- Internet Calling Apps in the UAE
- Video Calling Apps Allowed in Dubai
- Internet Calling Plans in the UAE
- FAQs
The UAE has a massive expatriate population with family and friends in their home countries. Thus, residents are always look for affordable options to contact their loved ones. And the most convenient of the lot are internet calling apps in the UAE.
While unlicensed Voice-over-Internet-Protocol services like WhatsApp and Viber are not supported in the country due to security and cybercrime concerns, there are legal internet calling apps in UAE that residents can use. And we bring you a complete guide to all the calling apps in the UAE and how to subscribe to them!
INTERNET CALLING APPS IN THE UAE
There are multiple internet calling apps in the UAE for residents to use. While these applications are free in other countries, UAE residents must purchase an internet calling plan from telecom operators like du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile to enjoy unlimited calls.
Let’s look at the UAE internet calling apps and their features.
App | Voice Calling | Video Calling | Operating Devices | Status in UAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
App BOTIM | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App C’ME | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App HIU Messenger | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App Voico | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App ZOOM | Voice Calling Yes (40 minutes free) | Video Calling Yes (40 minutes free) | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App Yzer | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App ToTok | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices Android and iOS | Status in UAE Allowed |
App Google Hangouts | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices All | Status in UAE Allowed |
App GO Chat | Voice Calling Yes | Video Calling Yes | Operating Devices Android and iOS | Status in UAE Allowed |
BOTIM
BOTIM is one of the best internet calling apps in the UAE to make HD video and voice calls worldwide! Additionally, BOTIM in the UAE has a messaging feature. So, users can send photos, voice messages and videos.
You can also group chat with up to 500 people! BOTIM is one of the internet calling apps in the UAE that works on Apple and Android phones, laptops, PCs and more.
MAIN FEATURES
- Group Chat
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing photos and videos
C’ME
Talking about UAE internet calling apps, C’ME offers an alternative for residents looking to make international calls for cheap prices. With the C’ME app, users can avail internet calling in the UAE and make video and voice calls to friends and family across the world.
The app allows sharing photos, videos, emojis, files and audio messages. C’ME plans are available through du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sharing files and emojis
HIU MESSENGER – VOICE AND VIDEO CALL APP IN UAE
HiU Messenger is an easy-to-use UAE internet calling app that lets you make unlimited high-quality video and voice calls to any destination over their WiFi or mobile data network.
It also includes a messaging option for users to connect with other users, send photos and videos and even share locations. HiU Messenger video call app in UAE can be used on smartphones, tablets and computers.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing location, photos and videos
- Calls via phones, tablets and computers
VOICO
Among the popular internet calling apps in the UAE that residents use is Voico! The app allows users to make HD videos and voice calls to people in various countries, provided the Voico app is installed on their Apple, Android or Windows devices.
Voico UAE calling app can also be used on PCs and tablets for calls across multiple platforms. Aside from voice and video calls, Voico can be used for group chats, recording conversations and sending voice notes, documents and images.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sharing files
- Recording conversations
ZOOM
One of the globally renowned internet calling apps, Zoom is preferred by professionals to conduct remote meetings and video conferences with other team members. But it is also becoming a popular Dubai video call app option for families to stay connected.
Unlike many internet calling apps in the UAE mentioned in this list, Zoom is not managed by a local telecom provider. Anyone can use it without a subscription plan. This is why it is counted as a free video call app in UAE. If you are searching for popular UAE ‘work from home’ apps to boost productivity, look no further than Zoom.
Available on desktops, Apple devices and Android mobile, the standard membership of Zoom allows you to make free calls lasting for 40 minutes each. To remove this restriction, you can buy a subscription. The best part is that Zoom is one of the video calling apps that work in UAE without VPN.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Remote video conferencing
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sharing files
- Recording meetings
YZERCHAT
Next on our list of internet calling apps that work in the UAE is YzerChat. It offers plenty of exciting features for users, and you can make unlimited voice and video calls and use the messaging feature to send photos, videos, voice notes, and group chats with people.
Yzer sets itself apart from other internet calling apps in the UAE with an automatic translation system to read messages in their language! It supports English, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, French and more.
You can also use this app to create a public channel to share your thoughts, videos and photos with people around the world.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Group chat
- Sharing photos and videos
- Automatic translation
TOTOK
ToTok is one of the internet calling apps in the UAE that has gained popularity with residents for its seamless audio and video quality. The app uses Artificial Intelligence to improve voice clarity and reduce echo, meaning users can connect with friends and family everywhere without disturbance.
Were you aware that Totok is TDRA-approved? It’s an excellent way to connect with other users through chat, audio and video calls. It works seamlessly on Apple, Android and Huawei devices.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Artificial Intelligence for reducing voice disturbance
GOOGLE MEET
Google Meet was initially unavailable in the UAE. However, after COVID-19, the government decided to allow usage of the app. So, now you can quickly call your loved ones via this free video call app. The app works flawlessly both for laptops and phones. All you have to do is download Google Meet on your preferred communication device.
