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The UAE is home to a massive expatriate population, most of whom still have family and friends in their home countries. Thus, UAE expat residents are always on the lookout for affordable options to keep in touch with their loved ones, such as internet calling apps in the UAE. While unlicensed Voice-over-Internet-Protocol services like WhatsApp, Skype and Viber are not supported in the UAE, due to security and cybercrime concerns, there are several alternative voice and video calling apps that residents can use. MyBayut provides a complete guide to the legal calling apps in the UAE and how you can subscribe to them!

All the Internet Calling Apps in the UAE Residents Can Use

Currently, there are four internet calling apps in the UAE for residents to use. While these applications are free to use in other countries, UAE residents are required to purchase an internet calling plan from telecom operators like du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile to enjoy unlimited calls. Take a look below at the video and voice calling apps in the UAE, their features and which telecom operators offer plans for them.

BOTIM

Man using one of the video call apps in UAE to contact family — You can keep in contact with your family and friends using BOTIM, one of the best video calling apps in UAE

BOTIM is the most popular of internet calling apps in the UAE, which allows users to make HD video and voice calls worldwide! Additionally, BOTIM in the UAE comes with a messaging feature, so users can send photos, voice messages and videos, and also group chat with up to 500 people! BOTIM is one of the internet calling apps in the UAE that works on smartphones, laptops, PCs and more.

BOTIM calling plans in the UAE are offered by du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile. You can download the BOTIM app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, or the BOTIM website for Mac and PC.

C'ME

View of friends gathered around a phone, using Video calling apps that work in UAE — C'Me is one of the video calling apps that work in the UAE, letting you make HD video calls to friends around the world!

Another one of the voice and video calling apps in the UAE, C'ME offers an alternative for residents looking to make international calls for cheap prices. With the C'ME app, users can avail internet calling in the UAE and make live HD video and voice calls to friends and family across the world. The C'ME app in the UAE also comes with a messaging feature, so users can share photos, videos, emoji icons, files and audio messages. This UAE calling app also lets users group chat with multiple people.

Internet calling plans in the UAE for C'ME are available through du, Etisalat and Virgin Mobile. You can download the C'ME app from Google Play or Apple App Store for use on smartphones and tablets.

HIU MESSENGER

Looking for more alternative international calling apps for Dubai and the UAE? HiU Messenger is an easy-to-use internet calling app for UAE residents that lets them make unlimited high-quality video and voice calls to any destination over their Wi-Fi or mobile data network. It also includes a messaging option for users, through which they can connect with other users, send photos and videos and even share locations. HiU Messenger can be used on smartphones, tablets and computers.

HiU Messenger calling plans in the UAE are available only through du and Etisalat. You can download the HiU Messenger app from Google Play or App Store.

VOICO

Another one of the new internet calling apps in the UAE that residents in the country are using is Voico! This internet calling app allows users to make HD video and voice calls to people across the globe, provided they have the Voico app installed, too. Voico can also be used on PC and tablets, so UAE residents can make calls across multiple platforms. Aside from voice and video calls, Voico for group chats, recording conversations and sending voice notes and attachments.

Calling plans in the UAE for Voico are currently available through Etisalat and can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

In March 2020, du announced that the telecom company is offering its customers unlimited and free calls through the Voico UAE app. This free internet calling service in the UAE will be available to du customers with a prepaid or postpaid line, Home Service or a Business prepaid or postpaid line. To avail the offer, du customers can download the Voico app and register with their mobile number in the UAE to start using the app.

However, du has mentioned that this will be a limited time offer, valid until April 19 2020.

ZOOM

One of the globally renowned internet calling apps, Zoom is preferred by professionals across the world, who want to conduct remote meetings and video conference with other team members. But it is also becoming a popular option for families to stay connected. Unlike many of the video calling apps in the UAE mentioned on this list, Zoom is not managed by a local telecom provider and can be used by anyone without a subscription plan.

Available on both desktop and mobile, the normal membership of Zoom allows you to make free calls lasting for 40 minutes each. If you have an upgraded account this is unlimited.

YZERCHAT

The latest addition to the list of video calling apps that work in the UAE, Yzer offers plenty of interesting features for users. Users can make unlimited voice and video calls, as well as use the messaging feature to send photos, videos and voice notes and group chat with people. However, Yzer sets itself apart from other calling apps allowed in the UAE by also having an automatic translation system, which allows users to read messages from others in their language! Yzer currently supports 16 languages, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese and French with more to come later in 2019.

Users of this UAE internet calling app can also create a public channel to share their thoughts, videos and photos with people around the world, while also being able to follow other people and organisations on the app.

YzerChat calling plans in the UAE are only available through du as part of its internet calling pack. You can download YzerChat from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

TOTOK

ToTok is one of the internet calling apps in the UAE that's gaining popularity with residents for its seamless audio and video quality. Moreover, ToTok is currently offering its HD video and voice calling services for free, with no monthly subscription required! The app uses Artificial Intelligence to improve voice clarity and reduce echo, which means users can connect with friends and family everywhere with ease and comfort.

