Can you make Whatsapp calls or other VoIP calls in Dubai?

Dubai, a bustling metropolis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is known for its ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. However, when it comes to certain aspects of digital communication, the city has stringent regulations, particularly concerning Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp calls.

Can you use WhatsApp in Dubai?

You will be able to use WhatsApp as per normal for messaging However, WhatsApp calls are regulated and not allowed in Dubai.

This regulation is not specific to WhatsApp. In fact, the regulation spans across VoIP services - including but not limited to Skype and FaceTime.

Why are VoIP calls blocked in Dubai?

The UAE has strict regulations regarding VoIP services, and many popular apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime are restricted from providing voice and video call services. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) controls these regulations, aiming to ensure that all communications comply with the country's standards and policies.

There are a few reasons why WhatsApp calls and other similar services are blocked in Dubai and the wider UAE:

1. Regulatory Control: The UAE government maintains tight control over internet-based communication to monitor and maintain national security.
2. Economic Factors: Local telecommunication providers, such as Etisalat and Du, offer their own VoIP services, like BOTIM and C'Me, which generate revenue. Allowing free VoIP services like WhatsApp could negatively impact these companies' earnings.

Are there ways to still make VoIP calls in UAE?

For a traveler or tourist visiting Dubai or UAE, you might still want to make VoIP calls to keep in touch with your families and friends back at home, or to simply contact your travel buddies if you split up during the trip.

The good news is that there are ways for you to still make VoIP calls in Dubai and the wider UAE.

The VoIP restrictions would be in place only if you are using a local telco, either through a local tourist SIM card or eSIM. Which means that your options are rather similar to how you would use WhatsApp or other chat apps in China - simply by having your traffic route through a different country.

Generally, your options are:

• By using international roaming and having your traffic route through your home country
• By using a VPN and having your traffic route through a third country
• By using a travel eSIM that has traffic routed through a third country

Which is the best option for helping you stay connected during your trip to UAE?

It depends.

If you already have a VPN subscription in place, then getting a local SIM card (or eSIM) with your VPN could possibly be the most cost-effective. However, it is important to keep in mind that the use of VPNs would result in higher than normal data consumption, so you will want to make sure that you have sufficient data in your data package. VPNs would also drain your device battery faster.

Between a travel eSIM and activating international roaming, getting a travel eSIM is definitely going to be the more cost-effective option. In fact, if you do not have already have a VPN subscription, then a travel eSIM is actually the most cost-effective option of the three.

A travel eSIM essentially allows you to use data the same way international roaming would, except it is much cheaper and it doesn’t necessarily route traffic through your home country. This means that compared to using an external VPN, you will not need to worry about using too much data or having your device battery drain too quickly.

Of course, with travel eSIMs, you will have to buy the eSIM online and install it on your device before you can use it - but these steps can be completed in a matter of minutes, making it very convenient for use.

Make VoIP calls with a Nomad Travel eSIM for Dubai

You can stay connected in Dubai and the greater UAE with a Nomad travel eSIM for UAE. While a Nomad travel eSIM for UAE is data-only (meaning it doesn’t come with a local number or minutes), you will be able to make VoIP calls without any restrictions!

There are plans of various sizes, with data available from as low as $2.20/GB. If you are not sure how much data you need for your entire trip, there is also the option of getting a day plan where you will get 1GB of high-speed data each day — and you will be able to continue using data at a throttled speed after you have reached your allocated quota of high-speed data.

It is very easy to get a travel eSIM for UAE. Simply head to the Nomad web store or mobile app, find a plan that is suitable for your data usage habits and trip length, and complete the purchase! You will receive your eSIM installation kit in a matter of minutes, and you can add it to your device in just a few taps on your phone.

It is important to note that UAE regulations prohibit the sale of travel eSIMs in the UAE. That means that once you are in UAE, you wouldn’t be able to purchase any travel eSIMs nor add-on packages even if you run out of data. So make sure that you purchase your eSIM before you fly, and make sure that you have purchased sufficient data!