Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to or traveling to the United Arab Emirates means entering a country that is ultra-connected… but highly regulated. Between restrictions on WhatsApp and FaceTime, state-approved VoIP apps, carrier plans, public Wi‑Fi, and long-distance gift services, it’s easy to get lost. Yet staying in touch with loved ones from the UAE is entirely possible, as long as you understand the local rules of the game and choose the right tools.
To communicate with your loved ones (calls, messages, video) or send them packages and gifts, it’s essential to know the practical ways to do so without running into legal risks while keeping your budget in check.
Understanding the Framework: Why WhatsApp and FaceTime Don’t Work Normally
When it comes to communication in the United Arab Emirates, one reality stands out: many voice and video over internet (VoIP) services are blocked or heavily restricted.
The two major internet service providers, Etisalat (also known as e&) and Du, operate under the supervision of the regulatory authority, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA, formerly TRA). Together, they filter and block a number of communication services.
Concretely, this means:
Voice and video calls via popular apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Viber, Telegram, Signal, Facebook Messenger, and LINE are blocked or heavily restricted on both mobile and Wi-Fi networks. Only services explicitly approved by the TDRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) are allowed for VoIP.
Several motivations underlie these blocks. First, security control: centralizing communications on platforms tied to local carriers facilitates monitoring and surveillance. Second, economic stakes: free services like WhatsApp calling or Skype would directly compete with the paid offerings of Etisalat and Du, which have heavily invested in their networks. Finally, a broader logic of controlling the digital environment: the same authority also filters content deemed contrary to public morals, official religion, or national security.
Percentage of expats, tourists, or remote workers who fear fines for using communication apps
In this context, the key to staying in touch with loved ones is to play by the legal rules: understand which apps are allowed, how to activate them with a local plan, and within what limits to use VPN or public Wi‑Fi.
Approved Apps for Calling Family from the UAE
The good news is that authorities don’t ban video calling outright; they channel it through a set of approved applications. For personal use, several solutions are available, provided — in most cases — that you subscribe to a specific VoIP pack from Etisalat or Du.
Major Approved Consumer VoIP Apps
Several messaging and video calling apps have received the green light from the TDRA and work without a VPN as long as you have a compatible plan.
Here’s a comparative overview of the main personal solutions:
| App | Status in the UAE | Associated Provider / Origin | Key Strengths | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOTIM | TDRA-approved, requires Etisalat/Du VoIP pack | Developed by Algento, >50M downloads | HD calls, encryption, money transfers (BOTIM Money), integrated shops | Expats, families, daily use |
| GoChat | TDRA-approved | Developed by Etisalat, >5M downloads | HD video calls, messaging, bill payment, money transfers (GoChat Pay) | Etisalat customers, users seeking a “super app” |
| Voico | TDRA-approved, Du partnership | Voico LLC, >5M downloads | 30 minutes free calls/day with Du, encrypted calls, video groups | Du users, regular international calls |
| HiU Messenger | TDRA-approved, optimized for local networks | Launched by Etisalat, >1M active users in UAE | Stable connection, calls and messages, file sharing | Users seeking simplicity and reliability |
| C’Me | TDRA-approved | >2M downloads | Works even on low bandwidth (3G), simple interface, secure calls | People in areas with average network, tight budgets |
| YzerChat | TDRA-approved | – | Real-time translation between multiple languages | Multilingual families, intercultural exchanges |
| ToTok | App was allowed but removed from major stores for privacy concerns | >10M downloads at its peak | Free good-quality calls, but strong privacy doubts | Cost-sensitive users, use with caution |
In the daily life of an expat or tourist, BOTIM, GoChat, Voico, HiU, and C’Me are the names most commonly encountered. BOTIM, in particular, has become a sort of unofficial standard for family video calls: parents, grandparents, and friends can easily install it from abroad, and the interface feels familiar like major messaging apps.
How These Apps Work in Practice
All these apps work on the same principle:
Key points to know about using internet calling services, like WhatsApp or Skype, in the country.
