In Dubai, popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (Twitter) are fully functional for browsing and posting, but voice/video calls on apps like WhatsApp and Messenger are restricted, requiring alternatives like BOTIM, ToTok, GoChat, Telegram, or Zoom for VoIP calls, some of which are officially approved by the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). While messaging on WhatsApp works, video/voice calls often don't without a VPN, so using UAE-approved apps or VPNs is common for calling.
Some popular social media apps in the UAE include:
The WhatsApp features of making video calls and voice calls don't work while you're in Dubai. Yes, you can use Instagram in Dubai. There are plenty of alternatives for WhatsApp that will help you stay connected to your loved ones while you're visiting Dubai.
Take note of the following:
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.
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.
Can police track VPNs in the UAE? Law enforcement can potentially track your VPN usage if they suspect that you are engaging in illegal activities.
WhatsApp is banned in Dubai due to the strict regulations regarding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) implemented by the government. While you can use WhatsApp in Dubai, you won't be able to make voice and video calls.
Internet Access Management (IAM) policy
TDRA monitors online content available to users in the UAE and will notify website operators based in the UAE of any potential breaches of the IAM policy.
Yes, dating apps are legal in Dubai and the UAE. However, they must comply with local laws and Islamic values.
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.
Yes, according to the recent amendments to the UAE Law, a boyfriend can now live together with his girlfriend in UAE. However, none of them should be married to someone else. Otherwise, they will face consequences.
AI & Automation
Artificial intelligence is one of the top skills in demand, and it is no longer optional. Instead, it is becoming a normal part of work in almost every industry. The UAE's National AI Strategy 2031 keeps the country at the front of global AI adoption. AI is growing quickly in many fields.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of UAE has officially approved BOTIM, GoChat, C'Me, and HiU Messenger for legal video calls in UAE. These apps work seamlessly without a VPN and comply with local regulations, ensuring secure communication for both personal and business use.
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.
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.
🍬🚫 💡This strict rule is part of Dubai's efforts to keep the city clean and maintain its polished image. While it may seem unusual, the city is known for its impressive cleanliness and order, and the gum ban is just one of the many ways they maintain their high standards.
Whether or not you can get in trouble for using a VPN depends on what country you're in. If you're in the U.S., VPNs are legal, so no, you can't get into trouble for using them. However, if you're in a country that bans VPNs, like China, then yes, you can get into trouble for using them.
Internet censorship
The government bans websites that criticize it, as well as pornographic websites and those perceived as anti-Islamic or anti-government/anti-police. The United Arab Emirates censors the Internet using Secure Computing's solution.
WhatsApp is the most common and usually the fastest in case of general messaging. However, if your main focus is making a video call or voice call to someone outside the UAE, Botim is significantly better because it is legal and the quality is guaranteed by the service providers.
Telegram
Telegram is another option if you want to escape from the WhatsApp data disaster. It offers the similar capabilities to WhatsApp, along with a huge user base. Most of the people you want to talk to are likely already using it. Telegram is cloud-based, which lets you use it on multiple devices simultaneously.
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.