With more than 2 billion monthly active users globally, WhatsApp is ranked among the most popular mobile messenger apps on the planet.
However, a few countries are barred from accessing its service.
Unfortunately, the UAE is also included in that list.
Known for luxury shopping, thrilling nightlife, and breathtaking architecture, the UAE is a paradise for both expats and tourists.
But WhatsApp call blocking does have a black mark in the UAE.
UAE citizens can’t use WhatsApp fully because the government has blocked a few of its features.
The government of the UAE has banned all applications using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). According to them, such apps are illegal due to their encryption standards.
You feel unfair, right?
The UAE government fears that VoIP can encrypt talks, making recording and determining calling patterns costly and cumbersome. They also fear that it will compromise the country’s security.
That is why they have made such a pet-peeving decision to block WhatsApp calls.
During this unfortunate situation, here’s our gift to you!
Be happy! It’s a VPN!
Use a VPN as your secret weapon to remove restrictions and make unlimited calls without any fear of data leakage.
By availing of a reputed VPN service, you will no longer face any privacy issues or security threats.
A VPN will give you the impression that you are in a different location by encrypting your data and masking your IP address.
Steps to Unblock WhatsApp Calling in the UAE with a VPN
1. Download and install the VPN app on your Android device.
2. One tap to connect to a server where Whatsapp Voice Calling is not blocked.
3. Access and start WhatsApp voice calls in the UAE.
Simple!
Now you can use WhatsApp normally and you will be able to enjoy free video or voice calls that have end-to-end encryption.
Whatsapp: UAE’s Popular Chat App
Let’s have a look at the social media statistical report of the UAE 2022.
| Popular Messaging App | Active Users |
| Whatsapp Facebook messenger Skype SnapChat TikTok Viber | 7.97 million 6.40 million 3.34 million 3.32 million 2.40 million 4.21 million 2.06 million |
Apparently, WhatsApp is the most widely used chat application in the UAE!
In the UAE, WhatsApp has 7.97 million users, which is 80.20 percent of the entire population.
Facebook Messenger comes in second place with 6.40 million users and 64.40 percent penetration among UAE residents.
How to choose a good VPN for voice calling in the UAE and Dubai?
To reap the rewards of a good VPN, you need to invest time and effort in looking for a reputed and reliable VPN service.
Here is what you need to know to search for a good VPN for voice calling in the UAE and Dubai.
- Server network size: You can get a local IP address from more countries if there are more servers in a network.
This enables you to download the software in whichever language you like and makes it simpler to unblock WhatsApp in the UAE.
- Encryption protocols: The United Arab Emirates has a reputation for having severe censorship laws and a brazen interest in your personal information.
Use a VPN service with robust encryption to safeguard your data and mask the fact that you’re using WhatsApp.
- Zero logging policy: Whether you’re a traveller, a permanent resident, or a digital nomad, the UAE may attempt to obtain information from your VPN provider by directly asking them or applying political and commercial pressure.
A strict no-logging policy can help prevent this by ensuring that your VPN service does not keep track of what you do online.
Always look for the phrases “zero-logging” and “no-logging” in particular when searching for a VPN.
- Speed and bandwidth caps:
Voice and video calling can consume a significant amount of data and speed.
Look for VPN services that don’t restrict your connection’s uptime, cap your speeds, or add excessive encryption overhead.
VPN services that restrict the amount of data you can send and receive are a bad choice.
Beat the hell out of Whatsapp call blocking with SPL VPN
Undoubtedly, SPL is the top pick among other VPNs simply because of its consistent performance and zero-logging policy.
This is an excellent VPN that doesn’t track, collect, or share your private data-browsing histories, activity, usage, or metadata.
SPL offers unlimited data services to its users.
Those who want to enjoy an uninterrupted internet connection can confidently acclaim SPL’s service. Your digital life is well secured under the SPL VPN.
It’s our promise!
