To connect with someone in Dubai, use social apps (Meetup, Facebook Groups, Bumble BFF) for shared interests, attend networking/hobby events, join community/expat groups, try dating apps (Tinder, Bumble) for friendship or romance, or connect via professional networks (InterNations), focusing on common hobbies like sports, volunteering, or specific interests (e.g., hiking, tech). For calling, use apps like BOTIM, IMO, or Zoom as WhatsApp calls can be restricted.
Attend Networking Events and Social Gatherings
Dubai is known for its dynamic social scene and networking events. These events are not just for professional networking but are also great places to meet new people. Keep an eye on events in co-working spaces, cultural centers, and community halls.
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.
Are WhatsApp calls supported in Dubai? 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.
Follow this easy 3-step process to ensure your international call connects successfully.
If you are in Dubai, you will sadly not be able to make any WhatsApp calls to people using the app, since those functions have been limited by the government of Dubai. You can, however, access Whatsapp's texting feature, and share video messages or audio texts with your contacts.
Yes, $100 a day is enough in Dubai if you're a budget traveler focusing on free activities, local eateries, and public transport, but it won't cover luxury experiences like fine dining, expensive attractions, or high-end hotels, requiring smart choices like staying in hostels or budget areas (Bur Dubai, Deira). Expect to spend more if you plan on activities like helicopter tours or upscale brunches, but you can enjoy beaches, souks, and metro rides within this budget by prioritizing.
Which Apps Work Without VPN as the Best Alternative to WhatsApp 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.
The most reliable video calling apps in UAE include BOTIM, Zoom, GoChat, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. These apps work without VPN restrictions, offering secure video calls in Dubai and across UAE. To use them, ensure you have an active VoIP package from Etisalat or Du.
Dubai's strictest laws focus on respect for Islamic culture, government, and public order, heavily penalizing public displays of affection (PDA), public drunkenness, drug offenses (even trace amounts), disrespecting religion/royalty, and cyberbullying/online criticism, with severe penalties like fines, jail, and deportation, emphasizing modesty, consent in photos, and strict adherence to rules around alcohol and medications.
10/ Swearing/hand gestures
For example, giving someone a thumbs up in Dubai is equivalent to the middle finger in British culture. Never shake hands, pass things, or eat, using your left hand. This hand is considered to be dirty in Dubai culture as it's used after going to the bathroom.
What's the Devil Horn Hand Sign? The sign of the Horned Hand is a typical Italian gesture where the index and pinky fingers are raised (while the other three fingers are kept low) to symbolize a pair of horns that would drive away bad luck and the malevolent eye of fate.
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.
Free Calling Apps in Dubai: Stay Connected
WhatsApp (79.6%)
Importance: WhatsApp is the most widely used social media Dubai app, making it a critical tool for businesses. It allows for direct, real-time communication with customers, facilitating everything from customer service to order confirmations.
Are video calls illegal in Dubai? Yes, video calling is banned in UAE, but government telecom companies like Etisalat & Du provided video call facilities via different apps on a chargeable basis. Why is WhatsApp banned in Dubai? WhatsApp, Skype, IMO, and other VoIP apps are blocked in the UAE.
Use Dubai's free Wi-Fi, eSIMs, and pocket hotspots. Learn how to connect, call legally, and stay safe online in 2025.
You can get facetime to work in the UAE if you use Du's network. Works over both, 3g/lte and wifi. If you're on Etisalat's network, it will NOT work without a VPN. -Facetime works perfectly on all Mac computers in the uae either on Du's network OR through using a VPN on Etisalat.
To make phone calls you will need the Dubai area code: +971.
In the United Arab Emirates, WhatsApp, Telegram, Botim, IMO, and Microsoft Teams are the most widely used chat applications. WhatsApp's calling and encryption capabilities continue to make it the most popular app. But, due to UAE restrictions, VoIP apps like Botim and IMO are recommended for both audio and video calls.
15 Top Dating Apps in Dubai, UAE
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.
Dubai can be expensive for Australians, especially for luxury experiences, but it's also manageable on a budget, with costs often comparable or slightly higher than major Australian cities for daily expenses like food and transport, though rent (in AED) can be similar to Sydney, and no income tax is a huge benefit for earners. Key factors are your lifestyle: high-end dining, luxury hotels, and imported goods cost more, while cheap eats, public transport (Metro), and budget accommodation keep costs down.
How much spending money should you take with you? Overall, you should aim to take at least £150-£200 (approx. 450AED-650AED) per person, per day. However, this depends on what you're planning on doing while you're away.