ToTok can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, with no internet calling plan required, so far.

Internet Calling Plans in the UAE

To use the above voice and video calling apps working in the UAE, residents need to subscribe to an internet calling plan by local telecom operators to get unlimited access to its features. For this, users will require an internet connection, either a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

When you subscribe to an internet calling plan for your mobile, you will be able to use any of the supported apps when using your mobile data. If you subscribe to an internet calling plan for your home, you will be able to use any of the supported apps on any device connected to your Wi-Fi connection. Take a look below at various internet calling plans in the UAE and which apps they support.

DU INTERNET CALLING PLAN

There are various du internet calling plans for your mobile and home, which gives you unlimited access to video and voice calling features on the apps. du supports all of the internet calling apps in the UAE mentioned above: BOTIM, YzerChat, C'Me and HiU Messenger.

In March 2020, du announced that it was offering free, app-to-app calls through the Voico UAE app to new and existing customers until 19 April 2020.

du Internet Calling Pack for Mobile (Monthly)

Price: AED 50 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
To subscribe: SMS "Netcall" to 1355 or call *135*35#

Please bear in mind that this plan will require mobile data usage, which will be charged from your data plan or du's pay-as-you-go rate.

du Internet Calling Pack for Mobile (Daily)

Price: AED 5 (excl. of 5% VAT) per day
Validity: 24 Hours (non-automatic renewal)
To subscribe: SMS "DICP" to 1012 or dial *135*35#

Please bear in mind that this du internet calling plan will avail you 1GB data to make unlimited voice and video calls, and is only available to pre-paid customers.

du Internet Calling Pack for Home (Monthly)

Price: AED 100 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
To subscribe: Call 04-390-5555

ETISALAT INTERNET CALLING PLAN

The Etisalat internet calling plans allow you to make voice and video calls through BOTIM, C'Me, Voico and HiU Messenger.

In April 2020, Etisalat announced that new subscribers to their postpaid, prepaid or eLife monthly internet calling plan will enjoy free voice and video calls through supported apps until 31 May 2020. Existing customers of Etisalat's internet calling plan can also avail the limited time offer by unsubscribing from the plan and then subscribing again.

Etisalat Internet Calling Plan for Postpaid and Prepaid Mobile (Monthly)

Price: AED 50 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
To subscribe: SMS 'ICP' to 1012, dial *101# or call 101

Please bear in mind that the mobile data usage will be charged from your active data plan.

Etisalat Internet Calling Plan for Prepaid and Control Line Mobile (Daily)

Price: AED 5 (excl. of 5% VAT) per day
Validity: 24 Hours (non-automatic renewal)
To subscribe: SMS 'DICP' to 1012, dial *101# or call 101

Please keep in mind that this internet calling plan is only available for prepaid or control line mobile customers.

Etisalat Internet Calling Plan for Home (eLife Wi-Fi)

Price: AED 100 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
To subscribe: SMS 'ECIP' to 1010 through your registered mobile, call 125 from home landline or through the My Etisalat UAE app.

VIRGIN MOBILE INTERNET CALLING PLAN

Virgin Mobile currently offers one plan for internet calling apps in the UAE. Their plan currently supports the following apps: BOTIM and C'Me.

Virgin Mobile Internet Calling Plan for Mobile (Monthly)

Price: AED 50 (excl. of 5% VAT) per month
Validity: 30 days (automatic renewal)
To subscribe: Confirm payment through the Virgin Mobile app

Please bear in mind that users need an active data plan to use the supported apps.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

View of man using internet calling app through his laptop — Unlicensed VoIP services like Skype and Viber are banned in the UAE, due to the security issues they pose

DOES WHATSAPP CALL WORK IN DUBAI?

The calling feature on WhatsApp does not work in the UAE as it falls under unlicensed Voice over Internet Protocol services, which are prohibited. Other unlicensed VoIP services banned in the UAE include Skype and FaceTime. Alternative options for video call apps in the UAE include YzerChat, BOTIM, HiU Messenger and C'Me.

IS IMO BLOCKED IN UAE?

Yes, IMO is also an unlicensed VoIP service that is not supported in the UAE.

DOES BOTIM WORK IN DUBAI?

Yes, BOTIM is one of the voice and video calling apps that work in the UAE. UAE residents can use the app by subscribing to an internet calling plan by du, Etisalat or Virgin Mobile.

ARE VIDEO CALLS ALLOWED IN THE UAE?

Video calls are allowed in the UAE through VoIP apps that meet the requirements of the UAE's regulatory framework. This includes apps like HiU Messenger and BOTIM, for which you will need UAE internet calling plans from local telecom operators.

That wraps up MyBayut's guide to internet calling apps in the UAE! Want more updates about life in the UAE? Find out all about the upcoming Salik in Abu Dhabi, including toll gate charges and locations. Or brush up on RTA parking charges in Dubai to avoid any fines!

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