VoIP apps are technically authorized by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
They are often accessible through specific plans called “Internet Calling Packs” or “VoIP packages” offered by local operators.
Without an active VoIP subscription, the app may open but calls are generally blocked or very limited.
Once the pack is activated, audio and video calls become possible, whether on the mobile network or via a local Wi‑Fi connection.
The general procedure is as follows:
– Buy a local SIM card or activate an eSIM (Etisalat, Du, or an MVNO like Virgin Mobile).
– Subscribe to the appropriate VoIP pack from your operator (often weekly or monthly).
– Download the approved app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
– Register with a UAE phone number and verify via a code sent by SMS.
– Grant access to the microphone, camera, and contacts.
In terms of pricing, these VoIP packs are added on top of your regular data plan. Without going into all the details of Etisalat and Du rate grids, it’s safe to say that approved internet calling plans often cost more than a hundred dirhams per month for unlimited use, with cheaper weekly variants available.
For an expat household, this represents a recurring monthly expense, but it’s the price of legal peace of mind and communication stability.
Professional Platforms You Can Also Use to See Loved Ones
Another important family of tools: enterprise-oriented video conferencing solutions. Most of them work in the UAE, particularly in a professional context, but there’s nothing stopping you from using them for an occasional family call, as long as everyone knows how to use them.
Among them: two-factor authentication, encryption of sensitive data, regular security audits, and employee training on best practices. These measures illustrate the different layers of protection that can be implemented to secure an information system.
– Google Meet (included in Google Workspace, but also accessible for free with limitations).
– Microsoft Teams (integrated into Microsoft 365, with a basic free version).
– Zoom (approved for professional and educational use, with a free tier of 40 minutes for 100 participants).
– Cisco Webex, Zoho Meeting, Avaya Spaces, BlueJeans, Slack (for integrated calls).
These services encrypt communications, allow screen sharing, chat rooms, and are widely used globally, making adoption by loved ones easier.
However, for purely family use, their interface may feel heavier than a dedicated app like BOTIM or GoChat. Still, they remain very useful for:
– Organizing a group call with many family members spread across different places.
– Joining an appointment with a doctor, school, or administration back in your home country.
– Clearly separating professional and personal communications.
Local SIM, eSIM, Data, and International Plans: The Basics for Staying Reachable
Before even talking about apps, staying in touch with loved ones requires having good local connectivity. In the UAE, two major players structure the market: Etisalat and Du, along with several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Virgin Mobile, Lebara, FRiENDi, and Swyp.
Choosing an Operator: Coverage and Pricing
In terms of coverage, Etisalat is considered to have the widest footprint, covering over 99% of the population, including rural areas. Du reaches about 98% of inhabited areas, with a very reliable network in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
For an expat based in a city, both are generally comparable in quality. For someone who frequently travels to the desert or less dense areas, Etisalat has a slight edge. MVNOs rely on these infrastructures: Virgin Mobile uses Du’s network, for example, while Swyp uses Etisalat’s.
Where and How to Buy a SIM or eSIM
You can get a physical SIM or an eSIM:
To get a SIM card or eSIM in the UAE, several options are available: buy directly from Etisalat and Du counters at international airports (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Maktoum); visit their official stores, which are abundant in shopping malls; purchase prepaid cards at certain supermarkets and retailers like Carrefour, Lulu, or Virgin Megastore; or finally, buy online from specialized eSIM websites such as uaeesim.com, Saily, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, or aloSIM, which provide data profiles connected to the local network.
Registration rules are strict: you must present an official ID. Residents use their Emirates ID, visitors use their passport and visa. Without it, you cannot activate a number, as the TDRA regulates SIM card registration.
eSIMs are an increasingly popular solution. Many recent smartphones (iPhone XR and later, Samsung S20 and up, Google Pixel 3 and up, etc.) are compatible. Simply scan a QR code received by email to activate the profile. Some international providers recommend buying and activating the eSIM before arriving in the UAE to comply with local rules.
