Video calls in Dubai: list of apps, tips and more

It's no news that the UAE doesn’t guarantee free and direct internet calls for all residents of the country. This situation has stirred up a lot of reactions among the residents who call out for a lift on the ban for internet calls. In the UAE, internet calls are legally permitted only through services approved by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) and provided via licensed operators such as Etisalat and du; using unauthorized apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or the standard version of Skype is restricted, and their traffic is blocked. It is vital to understand that attempts to bypass blocks, including the use of a VPN for unauthorized VoIP services, may have legal consequences.

For companies engaged in business setup in UAE, reliable communication is crucial for daily operations, making this a significant issue for the business community.

However, there seems to be a valid reason on the other hand why online calls are restricted in the whole of the UAE. This is all for security reasons and to only allow the communication networks which they are able to filter unlike WhatsApp and other online media platforms that have end-to-end encryptions that don’t permit any kind of filtering. 

So we are going to walk you through 5 mobile applications which you can use to have a voice over internet protocol without much stress.

List of mobile applications for video calls in Dubai

Corporate and educational platforms

Zoom — Zoom  is a very outstanding mobile app that has ensured free internet calls that flow like breeze. It is one of the 17 legally allowed VoIP solutions in the UAE as of 2025. It remains unlimited and seamless while accommodating up to 100 participants in a meeting with a 40 minute time restriction of which can be extended. The Zoom meeting app was initially launched on September 10th 2012 but it came into massive prominence in 2020 when there was a global lockdown due to the pandemic. People resorted to Zoom video calls to participate in various conference meetings.

Google Meet — Google Meet is another tool that you can use to make video calls in Dubai and across the UAE with up to 100 people. All you need is just a Gmail account . To invite people for a joint call, simply create a shared link.

Other approved platforms in this category include Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, Cisco Webex, Avaya Spaces, BlueJeans, and Slack. Some of these may require corporate licenses or specific agreements with local operators.

Consumer applications working with Etisalat and du packages

ToTok — ToTok  s a cool mobile app to help you stay close to your loved ones with free unlimited HD voice and video calls.

Botim app — Botim is a widely used consumer application that works through the internet using official internet calling plans provided by local operators. Its stability depends on your network connection and the specific subscription plan you have active.

Etisalat & Du unlimited internet calls — This is another cool method you can use to make video calls with anyone across the globe. To get started, download any of the apps listed below:

• Voico 
• HIU Messenger
• C'ME   
• Botim
• GoChat (supported by Etisalat)
• Matrx
• Comera

Just like it works with the mobile apps listed above, you need to download the apps listed above and use them to enjoy the Du and Etisalat unlimited voice and video calls likewise the people with whom you will be doing the calls with.

DU and Etisalat internet voice and video calling pack and how to subscribe

Du 

You may click on the following link to access the Du unlimited voice and video call packages. You will also get to see different price ranges and the duration. 

For more enquiries, contact Du customer care service on 800155 

Etisalat 

Etisalat also offers a wide range of packages for internet calling plans. Refer to the following link to access the Etisalat internet calling packages. The Etisalat network in UAE also has Go Chat as one of the supported apps for the unlimited internet call packages. 

For more enquiries, contact Etisalat on 800101 

So we are almost at the end of this tour but there’s one more to consider before we wrap up the guide. If in any way you have your internet calls having issues connecting, you may want to download and use a stable Virtual Private Network (VPN). It provides you with a protected network while encrypting your internet traffic and disguising your online identity.

However, you must exercise caution: while VPN technology itself is not illegal in the UAE, using it to access blocked VoIP services (like WhatsApp calling) or other prohibited content can be treated as a legal violation resulting in significant fines. It is strongly recommended to use TDRA-approved services and official operator plans instead of attempting to bypass restrictions.