WhatsApp is very popular all over the world, but there are some places where it doesn’t work, and Dubai is one of them.
The government of Dubai has limited the functions of WhatsApp so that users can only send text messages, videos, and images via chats.
Voice and video calls are not allowed in the country because the government regulates and censors all internet usage.
The government of the United Arab Emirates has banned apps like WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype, and Viber because they offer free unlicensed VoIP calls and may contain content that goes against Islamic morality, drugs, nudity, gambling, or anti-government sentiments.
Due to the ban, people in Dubai must use fee-based services from the country’s state telecoms providers.
However, some tourists have discovered a loophole by using a VPN app to make it appear as though they are in a different location and gain access to their favorite apps.
If you are in Dubai, you can use the app BOTIM, which is one of the government-approved services that offer video and audio calling.
Other alternatives include the app C’ me and the calling and conference features present in apps such as Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams.
Even though these apps allow users to make calls, all the user’s information is passed along to the state, so there is no privacy.