On top of that, SPL sticks to a no-logging policy.
We don’t want your data and information.
In this way, no third parties can see your online activities and browsing history.
Feeling great over it, right?
1) Search for SPL VPN on the Google Play Store.
2) Download and install the app on your Android device.
3) Connect to the server location where WhatsApp calls are working. (For example, the United States).
Merits of SPL VPN
* Lock everything
*Unlimited and free access to any blocked content
*Over 1000 servers worldwide
*Zero-logging policy
*Simple one-click connection
*High-speed internet connection
*Secure and Private Internet access
*Free Download
*Best Android VPN
*No more ISP throttling
With SPL, internet censorship is no longer a headache for you!
Within seconds after activating SPL on your device, you can safely unblock any social media platform.
SPL VPN swears to encrypt all of your data and keep you safe while browsing.
Thus, when it comes to privacy and security, SPL is the top pick of the bunch.
No more insecurities!
Enjoy browsing with SPL!
Why wait?
Download SPL VPN now!
The WhatsApp ban in Dubai: Everything you need to know
You can’t access WhatsApp fully in Dubai.
Whatsapp can be used only for sending text messages in Dubai.
However, it is not possible to make video or voice calls.
As already mentioned, it is the decision of the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) to block WhatsApp calls.
Even though the authorities have not officially revealed the reasons behind the restriction, it’s crystal clear that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption policy is hindering the government’s desire to monitor internet calls.
All the protests of Internet users seem futile due to the stubborn nature of the UAE government. As a temporary relief, authorities lifted the ban during Expo 2020, Dubai’s world fair.
But after that, everything returned to its previous state.
In an interview with CNBC, the director of the UAE’s National Electronic Security Authority indicated that the ban might soon be lifted, pointing to increased collaboration with WhatsApp.
But there is no clear-cut signal regarding lifting the ban on WhatsApp even now.
What a cruel irony!
Is there any valid reason behind banning WhatsApp?
The UAE government believes that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption features pose a threat to the nation’s security.
As a result, the UAE government is prevented from monitoring calls.
On top of that, the government has another plan too!
By regulating WhatsApp’s calling features, the UAE government aims to promote its own telecommunications industry.
Two telecom companies, du and Etisalat, both desire to introduce VoIP but are aware that doing so would result in significant financial losses from their end users.
So they restrict the use of VoIP services to protect their huge network investments.
What are the other Messaging Apps that work in the UAE?
As WhatsApp is not functioning properly in the UAE, you can use VoIP apps like BOTIM, C’Me, and ToTok.
These apps will work properly!
Does WhatsApp work in Dubai?
Not entirely, actually!
WhatsApp messages can be sent and received, but voice and video calls are not supported. Given that WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging software worldwide, the Dubai WhatsApp ban can be annoying.
Even worse, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has not made it clear whether or not the ban would be lifted.
Does WhatsApp work in Dubai with a VPN?
Are you thinking about how to access WhatsApp freely without any restrictions?
Cool!
A VPN will help you!
Download a trustworthy and reputed VPN on your device. Since a VPN is useful for spoofing your location by routing your traffic through a server in another country, unblocking WhatsApp calls is a piece of cake.
In this way, it is not a difficult task to get over any region-wise restrictions.
Make an anonymous call anywhere with a VPN.
Is it possible to make WhatsApp calls using an Indian SIM card in Dubai?
No, this will not work!
Because WhatsApp will first check your current location before making a call via an Indian SIM card.
If your location is included in the specified list of locations where WhatsApp is working, your call will go through.
Final Insight
To sum up, everything that has been stated so far, life without social media is unimaginable-not only in the UAE but across the whole world.
Checking WhatsApp and scrolling through social media pages have become almost a habit now. It is also noteworthy to mention the importance of these platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more: Changes in Consumer Behavior Post Pandemic Covid 19 [2021-22]
So, it is unfair to restrict the use of such popular apps.
