If your calls keep looping on Connecting… in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the fix usually isn’t find a VPN. In the UAE, VoIP is regulated, and operators can block non-licensed VoIP traffic. The smartest move is choosing apps that are licensed/commonly listed as allowed, plus using the right network setup (Wi-Fi vs mobile data). source: gulfnews
Experience signal: Why you can trust this guide
Digixvalley focuses on utility-first UAE connectivity content: clear app choices, costs (AED 0 vs paid), carrier reality (e& vs du vs Virgin), and fast fixes you can do in under 2 minutes.
Legal VoIP in the UAE
In the UAE, VoIP (voice/video over the internet) is a regulated activity. Many global consumer calling features can be restricted on local networks, while licensed/allowed VoIP apps and mainstream work/education meeting tools typically function without a VPN.
TDRA (not TRA) Authority note (2026 accuracy signal)
If a blog says TRA-approved apps, that’s outdated wording. The regulator announced its new brand identity as TDRA in April 2021. source: tdra
The 10-Second UAE VoIP Picker (Decision Tree)
Pick your situation → pick the fastest best fit:
- Family calls (highest chance it works): BOTIM
- Want a UAE-native app (especially for e& users): GoChat
- No installs, quick meeting: Google Meet in a browser
- Work/school meetings: Microsoft Teams or Zoom
- du users asking about ICP: du says Internet Calling Pack ends after 18 Aug 2025; BOTIM can work with active data
- Virgin Mobile users: Virgin notes BOTIM VoIP uses your plan data, and says they’re no longer offering Internet Calling service from 10 June
The UAE needs more local video calling platforms. Will you build one?
Digixvalley develops scalable, high-quality video calling apps for business, education, and healthcare
Pricing-first comparison (the “free vs paid” answer people want)
Legend
- AED 0 (Wi-Fi): no separate VoIP add-on required (still uses internet data)
- e& ICP: e& Internet Calling Plan required on mobile data for supported apps
- Standard data: uses your normal data (network rules/quality vary)
| App | Best for | Cost (Wi-Fi) | Cost (Mobile Data) | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTIM | Family/expats | AED 0 | e& ICP / Active data on du | Listed by Gulf News as TDRA-licensed VoIP app; du ICP ends after 18 Aug 2025 (Gulf News) |
| GoChat | UAE-native calling | AED 0 | Standard data (varies) | Launched by etisalat by e& as free voice/video calling app |
| Google Meet | No-install meetings | AED 0 | Standard data | Works via browser and app |
| Zoom | Large meetings | AED 0 (plan-based) | Standard data | Free tier typically limits meeting time |
| Microsoft Teams | Work/school | AED 0 (plan-based) | Standard data | Works well for business/education |
| Etisalat CloudTalk Meeting | Business calling | Paid | Paid | Gulf News notes plans start ~Dh60/month |
The 2026 VoIP reality: hWy Calls fail in the UAE
If WhatsApp/FaceTime calls don’t connect, it’s usually because consumer VoIP is restricted on telecom networks. Meanwhile, licensed VoIP apps and mainstream meeting tools are commonly available without VPN.
17 Video Calling Apps that work in the UAE (no VPN)
Personal & lifestyle calling apps (best for family/friends)
1) BOTIM
- Best for: reliable personal calls
- Cost: AED 0 on Wi-Fi; often needs carrier support on mobile data (see carrier section)
- Pros: consistently listed as UAE-licensed option
- Cons: experience differs by carrier/mobile plan
2) GoChat Messenger
- Best for: UAE-native, all-in-one calling + services
- Pros: launched by etisalat by e& as free voice/video calling app
- Cons: features/ads vary by version/store listing
3) Voico
- Best for: app-to-app calling alternative
Listed by Gulf News among allowed VoIP apps.
4) Comera
- Best for: simple 1:1 calling + chat Listed by Gulf News among allowed VoIP apps.
