If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, it’s always a good idea to do some research ahead of time, especially when it comes to communication apps.
One of the most common questions travelers going to Dubai ask is: “Can I use WhatsApp in Dubai?“
The short answer is yes, but with some limitations.
What’s Blocked on WhatsApp in the UAE?
While you can send and receive messages freely on WhatsApp, voice and video calls are blocked across the UAE. So if you were planning to get on a WhatsApp call with friends and family to share your trip, you’ll need an alternative.
Related: Alternative to WhatsApp in Dubai
Why Are WhatsApp Calls Blocked in Dubai?
The government of UAE has always promoted local services, especially in industries where it holds significant interests. In this case, the government owns major shares in the country’s two main telecom providers, du and Etisalat.
Allowing free WhatsApp calls would mean less revenue for these state-backed companies, as people would no longer need to pay for local or international call services.
As a result, apps offering free VoIP (voice over internet protocol) services are restricted, and users are instead encouraged to use paid alternatives provided by the local telcos, or if they want the free VoIP, it has to be from a local company.
The Hack: Use WhatsApp Voice Notes
WhatsApp voice notes work perfectly in Dubai.
Voice notes are considered part of messaging and not voice calling, so they aren’t blocked. This makes them a great workaround to quickly communicate with friends and loved ones while you’re in the UAE. Especially when you are buying a family member something and you need to quickly confirm that they would like it. Haven’t we all been there?
In Summary
WhatsApp works in Dubai, but not fully. You won’t be able to make voice or video calls, but voice notes are your travel-friendly hack to keep conversations flowing. It’s easy, efficient, and completely allowed under the UAE’s telecom regulations.