Understanding Plan Types and Their Uses
To stay in touch with loved ones, three types of needs overlap:
– Browsing the internet, using messaging apps, sending photos: need data.
– Calling regular numbers (landlines or mobiles) abroad: need international minutes.
– Making video calls via approved apps: need data + local VoIP pack.
Operators therefore offer:
– Prepaid plans (convenient for tourists or short stays).
– Postpaid subscriptions (suited for residents).
– “Visitor Lines” or “Tourist Plans” that combine data, local minutes, and sometimes international minutes.
– Specific international packs, such as Etisalat’s “Wasel International Packs” or Du’s “International Saver” offers, with advantageous rates to certain countries.
– VoIP packs that allow using BOTIM, GoChat, or other approved apps.
For example, a prepaid service like “Five”, backed by Etisalat, highlights attractive rates to high-demand destinations (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Philippines, etc.), with packs offering up to 2000 minutes to certain countries and a bonus system on top-ups.
Cost Comparison Example: Direct Calls vs. VoIP Apps
For an expat who regularly calls family abroad, the question arises: is it better to call directly via the mobile network, or use approved VoIP apps on a data plan?
The table below illustrates the logic (exact figures vary by offer, but the structure remains the same):
| Communication Option | Type of Cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard international call via Etisalat/Du | Per-minute rate or international pack | Reliability, no app installation needed on the other end | Potentially high long-term cost |
| Call via BOTIM/GoChat with VoIP pack | VoIP plan + data | Unlimited calls with loved ones who have the app, HD video | Requires everyone to install the app, specific subscription |
| App-to-phone (e.g., Talk360) | Prepaid credit, per-minute billing | Can call any number even if the contact doesn’t have the app | Depends on data/Wi‑Fi quality, cost varies by country |
In practice, many residents combine several strategies: an international pack to 1 or 2 key countries, a VoIP plan for regular video calls, and occasionally an app-to-phone service like Talk360 to reach a loved one without a smartphone or internet.
International Apps, VPNs, and the Legal Gray Zone: What You Really Need to Know
Frustrated by not being able to use WhatsApp or FaceTime like elsewhere, many people instinctively turn to VPNs. Technically, a VPN encrypts traffic and routes it through a server in another country, making WhatsApp or FaceTime believe the user is in Europe or America.
But in the UAE, the situation is more nuanced. Using a VPN itself is not illegal: it is perfectly legitimate to use one to secure your connection on public Wi‑Fi, protect professional data, or connect to a corporate network.
What creates a problem is using a VPN to commit an offense: for example, accessing a service blocked by authorities, illegal content, or hiding your location in the context of a punishable act. The law provides for very heavy fines (on the order of 500,000 to 2,000,000 AED) and even prison sentences.
UAE Regulations on VPNs
In practice, many users employ VPNs to watch streaming shows or make WhatsApp calls, but the legal risk exists. Authorities have also tightened controls: operators use “Deep Packet Inspection” to detect and block certain VPN traffic, rendering many free or low-end VPN services ineffective.
To stay in touch with your loved ones with peace of mind, the safest options should be prioritized.
– Use approved VoIP apps and video conferencing platforms as a priority.
– Reserve VPN for security purposes (confidential browsing, remote work) without deliberately trying to bypass blocks.
– Avoid free VPNs, which are often riddled with flaws, aggressive ads, or even malware.
Users who nevertheless choose to use a VPN for their communications must be fully aware of this legal gray area and potential consequences.
Public Wi‑Fi, Cybersecurity, and Privacy: Communicating Without Exposing Yourself
The UAE has invested heavily in digital infrastructure. As a result, free Wi‑Fi is everywhere, especially in major cities.
You’ll find it:
– At airports (Dubai International, Al Maktoum, Zayed International in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah…).
– On Dubai Metro, public buses, RTA taxis, and ferries.
– In many shopping malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta, etc.).
– In parks, beaches, and public spaces (hundreds of hotspots in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra).
