls and other VoIP services:

Security and Regulatory Framework

UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority says unregistered VoIP services circumvent the established telecom framework. WhatsApp encryption makes it hard to monitor, which the government considers a security breach.

According to UAE cybersecurity rules, communications must comply with specific regulations. WhatsApp end-to-end encryption doesn’t provide the transparency required by UAE laws.

Economic Considerations

One of the reasons for the restriction is to protect the income of local telecom providers. Du and Etisalat, the two main telecom providers in UAE, offer international calling as a core service.

Free internet-based calling services like WhatsApp would greatly impact this income. By restricting VoIP services, the telecom industry in UAE maintains its business model for international calls

Regional Context

The UAE’s policy isn’t unique in the Gulf region, though it is among the stricter approaches. Saudi Arabia has relaxed some VoIP restrictions in recent years, while Qatar and Kuwait maintain varying levels of limitations on internet calling services.

WhatsApp Calls in Dubai Legal Alternatives

Visitors and residents in Dubai have several government-approved alternatives for making voice and video calls:

Government Approved VoIP Applications

BOTIM App:

BOTIM is one of the government-approved VoIP in UAE. Available on Du and Etisalat, BOTIM has:

• Voice and Video Calling: High-quality individual calls.
• Group Calling Capabilities: Connect with multiple people simultaneously.
• Text Messaging: Send and receive text messages.

To use BOTIM, users must subscribe to specific packages offered by the
telecom providers, typically ranging from AED 50-100 per month.

ToTok App:

ToTok is also used in UAE but please be aware that it has faced international scrutiny due to privacy concerns. It has:

1. Video calls
2. Voice calls
3. Group communication
4. File sharing

Users should carefully consider the potential risks before using this application.

Licensed Telecom Packages

Du and Etisalat offer specific packages for tourists and residents:

Du Packages:

Here are some for tourists who need international communication:

• Tourist SIMs with international minutes
• International calling add-ons (for existing mobile plans)
• “Internet Calling Packs” for selected VoIP apps

Etisalat Options:

HiU has the following for tourists in the UAE:

• HiU Tourist SIM with international minutes
• “Internet Calling Plan” for selected calling apps
• Pay-as-you-go international calling rates

These cost AED 50-200 depending on the duration and inclusions.

Developments in UAE’s VoIP Regulations 2025

The UAE communication landscape has changed quite a bit lately.

Recent Regulatory Statements

The “Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA)” reviews its policies regularly, balancing national security with the needs of residents and businesses.

There have been talks about relaxing VoIP restrictions for business use, but no timeline or details have been announced for consumer VoIP services like WhatsApp calls. Business-focused communication tools get preferential treatment, because economic activity is the priority.

How Visitors Can Stay Connected in Dubai

Travelers to Dubai have several practical options to maintain communication:

Tourist SIM Options

Purchasing a local SIM card is often the most cost-effective solution:

Where to Purchase: – Airport arrival terminals – Du and Etisalat stores in major malls – Select convenience stores

Required Documentation
1 Passport
2 Visa/entry stamp
3 Accommodation details (sometimes requested)
4 Emirates ID (sometimes requested)

Typical Costs
– Basic tourist SIMs start at AED 55 for 7 days
– Data-heavy packages range from AED 100-200
– Special tourist packages include limited international minutes

Wi-Fi Availability

Dubai offers extensive Wi-Fi coverage: Free Wi-Fi in major malls and
attractions through “UAE WiFi by Etisalat”

1. Hotel Wi-Fi (typically high-quality in most establishments)
2. Restaurant and café connections – Smart Dubai public Wi-Fi initiatives in public spaces

While on Wi-Fi you can use WhatsApp for all non-calling features without restrictions.

WhatsApp Ban In Dubai Final Thoughts

WhatsApp calling is still not available in UAE as of 2025, but you have many other options to stay connected. The landscape is changing and policy may change in the future.

Check with your hotel concierge when you arrive or visit Du and Etisalat websites for the latest offers. By knowing these limitations before your trip, you can plan ahead and stay connected throughout your stay in Dubai.

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