To talk to someone in Dubai for free, use VoIP apps like BOTIM, ToTok, or C'Me (often approved in UAE without VPN), or use globally popular apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Google Meet, provided both parties have internet access and the person in Dubai can access them (sometimes requiring a VPN for apps like WhatsApp).
WhatsApp chat works in Dubai, but its voice and video calling features are blocked. Instead, apps like BOTIM, GoChat, C'Me, and HiU Messenger provide legal voice and video calls in UAE without VPN.
$100 (around 367 AED) per day in Dubai is possible, but it depends on how you spend it.
Voice calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp for free, even if they're in another country. Voice calling uses your phone's internet connection rather than your mobile plan's minutes.
In Dubai, the most popular apps being used instead of WhatsApp that don't require VPN usage include BOTIM, IMO, and GoChat. They are officially approved by the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). These apps also support high-quality voice and video calls.
When calling landlines in UAE:
BOTIM, the TDRA-approved chatterbox is not just another video calling app in UAE. It has turned into an ultra-platform due to its secure, convenient, and easy to use interface. BOTIM in UAE allows both individuals and businesses to maintain seamless communication, host games, and even make online money transfers.
We don't charge for sending messages and media, or making voice and video calls on WhatsApp.
How To Call Dubai From Australia (Quick Guide)
Questions related to WhatsApp Calling in Dubai
WhatsApp calls have been banned in Dubai and the rest of the UAE because of security and regulatory reasons. It is part of the government's effort to monitor communications and support the growth of local telecom providers.
To illustrate, let's say you earn AED 20,000 per month. Using the 50-30-20 rule, you'd allocate AED 10,000 to needs, AED 6,000 to wants, and AED 4,000 to savings or debt. Everyone's situation is different, so this rule may not fit your spending habits.
Compared to other UAE cities, Dubai is on the pricier side. For context: A single person needs about AED 3,700 ($1,570 AUD) per month, excluding rent. In Abu Dhabi, monthly living expenses are slightly lower at AED 3,100 ($1,320 AUD).
Dubai adheres closely to Sharia (traditional Islamic religious) law. There is little tolerance for same-sex relations and multiple common actions are illegal, including: PDA (including same-sex PDA) Public drunkenness.
One of the symbols that best represents Dubai is the 3-finger hand gesture, coined in 2013 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al. Maktoum. The meaning behind the three fingers is “Winning - Victory - Love”, understood as work ethic, success and love for the nation.
Public displays of affection should be minimal; holding hands is acceptable but kissing and hugging in the public is not. Noise disruptions, bad language, making obscene gestures and showing disrespect in any way to the UAE, its leaders or religion are all forbidden and may land you in legal trouble and deportation.
The “3000 dirham rule” generally refers to specific traffic offenses in Dubai that carry a fine of AED 3000. The rule is not a single law, but rather a consistent penalty level applied to several violations considered dangerous or harmful to public safety.
No, WhatsApp voice and video calls are not officially supported on local networks in Dubai or across the UAE. Travelers can still make WhatsApp calls by using workarounds such as international roaming or travel eSIMs that route data through networks outside the UAE.
The Australian accent is unique in that long vowels are also accompanied by shortened words. “Straya” is just a quick way to say “Australia.” Rather than saying all 4 syllables, many Australians shorten it to 2 syllables and get rid of the “L” sound entirely!
United Arab Emirates (country code +971)
Legal Consequences
Offenders may face fines ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000 and even imprisonment depending on the severity. In some cases, deportation orders may also be issued against expatriates.
Share. TL;DR: Yes, WhatsApp international calls are free in the sense that WhatsApp does not charge you. However, the calls are not completely “free” as they use mobile data. You must have an active internet connection, and if you are not on Wi-Fi, you'll pay for the data through your mobile plan or international.
Staying Connected with WhatsApp While Abroad
WhatsApp allows you to send messages and make calls without incurring hefty international charges: To send a message, open a chat, type your message, and tap "Send." To make a call, open a chat and tap the phone icon.
To make phone calls you will need the Dubai area code: +971.
Botim is a TRA-approved super app in the UAE, offering free HD voice and video calls via licensed telecom packages, making it a go-to for bypassing VoIP restrictions on apps like WhatsApp and Skype.
According to the recent data, dated January 28, 2025, Facebook is the most used app in UAE.