Which app works in Dubai for calling?

Which app works in Dubai for calling?

When I first moved to Dubai, I quickly realized that staying connected wasn’t as simple as just opening up my favorite apps. The UAE has its own set of rules when it comes to internet calling, and many globally popular services are off-limits. I had to do some digging to find what actually works here—legally and reliably.

What surprised me most was the variety of options available once I looked beyond the usual suspects. For example, I discovered that Telegram isn’t just for messaging; it also supports secure video calls, and it’s become a go-to for many people I know here. Its strong privacy features and group call capabilities make it a solid choice, especially when I want to chat with friends or family in different countries.

For work meetings and professional collaborations, I’ve leaned heavily on platforms like Slack and Google Meet. Both are fully accessible in Dubai and offer smooth, high-quality video calls. Google Meet, in particular, integrates seamlessly with my calendar, which makes scheduling and joining calls a breeze—no VPN or workaround needed.

I also noticed that local telecom providers have rolled out their own solutions, but if I want something that doesn’t tie me to a specific mobile plan, apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams are also widely used and accepted. They’re perfect for both quick catch-ups and larger group meetings.

One thing I always keep in mind: it’s important to choose apps that are officially permitted by the UAE’s telecom authorities. Using unauthorized services or VPNs can lead to hefty fines, so I stick to what’s allowed.

In short, while I can’t use some of the apps I was used to back home, I’ve found that Telegram, Google Meet, Slack, and Zoom work perfectly for both personal and professional calls in Dubai. The key is to pick from the list of approved apps and make sure I’m following local guidelines—then staying connected is easy and hassle-free.

For personal calls in Dubai, apps like BOTIM, HiU Messenger, GoChat, C’Me, and Voico are great choices. They support voice and video calls, work smoothly on smartphones, and require a VoIP plan from local providers like Etisalat or Du. These apps are officially approved, so you can use them safely without a VPN to stay connected with friends and family.

Based on my experience living in Dubai, I’ve learned that not every calling app works here due to the country’s regulations on internet calling services. Popular apps like WhatsApp and Viber, which I used freely elsewhere, are blocked for voice and video calls in the UAE. Instead, I had to look for apps that are officially allowed and supported by local telecom operators.

The apps that work for calling in Dubai-and are fully legal-include BOTIM, C’ME, HiU Messenger, Voico, Yzer, ToTok, GoChat, and Google Hangouts. I’ve personally used BOTIM and found it reliable for both voice and video calls. These apps are available on most devices, whether I’m using my phone, tablet, or computer. However, to use them, I needed to subscribe to an internet calling plan from a provider like du, Etisalat, or Virgin Mobile. For example, I could activate a plan through Etisalat and then use BOTIM, GoChat, or Voico for my calls.

For work meetings and family catch-ups, I also use Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which are allowed in Dubai. Zoom, in particular, doesn’t require a subscription plan and works well for video calls up to 40 minutes for free. Google Meet, which became available after the pandemic, is another solid option for both personal and professional calls.

In summary, if you want to make internet calls in Dubai, you’ll need to use one of the approved apps like BOTIM, C’ME, HiU Messenger, Voico, Yzer, ToTok, GoChat, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, and make sure you have the right internet calling plan from your telecom provider. This setup has helped me stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues both in the UAE and abroad

If I want to make calls in Dubai, I would use apps that are officially approved and work without needing a VPN, since many popular global calling apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime are restricted there. Some of the best options I can rely on include:

• BOTIM: This is one of the most widely used apps in Dubai for high-quality voice and video calls. It’s officially approved by the UAE’s telecom authorities and supports group chats and file sharing as well.

• GoChat: Developed by Etisalat, GoChat offers HD voice and video calls with additional features like bill payments and food ordering. It’s free for UAE users and requires only a mobile number to register.

• Voico: Also backed by Du, Voico provides clear voice and video calls with 30 minutes of free daily calling. It’s simple to set up and ensures secure, encrypted calls compliant with UAE regulations.

• Microsoft Teams and Google Meet: Both work well for professional and personal video calls without VPN restrictions and integrate smoothly with other productivity tools.

• HiU Messenger: Known for stable calls even on low bandwidth, it’s a good option if I want reliable connectivity.

These apps require me to have an active VoIP package from local providers like Etisalat or Du to function properly. For international calls, some apps like GoChat offer affordable packages that don’t use mobile data. Overall, I would pick from these approved apps to ensure smooth, legal calling in Dubai without the hassle of VPNs