5) HiU Messenger (e& ICP supported)
- Best for: e& Internet Calling Plan users e& support lists HiU as a supported app for ICP use.
6) C’Me (e& ICP supported)
- Best for: e& Internet Calling Plan users e& support lists C’Me as a supported app for ICP use. source : etisalat
Work, education & meetings (often easiest on Wi-Fi)
7) Microsoft Teams
- Best for: enterprise + classes Listed by Gulf News as an option in the UAE.
8) Skype for Business
- Best for: legacy enterprise environments Listed by Gulf News as a business service option.
9) Zoom
- Best for: meetings + webinars Gulf News notes typical free-tier limits (time/participants).
10) Blackboard
- Best for: education platforms (students/teachers) Listed by Gulf News for education use.
11) Google Meet
- Best for: browser-first meetings Gulf News notes it works via web browser too.
12) Cisco Webex
- Best for: enterprise meetings Listed by Gulf News; available on web/desktop/mobile.
13) Avaya Spaces
- Best for: business collaboration Listed by Gulf News.
14) BlueJeans
- Best for: joining meetings by ID (enterprise) Listed by Gulf News.
15) Slack (calls/huddles)
- Best for: team calling inside Slack Listed by Gulf News.
16) Etisalat CloudTalk Meeting
- Best for: paid business calling plans Gulf News notes it requires a paid plan and mentions pricing starting around Dh60/month.
17) Matrx
- Best for: large conferences (up to hundreds) Listed by Gulf News with high participant capacity.
The Browser Bypass: Call without installing an app
This works best for Google Meet / Webex / Zoom when an app is glitchy or blocked on a specific network.
How to do it (mobile)
- Open Chrome/Safari
- Turn on Request Desktop Site
Join via:
- meet.google.com (Google Meet)
- Zoom join link
- Webex join link
Allow camera + mic permissions
Gulf News explicitly notes Google Meet works through a web browser, making this a strong no install workaround.
Internet Calling Plans (ICP) & carrier reality in 2026
e& (Etisalat): How to Activate ICP
e& says you can subscribe via the e& UAE app or text ICP to 1012.
Their support also describes ICP steps and supported apps such as HiU, BOTIM, C’Me.
e& ICP quick setup
- Subscribe: e& UAE app or SMS ICP to 1012
- Install supported app: HiU / BOTIM / C’Me
- Register + verify (OTP)
- Test on Wi-Fi and mobile data (results differ)
du: ICP ended after 18 Aug 2025 (important 2026 update)
du’s official notice says ICP subscription won’t be available after 18 August 2025 and BOTIM can be used outside ICP but requires an active data package.
Virgin Mobile: BOTIM VoIP + June policy note
Virgin says BOTIM VoIP uses your plan’s data allowance, and their help page states: From the 10th of June, we are no longer offering Internet Calling service as part of our product portfolio.
UAE Enterprises need a video calling solution they can trust.
Digixvalley helps corporates, regulated teams, and startups design TDRA-aware video calling and communications products
Legal warning: the AED 2 million VPN risk
VPNs aren’t automatically illegal, but UAE cybercrime law penalizes circumventing an IP address with intent to commit a crime or prevent detection.
The law states fines from AED 500,000 up to AED 2,000,000 (and/or imprisonment) for IP circumvention with criminal intent.
For VoIP, Digixvalley practical advice is simple: don’t recommend VPNs to unblock calls, use licensed apps and meeting tools instead.
Troubleshooting: 5 fast fixes for Call Lag in Dubai
- Switch networks: test Wi-Fi vs mobile data
- Try the Browser Bypass: Meet/Webex/Zoom via browser
- Disable Bluetooth headphones: common mic/latency culprit
- Turn off Low Data Mode / Data Saver
- Drop video quality: 720p → 480p for stability
Digixvalley Build Your Own TDRA-Aware Video Calling App (UAE)
UAE users are actively searching for legal, stable calling alternatives, and that demand is part of a wider regional trend. Market research cited in regional coverage projects the Middle East & Africa video conferencing market to reach ~US$1.1826B by 2027.
