Dubai is a place where ex-pats and holidaymakers love to go. It is known for its luxury shopping, exciting nightlife as well as mystifying architecture. But you may be wondering whether WhatsApp works in the UAE or not. You need to know that WhatsApp calling is banned in Dubai. However for this, you will not be able to make a video as well as voice calls, but you may send and get WhatsApp messages. When looking at the fact that WhatsApp tends to be a popular messaging app, the ban in the UAE can be frustrating. There is even no clear indication coming from the Dubai Visa government about when this ban will be lifted.
Key Points:
- The UAE has banned voice and video calls via WhatsApp, but one can send texts.
- With the help of a VPN, one can bypass the WhatsApp ban as it is able to spoof your location.
- There are different VPNs available that can help one do this.
Virtual Private Networks or VPNs are able to work around this ban. These let one employ the internet anonymously.
Why has UAE banned WhatsApp?
The UAE, where the oil-rich Abu Dhabi along with the freewheeling financial hub, Dubai, are present, has for some years blocked various internet calling apps such as WhatsApp and FaceTime. This is presumably because of security concerns that they have and to protect the revenues of its own monopoly state-run telecommunication companies.
Some facts about the UAE WhatsApp ban
It has now been some years that the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or TRA has banned WhatsApp calls. Whilst authorities have still not officially told why this is so, people predict that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption tends to be a hurdle of the government’s aim to monitor internet calls.
In fact internet users have insisted that the UAE government unban WhatsApp. But, no major positive point has been seen so far. It was during Expo 2020 that the authorities temporarily lifted this ban. This was Dubai’s world’s fair. They shut the app down again afterwards.
Use of VPN to make WhatsApp calls
Like many free VoIP as well as messaging services, the WhatsApp call UAE ban can make it tough for foreigners and tourists to keep in touch with family that is back home. This is unless you buy some government-approved service such as C’Me or BOTIM. If you opt for these, you need to know that no guarantee is present that these apps can keep your activities private. Due to the country’s present attitude toward encryption, real privacy may seem unlikely here. This is why you will probably be considering employing a VPN for WhatsApp calling when in the UAE.
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It is possible to bypass the UAE’s internet blocking when you connect to some VPN server that is in a different country. You can then employ services which are often inaccessible within the UAE, including WhatsApp. VPNs are able to encrypt your traffic. This will make certain that your employer or even Internet Service Provider will not be able to view what you are doing online.
If you are unfamiliar with VPNs, you may not know what to do. The process is rather simple. Keep in mind that not all VPNs are able to work in the UAE therefore know which one you are using.
Tips to unblock WhatsApp calling in the UAE:
If you want to bypass the UAE WhatsApp call ban with the help of a VPN, you can consider the following points:
- You should sign up for a VPN that works in the UAE like NordVPN for instance.
- Download as well as install the needed version of the app which is compatible with your device.
- Log in then connect with the VPN server. Often, US servers tend to be a better option, but you may see that utilizing servers that are in a close country, can lead to a lower-latency connection.
- Open your WhatsApp then make your call. It should now be possible to chat like normal. Those who are still having problems, clear the app’s data or employ a different server. You can contact the VPN support team if you want help.
To counter WhatsApp calls blocked in UAE, you need to get the VPN that will be able to unblock WhatsApp within the UAE. There are some that cannot do this and some do not provide the speeds needed for uninterrupted calling. You may want the VPN to handle other tasks as well and not for WhatsApp calls only. Therefore get a VPN that has the following features:
- Possesses a huge network of reliable and high-speed servers
- Can unblock WhatsApp as well as similar services in the UAE
- Will not log any details which can be used to identify you
- Employs cutting-edge security features like effective uncrackable encryption
- Gives apps for all main operating systems along with devices
Some VPNs to consider
When looking for a VPN that can unblock WhatsApp, choose the one that provides fast speeds, server locations close to the UAE as well as solid security features. You can consider the below amongst others:
- NordVPN- You can use this to counter WhatsApp call banned in UAE. It is a VPN that has speeds as well as privacy-conscious services. It has a large server network, a huge range of advanced security features, plus a no-logs policy. The server provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN- This is a quick and reliable one that has top-notch security along with privacy protections.
- Hotspot Shield- This one is really fast, having powerful security options and amazing unblocking potential.
There are many other VPNs that you can choose from. But make sure the one you get will be able to unblock WhatsApp calls in the UAE.
You may want to unblock WhatsApp with the help of a free VPN but this may not be a good idea. The service may usually have more users in comparison to how much their networks can support. You will therefore get slow speeds and can experience certain distortions during your calls. Free VPNs often do not have funds and legal resources to handle governmental pressure.
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If you want to visit the UAE, you should check out the visa requirements from voyageplantravel.com for instance. If you use WhatsApp and will want to make calls home, get the right VPN for this.
