What still works on WhatsApp

Despite the restrictions, WhatsApp is not fully blocked:

• Text chats

• Sending images, videos, documents

• Voice notes and group messaging

• Voice and video calls remain unavailable

Customer experiences: How people feel about the ban

Tourists in Dubai

"I arrived in Dubai for a week-long holiday and was shocked when my WhatsApp calls didn’t connect. Messaging worked fine, but I couldn’t call my family back home. Luckily, the hotel staff suggested using BOTIM, and that solved the problem." – Sarah, UK Traveler

Expats Living in UAE

"As an expat working in Abu Dhabi, I’ve had to adjust to the WhatsApp ban. At first, it felt frustrating because I was used to free calls. Now, I rely on Zoom for business meetings and BOTIM for personal calls. It works, but it does add to my monthly expenses." – Ahmed, Indian Expat

Business Professionals

"Running an international business in Dubai means constant communication. I use Microsoft Teams and Google Meet for official calls, but my family still prefers WhatsApp. The ban creates an inconvenience, but once you subscribe to an approved app, you hardly feel the difference." – Maria, Spanish Entrepreneur

Approved WhatsApp Alternatives in UAE

Here are the legal and safe apps to use instead of WhatsApp calls:

• BOTIM – Most popular option, subscription required.

• C’ME – Another licensed VoIP service linked to telecom providers.

• Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams – Widely used for business and personal communication.

VPNs and the Legal Risks

Some people use VPNs to bypass restrictions and enable WhatsApp calls. However:

• Using a VPN itself is legal, but bypassing telecom rules can result in hefty fines.

• The UAE classifies misuse as a grey area in law, which creates risk for residents and tourists.

Global comparison: UAE vs other countries

The UAE is not alone in restricting WhatsApp:

• China – Full ban on WhatsApp.

• North Korea – Completely blocks social messaging apps.

• Iran and Russia – Restrictions on WhatsApp calling.

The UAE stands out because it allows messaging while only blocking calls.

FAQs About WhatsApp in UAE

Can I text on WhatsApp in Dubai?

Yes. Messaging, photos, and files work fine; only calls are restricted.

What do most people use instead?

Expats and locals use BOTIM, C’ME, or business apps like Zoom.

Can tourists use WhatsApp normally?

Tourists can text without issue, but calls will not connect.

Is it safe to use VPNs?

Technically yes, but using them to bypass the ban is legally risky.

Key takeaways

• WhatsApp banned in UAE only applies to calls, not messaging.

• The ban is due to regulation, security, and economic protection.

• Travelers and expats use BOTIM, C’ME, Zoom, or Teams as alternatives.

• Customer experiences show that while the ban is inconvenient at first, most adapt quickly by switching to approved apps.

• VPNs may work but are not recommended legally.

Conclusion

The WhatsApp ban in UAE remains a reality. While inconvenient, locals, expats, and tourists have adapted by using approved apps. For smooth communication, it’s best to prepare ahead - download BOTIM or C’ME before arriving in Dubai, and use Zoom or Teams for professional needs.

As Sarah, a UK tourist, put it: “Once you understand the rules and switch to the right apps, staying connected in the UAE isn’t difficult at all.”