– In cafés, restaurants, and gas stations (Starbucks, ENOC/EPPCO, etc.).
The “@WiFi UAE” network operated by Du is one of the most visible, with a simple model: free connection in one-hour sessions, renewable, or a paid faster premium version.
While public Wi‑Fi makes it easy to connect with family (send photos, make video calls via BOTIM or GoChat, share location), it comes with security risks.
Local authorities have warned about the high number of cyberattacks targeting public networks: thousands of breaches have been recorded in a few months, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s cyber incidents. Session hijacking, fake Wi‑Fi hotspots mimicking those of a hotel or mall, malware installed via fake login portals, interception of unencrypted data — the range is broad.
To stay in touch with your loved ones without exposing your accounts:
To use a public Wi‑Fi network while minimizing risks, several precautions are essential. Avoid accessing sensitive services like your bank or primary email. Using a reliable VPN (focused on security, not censorship circumvention) encrypts your traffic and boosts protection. Before connecting, carefully verify the exact official network name and be suspicious of questionable variants. Disable file sharing and network discovery options on your device. Finally, after use, explicitly disconnect and ask your device to “forget” the network to prevent automatic reconnection.
In the UAE context, where content regulation is strict but infrastructure is very modern, cybersecurity is as much about common sense as it is about technology: choose strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep devices updated, and don’t give in to the temptation of overly easy networks.
Calling, Video Chatting… and Also Sending Gifts and Packages
Staying in touch with loved ones isn’t just about hearing their voice or seeing them on video; it’s also about being able to send them a package, a birthday gift, a bouquet, or a gourmet basket. The UAE has a national postal service (Emirates Post) and a highly developed ecosystem of delivery and cross-border e‑commerce services.
Emirates Post and Postal Regulations
Emirates Post, controlled by a federal investment entity, handles mail and parcel distribution, and offers services like “My Home,” a home delivery service with optional pickup of outgoing mail. Delivery often relies on P.O. Boxes, especially for businesses, which also serve as visa sponsors for employees.
For international shipments, certain rules must be known:
Importation into Morocco is subject to strict rules. Entire categories of items are prohibited (weapons, pork products, hazardous materials, certain valuables, etc.). Others, like medications, are strictly regulated and require authorizations. For personal effects valued over 500 dirhams, full customs formalities apply (invoice, certificate of origin, detailed list, attestations).
Delivery times and costs vary depending on weight, shipping type (airmail or surface, express or standard), and destination. An express shipment via a provider like GLOBAL SEND EXPRESS, from Dubai, starts around twenty US dollars for small parcels.
Gift Platforms: Staying Present from Afar
Numerous platforms specialize in delivering gifts from or to the UAE. They often handle customs formalities behind the scenes, along with logistics through partners like DHL, UPS, or FedEx.
Notable services include:
Discover practical solutions for sending gifts and cards from the UAE to anywhere in the world, with logistics management and fast delivery options.
Services specialized in shipping gift baskets from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to India, Europe, or North America, including customs clearance.
Online gift platforms based in the UAE, delivering to over 1,000 cities in India with same-day or express 90-minute delivery options.
YOUGotaGift offers the “HappyYOU Card,” valid at over 700 brands in the Middle East. Sent instantly by email, it serves as digital currency to support or treat a loved one.
For someone based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, sending a birthday gift to a relative in Europe or Asia can be done in several ways:
To send a gift to a loved one in another country, several options exist. The first is to ship a physical package via a national postal service like Emirates Post or an express courier, carefully observing the destination country’s customs regulations (e.g., Australia has very strict rules on importing food or plant products). The second method is to order directly from a specialized online platform, which handles the entire process from payment to delivery, often with real-time tracking. Finally, the third and simplest option is to opt for a digital gift card, which eliminates all the constraints of physical shipping and customs formalities.
Major occasions – Eid, Christmas, Diwali, New Year, Mother’s and Father’s Day, weddings – are prominently featured in the catalogs of these services, offering flowers, chocolates, cakes, specialty baskets, but also personalized gifts and decorative items.
