Anyone who has friends in Dubai or Abu Dhabi is aware of the UAE VoIP ban. You’ve probably tried calling friends or family on WhatsApp, Viber, Skype, or similar services, only to hear them say something like, “Wait, let me turn on the VPN.”
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP, also known as IP telephony) is a method and set of technologies that allows voice communications and multimedia sessions to be delivere over Internet Protocol networks such as the Internet.
This is done to protect the revenues of the country’s two major telecommunications corporations. As a result, anyone who purposely unblocks a restricted VoIP service may face legal consequences. WhatsApp, Viber, Facetime, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger are some of these programs.
Why VoIP prohibit Dubai?
The law surrounding the ban is design to discourage the transmission and reception of illicit, illegal, or ‘haram’ web content. Accessing TRA-restricted sites such as gambling, dating, adult websites, and others can land you in hot water.
That is the official reason, but many suspect it is to protect the profit margins of telecom companies that charge fees for VoIP services.
Anyone can use a VPN to circumvent the Dubai VoIP prohibition; however, anyone who willfully unblocks a prohibit VoIP service may face prosecution. Taking action against an offender is uncommon, as half of the population would wind up with a black mark on their record. However, if you insist on using a VPN, don’t do anything too nefarious. Don’t buy guns from the dark web.
The following are the most popular VoIP applications that the Dubai’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has prohibited:
- Skype
- FaceTime
- Viber
- Snapchat
- Messenger on Facebook
Which VoIP Apps are Legal Dubai?
Residents of the Dubai can legally use selected VoIP applications that have not been blacklist by the government.
In reality, as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown, the government has relaxed some of the previously imposed restrictions. It remains to be seen whether the recently unblocked services will remain available once Dubai nationals are released from quarantine. Here is a list of VoIP apps that are not prohibit in the Dubai:
- BOThis VoIP app is authorized and available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. Anyone can use it to make VoIP calls, however there is a monthly cost of 50 AED (approximately $13.50). Users must also have an Etisalat or du Internet Calling Plan.
- Hiu Messenger: This VoIP application is officially supported by both the du and Etisalat networks. Hiu Messenger is available to those who have purchased an Internet Calling Plan with unlimited bandwidth.
- C’Me – This VoIP application is officially support by the du and Etisalat networks. C’Me Messenger is accessible to Internet Calling Pack subscribers with unlimited usage.
- Microsoft Teams – The restrictions on this app have been relaxed to allow users to interact while the building is lock down.
- Zoom Cloud – In the midst of the pandemic, the government has exempted this well-known tool from the UAE VoIP ban, allowing businesses to hold meetings with up to 100 participants.
- Google Hangouts – This well-known app has also been unblock as a result of COVID-19. Users can join group chats, voice conversations, and video calls.
- Voico Dubai – This VoIP service is base in the UAE and currently provides voice and video calling. Both the Google Play and Apple app stores offer the service for free. However, some users claim that it requires WiFi to function.