But in the UAE, building a calling app isn’t just about UI and servers. VoIP is regulated, and TDRA’s VoIP policy framework allows licensees to provide VoIP, and also enables operators to block services they believe are being provided by non-licensed parties over their public telecom networks. (And yes, TDRA is the correct authority name; TRA is outdated branding since 2021.)
What Digixvalley builds
As a mobile app development company, Digixvalley helps founders and enterprises design communication products that prioritize:
- WebRTC-first architecture (mobile + web) with TURN/STUN strategy for real-world networks
- Adaptive streaming + bandwidth fallback (HD → SD without dropping the call)
- End-to-end encryption options (where applicable to your product model)
- Enterprise-ready features: admin panel, user management, audit logs, SSO/SAML, recording controls
- Compliance-aware implementation: build plans that can work with licensed operator pathways when needed (rather than bypass hacks)
Built for real UAE user intent
Most UAE VoIP searches fall into 3 buyer buckets:
- I want it to work without VPN. (licensed/allowed options + stable routing)
- I want browser calling. (WebRTC join links; lower friction installs)
- I want enterprise compliance. (access controls, logging, governance)
- We help you shape the product and technical plan for the bucket you’re targeting, consumer, corporate, education, or hybrid.
Want a secure browsing product instead of a VoIP app?
Some founders don’t need VoIP at all, they need privacy-first browsing or secure network UX. If that’s your roadmap, read: Develop a VPN Browser Like UPX App in the UAE, focused on compliant product design and legitimate security use-cases (not on bypassing restricted services).
Compliance note: We don’t promise 100% approval. UAE VoIP compliance depends on your exact service model, operator relationships, and legal requirements. We design for compliance and can align delivery with regulatory and operator constraints.
FAQ
Which video calling apps work in UAE without VPN in 2026?
The most stable apps are BOTIM, GoChat Messenger, Tawassul, Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. These are officially authorized by the TDRA for use on UAE home and mobile networks.
Is BOTIM free in the UAE? A: Yes, BOTIM is free to download.
it is free on all Wi-Fi networks, e& (Etisalat) mobile data users require an Internet Calling Plan (AED 50/mo), whereas du users can use it with a standard data package.
Can I use WhatsApp video calls in Dubai without a VPN?
WhatsApp messaging works, voice and video calls are restricted. It is recommended to use licensed alternatives like BOTIM or GoChat Messenger to avoid connectivity issues.
Is using a VPN for video calls illegal in UAE?
VPNs are legal for privacy, but using them to bypass government-blocked VoIP services is a violation of Federal Decree-Law No. 34. Penalties range from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000.
How can I video call from Dubai to India for free?
Use Google Meet via a mobile browser (Desktop Mode) or Tawassul on a Wi-Fi connection. Both provide high-quality, free international calling without a VPN.
Does Zoom work on Etisalat 5G?
Yes. Zoom is an authorized conferencing tool and works seamlessly on Etisalat (e&) and du 5G networks for business and education.
What is the best privacy-first calling app in UAE?
Tawassul is the top 2026 choice for privacy. It offers end-to-end encryption, is fully TDRA-licensed, and features zero advertisements.
Why is my video call Reconnecting in the UAE?
This usually happens when using unlicensed apps (like FaceTime). Switch to a TDRA-approved app or use the WebRTC Browser Bypass to resolve protocol filtering.
Does FaceTime work in the UAE in 2026?
FaceTime is generally restricted. However, users can often join FaceTime Links via a web browser if the Request Desktop Site option is enabled.
What are the Etisalat (e&) USSD codes for calling plans?
Dial *101*24# or SMS ICP to 1012 to activate the e& Internet Calling Plan for mobile data.