Comparing Long-Distance Gift Options
Here again, a summary table helps capture the essentials:
| Long-Distance Gift Solution | Type of Shipment | Strengths | Points to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package via Emirates Post or express courier | Physical | Full personalization, unlimited choice of items | Delivery times, customs formalities, risk of delays or taxes |
| Gift platform (flowers, cakes, baskets) | Physical but managed locally in the recipient’s country | Simplicity, short delivery times (same day / 24h), customer support | Prices can be higher, predefined catalog |
| Digital gift card (YOUGotaGift, etc.) | 100% digital | Instant, no customs or shipping, usable at many retailers | Requires recipient to like this format, validity may be limited to certain regions |
To maintain an emotional bond despite the distance, switching between these different options throughout the year can create a feeling of regular presence: a gourmet basket for a major event, a digital card for a last-minute gesture, a more personal package when holidays come.
Managing Your Communication Budget: Between VoIP Packs, International Minutes, and Hybrid Apps
Staying reachable and close to your family comes at a cost, but it can be optimized by smartly leveraging the different building blocks available in the UAE.
Several major families of tools coexist:
– International packs from local operators (minutes to certain countries).
– Approved VoIP apps, tied to data subscriptions.
– App-to-phone international calling apps, such as Talk360, Rebtel, NobelApp, Viber Out, WeChat Out, Ooma, BOSS Revolution, KeepCalling, Localphone, Yolla, etc.
Some apps offer competitive rates to many countries, with per-minute billing and no need for the recipient to install the app. Others, like Talk360, offer money-back guarantees or prepaid credits in small tiers. These services are not specifically tied to UAE regulations.
The trade-off depends on: the nature of the underlying assets, market conditions, the regulatory framework, and the chosen strategy.
– The main destination country (rates to India, Pakistan, the UK, or France are not the same).
– The frequency of calls.
– The split between standard audio calls and video conferencing.
For an expat who calls once or twice a week to family in Europe, a mix of “approved VoIP app for video + modest international pack for emergencies” can suffice. For someone who calls daily to many loved ones in several countries, a combination of highly targeted packs and a low-cost per-minute app will be more effective.
Local Culture, Digital Etiquette, and Sensitive Topics
Finally, staying in touch with loved ones from the UAE isn’t just about technology. Local culture, heavily influenced by Islam and a strong respect for authorities, also affects how you communicate, including online.
Several points should be integrated into conversations with family or friends:
Open criticism of the government, the ruling family, or religion on social media is subject to criminal prosecution. Sharing photos, especially of women, without explicit consent is prohibited, including via messaging. Any gesture or statement deemed offensive, even in a private setting but made public online, can be severely interpreted. During Ramadan, it is forbidden to eat or drink in public during the day; work and social hours change, affecting availability for calls or video conferences.
Informing your loved ones about these realities prevents misunderstandings, for example when a family member suggests a video call at a café during Ramadan daytime, or proposes posting a photo deemed inappropriate.
Staying Connected from the UAE: A Matter of Strategy
In the end, staying in touch with loved ones from the UAE boils down to building a small personal strategy, combining several ingredients:
– Solid local connectivity (SIM or eSIM, good data plan, possibly international minutes).
– One or two approved VoIP apps, also installed on loved ones’ devices.
– A “serious” video conferencing platform (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams) for large family calls or professional needs.
– Cybersecurity reflexes on public Wi‑Fi.
– A few gift or package solutions to mark special occasions despite the distance.
Restrictions on WhatsApp and FaceTime don’t prevent family calls; they just require adopting new tools. The video conferencing market, growing rapidly, offers apps like GoChat or Voico that are evolving into complete digital hubs.
By embracing these tools, respecting the legal and cultural framework, and explaining the situation to loved ones back home, it becomes not only possible but fairly simple to maintain a strong emotional connection, even from thousands of miles away in the UAE.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
