10 Best Video Calling Apps in UAE for 2025

The UAE has strict rules about using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which affects some popular apps like Skype and WhatsApp. But If all these video calling apps in UAE are banned? How to video call in Dubai?

Because of this, more than 80% of ex-pats and tourists in Dubai worry about getting fined. But here’s some good news: you can video call legally! 

Despite these rules, several free video-calling apps are available for both residents and visitors to use without any issues. 

Yes, being a top-rated name for Mobile App Development in Dubai, At Digital Gravity, we have discovered a number of free video calling apps allowed in Dubai, and you can use them without any fear.

What is a Video Call? – Just to Be Clear

A video call is a type of phone call that happens over the Internet, oftenly called Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). During a video call, you can see and hear the other person as you talk. These calls can be made via a video call app, using a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop, or other devices that have a camera.

What are the benefits of using Video Calling apps?

Many people and businesses in the UAE utilize video calling apps for various reasons. First, these apps make it easy to communicate with others. Second, many of them are free, which helps save money. Lastly, features like video recording and screen sharing can help teams work better together.

Why are Skype and WhatsApp calling apps banned in the UAE?

In the UAE, services like Skype and WhatsApp are not allowed because of rules set by the government. These rules are designed to protect local phone services and maintain national security. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is in charge of managing and checking internet use. This includes stopping services that do not follow local laws. These rules help keep communication safe and ensure that money from local phone services is protected.

What Video Calling Apps Are Allowed in The UAE?

In the UAE, people worry a lot about the safety of VoIP calls, which are calls made over the internet. Because of this, there are many smaller companies that have made video call apps in Dubai, UAE. There are also well-known companies like Google, Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft that let you make VoIP calls in the UAE.

All these video call apps are permitted for use, and many of them claim to have obtained permission from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

With so many options available, it can be confusing for both individuals and businesses to choose the best video calling apps in the UAE. To assist with this, we have compiled a list of the top 10 video calling apps that work in UAE without a VPN. This list will help you communicate effectively while keeping sensitive information secure.

1- Botim

Botim is a popular app for making voice and video calls in the UAE. It gives clear video and sound and is approved by the government agency that regulates telecommunications. You can use Botim on both Android and iOS phones, which makes it easy for many people to access.

Besides video calls, Botim allows group chats and sharing files. It also has features that help residents claim their insurance benefits.

Key Features:

• High-quality video and voice calls
• Group chat support
• File sharing capabilities

2- Zoom

Zoom is a popular app that many people use during the pandemic, and a lot of people in the UAE use it, too. It is mostly known for video meetings, but it is also great for one-on-one conversations.

In the free version, you can have unlimited one-on-one meetings and group meetings that last up to 40 minutes.

Key Features:

• Unlimited one-on-one meetings
• Group meetings up to 40 minutes (free version)
• Screen sharing and recording options

3- C’Me

C’Me is a video calling app that has been approved by the TDRA. It’s designed to facilitate easy communication. However, based on our review, many users have found it very frustrating because it often has dropped calls and bad call quality. As a result, many people have stopped using it.

Key Features:

• High-quality voice
• Video calls with secure communication
• Multi-Device Support

4- Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a tool that helps people communicate online. It allows yout to make phone calls and video calls with good quality. Many businesses use Teams, but you can also use it for personal reasons.

The app allows you to share files and work together with others. It also connects easily with other Microsoft Office programs.

Key Features:

• High-quality video and audio calls
• Collaborative tools
• Integration with Microsoft Office apps

5- HiU Messenger

HiU Messenger is an app that is not very popular in the UAE. It lets you make free video and voice calls legally. People like this app because it works well and doesn’t drop calls, even when the internet connection is weak.

HiU Messenger also has features for sending messages and sharing pictures and videos. It looks a bit like WhatsApp.

Key Features:

• Smooth performance on low bandwidths
• Instant messaging and multimedia sharing
• Minimal connection drops

6- GoChat

Etisalat UAE has introduced a new app called GoChat Messenger, which lets you make free voice and video calls. You can download this app on Android and Apple phones all over the world. To use it, you just need to register with your mobile number. In the UAE, users can also send money, pay bills, play games, and order food using the app.

Etisalat has two packages for making international calls: one costs Dh50 for 250 minutes, and the other costs Dh99 for 1,500 minutes. Additionally, you can make these calls without using your mobile data.

Key Features:

• “Data free” calls
• Various services for residents
• Simple registration

7- Google Meet

Google Meet is a tool that helps you have video calls, and it is part of Google Workspace. It is easy to use and works well. You can have clear HD video calls, and it connects easily with Google Calendar. This makes it simple to plan and join meetings.

The free version lets you have meetings that last up to 60 minutes.

Key Features:

• HD video calls
• Seamless integration with Google Calendar
• Up to 60 minutes per meeting (free version)

8- Voico By Etisalat

Etisalat’s Voico is an app that you can use to make free video and voice calls in the UAE, but both people need to have the app. Many people like it because the audio and video are very clear. Voico also has features like voicemail, instant messaging, and group chats.

Key Features:

• High-quality audio and video calls
• Voicemail and instant messaging
• Group chat functionality

9- Telegram

Telegram is becoming very popular in the UAE because it keeps messages private and allows for good video calls. It protects your conversations with strong encryption, which makes them secure. Telegram also has features like group calls and sharing pictures and videos easily.

Key Features:

• End-to-end encryption
• Group call
• Multimedia sharing

10- Slack

Slack is a platform that helps teams communicate online. It has recently introduced its video calling app in the UAE and around the world. Unlike other calling apps in the UAE, Slack is designed mainly for businesses. That’s why people often call it the main place for business conversations.

Key Features

• Direct messaging for private conversations
• Channels for organized communication
• integrations to streamline workflows

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

If you break this, it could lead to different circumstances depending on the attempt.

• First-time offenders get warnings.
• Repeat users of VPNs can face fines up to AED 500,000 (yes, half a million!).
• If you will be Using VPNs in UAE? Your internet will surely slow down, or it could be worse if Dubai police knock on your door.

Ending Note

Many expats living in the UAE are always seeking better ways to stay in touch with friends, family, and coworkers who reside outside the UAE. Recently, authorities in the Emirates have made it easier to use certain apps that facilitate better audio and video calls. It’s almost like they’ve opened up new and exciting ways to communicate!

FAQS

Which calling app works in Dubai?

If you are looking for what video call works in Dubai? Even after the ban – there are still a number of video call apps that work perfectly in the UAE. For instance, Telegram, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom etc,

What to use in UAE instead of WhatsApp?

BOTIM is one of the best alternatives to WhatsApp for video calls in Dubai. On the other hand, you can also consider other apps, like Telegram, Google Meet, and Zoom.

Is video calling illegal in UAE?

Yes, video calling is not allowed in the UAE. However, government telecom companies like Etisalat and Du offer video calling services through different apps, but you have to pay for them.