MAIN FEATURES
- Video meetings
- Screen sharing
- Live streaming
GO CHAT
Go Chat is another UAE internet calling app to stay connected with your loved ones. As one of the video calling apps allowed in Dubai, it offers high-quality video and voice calls, or you can use the group chat feature to text your friends. Share videos, photos, locations, documents and voice messages via Android or Apple device using this internet calling app in UAE.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
VIDEO CALLING APPS ALLOWED IN DUBAI
MICROSOFT TEAMS
This service is perfect for professionals and families who want to collaborate and communicate easily with friends and colleagues. You can enjoy one-on-one conversations using audio, video, chat and screen-sharing features. Plus, you can download the app to your computer, tablet, Apple or Android mobile device for easy access. You’ll love the 10GB file storage offered by one of the top video calling apps allowed in Dubai for the entire team. There’s an additional 2GB of personal storage for each individual.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
BLACKBOARD
Did you know that Blackboard is a unique EdTech system that allows students and teachers to communicate through the app? This fantastic tool even allows you to make video calls!
MAIN FEATURES
- View course content
- Take assignments and tests
- View grades
CISCO WEBEX
The Webex Meetings platform can be accessed on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and the web. To set up a meeting, download the app on your laptop or mobile device and send invitations via email with links for others to join.
MAIN FEATURES
- HD video meetings with up to 100 participants
- Screen sharing and whiteboarding
COMERA
You can easily connect with others through the Comera app, which is available on both Apple and Android devices. Whether you prefer one-on-one chats, voice calls or video calls, this app has got you covered!
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
BLUEJEANS
BlueJeans is a fantastic app that you can use on your desktop computer if you have Windows or Mac or on your mobile phone if you have an Apple or Android device. The best part is that you don’t need an account to join a meeting!
All you have to do is type in the meeting or event ID your friend or colleague shared with you, along with the meeting password (if there is one). It’s super easy and convenient!
MAIN FEATURES
- Make calls without creating an account
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
AVAYA SPACES
To use this app and video call other users, you must create an account using your email address. Once you’ve signed up, you can easily switch from chat to a voice or video call with just one click. The reliability of AI and its infrastructure supports Avaya Spaces Calling.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
- AI Support
MATRX
This app lets you quickly join or set up meetings and conferences on your iPhone or Android device. You’ll love the high-quality video and the fact that it can host up to 500 people simultaneously.
MAIN FEATURES
- Voice and video calls
- Group chat for up to 500 people
- Sharing documents, pictures and videos
INTERNET CALLING PLANS IN THE UAE
To use the listed internet calling apps in the UAE, you must subscribe to an internet calling plan by local telecom operators. For this, users will require an internet connection, either a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
When you subscribe to an internet calling plan for your mobile, you can use any supported apps when using your mobile data. If you subscribe to an internet calling plan for your home, you can use any supported apps on any device connected to your Wi-Fi. Let’s look at internet calling plans in the UAE and which apps they support.
DU INTERNET CALLING PLAN
There are various internet calling plans for your mobile and home, giving you unlimited access to video and voice calling features on the apps. du supports VOICO AND BOTIM apps.
DU MONTHLY PACK FOR PREPAID AND POSTPAID
- Price: AED 52.5 (inclusive of 5% VAT)
- Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
- To subscribe: SMS “ICP” to 1012
DU DAILY PACK FOR PREPAID ONLY
- Price: AED 5.25 (inclusive of 5% VAT) per day
- Validity: 24 Hours (non-automatic renewal)
- To subscribe: SMS “DICP” to 1012 or dial *135*35#
DU MONTHLY PACK FOR HOME ONLY
- Price: AED 105 (inclusive of 5% VAT) per month
- Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
- To subscribe: Call 04-390-5555
ETISALAT INTERNET CALLING PLAN
The Etisalat internet calling plans allow you to make voice and video calls through BOTIM, GoChat and Voico UAE.
- Price: AED 50 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
- Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
- To subscribe: SMS ‘ICP’ to 1012 or dial *101#
ETISALAT CLOUD TALK MEETING
Did you know you can easily chat and make audio and video calls with CloudTalk Meeting on your iOS or Android device? It’s super convenient! Remember that you’ll need to purchase a paid plan from Etisalat to use this feature. Don’t worry – the basic plan is affordable and starts at just AED 60 per month (VAT excluded).
VIRGIN MOBILE INTERNET CALLING PLAN
Virgin Mobile currently offers one plan for internet calling apps in the UAE. Download their official app to subscribe.
You can visit their website to find out about the plan. Their plan currently supports BOTIM, a popular app for making video call in the UAE.
FAQs ABOUT FREE INTERNET CALLING APPS IN UAE
DOES WHATSAPP CALL WORK IN DUBAI?
The voice calling feature on WhatsApp does not work in the UAE as it falls under unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol services, which are prohibited.
IS IMO BLOCKED IN UAE?
Yes, IMO is also an unlicensed VoIP service. Hence, it is not supported in the UAE.
ARE VIDEO CALLS ALLOWED IN THE UAE?
Video calls are permitted in the UAE through any Dubai video calling app that meets the country’s regulatory framework requirements. You will need UAE internet calling plans from local telecom operators to use HiU Messenger and BOTIM.
WHICH ARE THE TOP GOVERNMENT APPS IN DUBAI?
Some of the top government apps in Dubai are DubaiNow, Makani, IACAD and Dubai Police. These apps are launched to make your lives convenient. You can also download medical apps in the UAE as may come in handy in the hour of need.
That wraps up our guide to internet calling apps in the UAE! You can find a variety of Dubai internet providers. There are a few places in Dubai with free WiFi, too.
Did you know that life-enhancing apps in Dubai allow you to pay your bills, have fuel delivered to your car, and much more?
